Page 11 of Game Changer
"It's okay," David says, smiling. "I'm sure my car would be full of cheerios too if I had a cool kid like you riding in it all the time."
The drive to the motel is short but illuminating. Tyler chatters non-stop, pointing out everything we pass, a dog being walked, a construction site, a billboard with a cartoon character he recognizes. David listens attentively, asking questions that show he's genuinely interested, not just humoring him.
I watch them interact in the rearview mirror, noting how similar their expressions are when they're excited about something. It's uncanny, seeing pieces of David in Tyler that I've never fully acknowledged before.
The motel looks even shabbier than usual as we pull into the parking lot. I feel a flash of shame, not wanting David to see where we've been staying, but then remind myself that I have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm doing my best with what I have.
"We're in 118," I say, pointing to a door on the ground floor.
David parks and we all get out, Tyler running ahead to the door, waiting impatiently for me to unlock it.
The room is small but tidy. I've made sure of that, even in a motel. Tyler's action figures are arranged on one side of the bed, his backpack open with coloring books spilling out. My suitcaseis neatly zipped in the corner, with just a few items on the bathroom counter.
"Welcome to our palace," I say, aiming for light humor to mask my discomfort.
Tyler doesn't notice any awkwardness, immediately grabbing his plastic football players to show David.
"This one's the quarterback, like you were! And this one's the, um, the guy who catches the ball—"
"The receiver," David supplies, sitting on the edge of the bed to examine the toys.
"Yeah! And they work together to score points!"
I leave them to their bonding and step into the bathroom, needing a moment alone. The face in the mirror looks tired but hopeful, a dangerous combination. Hope has led me astray before.
When I return, Tyler is demonstrating a complicated play with his action figures, and David is watching with complete absorption, offering suggestions for improvement. They look right together, natural, as if they've always known each other.
The scene makes my chest ache with conflicting emotions. Joy that Tyler is finally meeting his father. Fear that it won't last. Guilt that I kept them apart for so long. Uncertainty about what comes next.
"Hey, buddy," David is saying. "Would it be okay if I talked to your mom alone for a minute? Grown-up stuff."
Tyler makes a face. "Grown-up stuff is boring."
"Sometimes," David agrees with a laugh. "But it's important. You can keep setting up your players, and we'll be right outside the door where you can see us through the window."
Tyler considers this, then nods, already focused back on his toys. David stands and gestures toward the door. I follow him outside, leaving the door cracked so we can hear if Tyler calls.
"Mia," David says as soon as we're alone. "I meant what I said earlier. I want you both to stay."
"It's not that simple," I sigh. "Tyler's life is in San Diego. My job, his preschool—"
"I know it's asking a lot," he interrupts. "But I'm asking anyway. Stay for the summer. Give me those months to be his dad, to show you I can be the man he needs."
"And what about what you need?" I challenge gently. "Yesterday you were drunk at 2 PM. One good day doesn't erase whatever's been going on with you."
He winces but doesn't deny it.
"I'm getting surgery next month," he says. "For my knee. There's a chance, a small one, that I might be able to play again afterward."
"And if you can't? If football is really over for you?"
His jaw tightens. "Then I'll figure out who I am without it. But either way, I'm a father now. That doesn't change, regardless of what happens with my career."
I want to believe him. The sincerity in his eyes, the determination in his voice… They're compelling. But I've seen him determined before, seen him chase his dreams with single-minded focus that left no room for anything, or anyone, else.
"I need to think about it," I say. "This isn't just about what you want, or even what I want. It's about what's best for Tyler."
"I understand," he says, though disappointment clouds his features. "Take all the time you need. But know that I'm serious about this. About him."
