Page 90 of Despite It All
Callie shakes her head. “Sorry… Adam’s usually here well after eleven on most game nights. But I think Jett should be able to come out for a second to say hi.”
“I want to see Daddy!” Stevie stomps her foot and pouts. She's exhausted, I know but she’s gonna have to give me a little grace too.
“Hey, little girl, dial down the attitude. Let me see what we can do.”
“Do you need me to take you to the family waiting area? I don’t mind.”
“That’s okay, I know how to get there. But if you want to come with us, you’re more than welcome to.” I really like Callie, she’s been super welcoming, and it would definitely make the idea of moving here slightly less scary if I knew I would have some type of girlfriend.
“I’m probably going to head out, if you’re good. Let you have a little family moment without me lurking.” She laughs. “But I will crash your party again tomorrow because Stevie is the best damn cheerleader.”
Stevie claps her hands over her ears. “Language, Callie.”
After we part ways, Jett’s parents decide they’ll go get the car to pull around front.
I take Stevie’s hand as we weave our way through the crowd of people leaving the stadium. I’ve practically had a death grip the whole way. No wonder Dad didn’t like to take us places with big crowds. There were three of us and my anxiety is through the roof with one.
The closer we get to the locker room the less crowded it gets. As we reach that little common area, there’s a few of the women waiting too. A few questionable looks come our way but they’re all aimed at me and not my daughter, so I swallow my pride.
I try to find a spot furthest away from the group and pull out my phone. I’m not entirely sure if Jett even has his phone right now. Do I call him and tell him we're out here? Standing out here and him not coming out would most definitely crush my soul a little bit.
“Daddy!” Stevie screams as she jerks out of my hand.
I turn just in time to her run full speed into Jett’s arms. “Hey, Little Bee. Did you have fun?”
When my heart stops exploding from their cuteness, I realize Jett didn’t pick Stevie up like he usually does. Did he hurt himself pitching tonight? The moment the thought crosses my mind I walk over to where he’s crunched down talking to Stevie.
He’s listening to her complete recall of her day intently but still gives me a smile as he sees me walk up.
When she finishes telling him about the flamingos he stops her. “Stevie, I wanna hear so much more about your day but let me say hi to your mom first.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Stevie beams.
“Hey, Wy.” Jett’s got that stupid sexy smile on his face as he stands and pulls me in to kiss my head. “Did you enjoy the game?
I want to immediately skip his question and ask him if he’s okay, but if he’s not I don’t want to freak Stevie out.
I muster my best fake smile to cover the worry. “Yeah, there’s this new pitcher, he was pretty good, wasn’t he Stevie?”
She snickers. “Super good!”
“And hot,” I whisper, hoping only Jett can hear it.
“What?” Stevie asks, taking my hand and swinging it back and forth.
Jett chuckles. “She said it was a little hot today.”
It wasn’t but what does a four-year-old know about the weather?
Jett squats back down to Stevie. “Hey, can you do me a huge favor?”
Stevie bobs her head up and down. “What is it?”
“Can you please be good for your mom and go to sleep when you get home? I’ve got to finish up some stuff here for a bit.”
Her lip tumbles out. “Why aren’t you coming home with us? I want you to help give me tucks.”
Jett gives her a tight hug that I’m sure is more for him than anything because that hurt my hearttoo. “I promise we’ll get up first thing in the morning and make breakfast together.”
