Page 54 of Spotlight
Oops. I flash Olivia an apologetic smile. I don’t know a ton about kids, but I think sweets are one of those things that parents try to limit.
“You want to use your one date to go for ice cream?” she asks, one brow stays quirked when she’s around me, like she’s prepared to challenge every word out of my mouth.
“Sure. I know a place not too far from here.”
“Please, Mom?” Greer asks in a pleading tone that mirrors the one inside my head and gives her mom big, puppy dog eyes.
Olivia’s gaze narrows slightly on me. Not in a defensive way, more curious.
“Please?” I repeat Greer’s plea.
“Okay.” Olivia nods. The relief I feel is palpable. “If you’re sure that’s what you want, then let’s do it.”
* * *
Olivia and Greer follow me in their vehicle to the ice cream shop. It’s a bright-colored place with boppy music playing. There’s a claw machine in the back of the store and Greer is pumping quarters into it trying to win a pink bouncy ball while Olivia and I sit at a table a few feet away.
“She’s cute,” I say as we watch her.
Olivia smiles, the first uninhibited smile she’s given me since we got here. I get the sense she’s nervous. Or seriously second-guessing agreeing to this date.
“I love that she signs for Archer.”
That uninhibited smile stretches wider. “She adores him.”
“The feeling is mutual,” I say, then ask, “What’s up with her dad? Is he still bailing on stuff?”
“I forgot I told you about that,” she says and then stares down at her scoop of Neapolitan.
“We shared a lot of things that night. I haven’t forgotten any of them.”
She looks up and holds my gaze for a moment then nods. “He lives in California, so the distance makes it hard for him to see her regularly, but he calls every Sunday, and they video chat.”
I don’t know if that’s normal for parents sharing custody or not, so I just nod. It wasn’t normal for my dad, but even he would agree that he wasn’t a good example back then. “Is he why you don’t date?”
“Only partly. I don’t have a lot of free nights, and I already rely on sitters and my family a lot when I’m working. I guess I don’t want to be away from her more than I already am. And definitely not for the dates I’ve been on recently.”
“You’re a good mom.” The words come out with little thought, but instantly I know they’re true.
“I don’t know about that, but I’m trying my best.”
“I know. She’s a great kid and you’re doing it mostly on your own. I admire that.” My mom did it mostly on her own too. I don’t remember much about the situation or her. She died when I was young, but I’ve heard enough from my brothers to know she was a badass single mom. Just like Olivia.
“Thanks.” Her cheeks take on a light blush. “So…the game today was wild. Have you ever thrown a no-hitter before?”
“Change of topic, huh?” I grin at her. She really hates compliments. We’ll work on that, but for now I don’t press. “Definitely not. Maybe never will again.”
I scoop a hunk of mint chocolate into my mouth and hold the spoon there as I let that sink in. Nah, I’m going to throw more. A lot more. I can’t stomach the idea that my best is behind me. Not with the Twins and not today. There is so much more I want to accomplish.
She leans into me, pressing her shoulder and arm to mine. “All just to get me to go out with you?”
“I would have thrown a perfect game if I had to.” A smirk tugs at my lips. “You may not have noticed, but I like you.”
“I’m starting to see that.” Her dry tone carries a hint of sarcasm.
“Starting to, huh? I need to rethink my entire strategy of picking up women.”
Light laughter slips out of her. She looks happier, lighter than I’ve seen her since New York.
