Page 48 of Brews & Bartenders

I drop my book at the sound of his voice and lose my page. “You’ve really got to stop making me mess up my books.” I smile up at Carlos. “You better hope I can find my page.”

“Oh, I have no doubt you will.” He leans down and places a kiss on my forehead before taking a seat on the ground beside me.

“Are you already off work? I thought you worked late tonight.”

“I have to go back, but I’m using this time as my lunch break.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” I pick up my book, thumbing through the pages until I find the general area, I was in.

“I know, but I told David I’d try to make it to his practice.” He looks up at me, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand. “Why aren’t you sitting on the bleachers with all the other parents?”

Sighing, I slide my book back into my bag. “I didn’t want to socialize. But that looks kind of bitchy, doesn’t it?”

“I’m no expert, but maybe a little?” He turns his gaze toward the field, looking for David. “But that’s your prerogative. If you don’t want to, then don’t.”

“I’ll have to get better about that. It’s not like I don’t know any of them. Most of us went to school together, but when Nathan and I split, they definitely picked sides.”

“People are dumb when they are young.”

“That’s for sure,” I mutter.

“I definitely think he has a shot at being quarterback,” he nods to where David is throwing the football.

“So does my brother.” A figure approaching the bleachers catches my eye, and my body goes rigid. “Well, looks like he decided to show up after all.”

Carlos leans forward to see who I’m talking about and groans. “He’s not going to start anything will he?”

“In public? Never. He’ll probably text me his rant later on.” I lean back and try to relax my body. “It’s what he usually does when he sees something that he doesn’t like.”

“I can always go back to work. I don’t want to make things difficult for you.”

“No.” My voice is louder than I anticipated and captures the attention of a few parents. Nathan is also glaring in my direction. “No,” I lower my voice. “I don’t want you to go. You are one of the few people I find solace with. You also make me ridiculously happy. To hell with what other people think.”

“Even Nathan?” His voice shakes, and I know it’s out of his own curiosity. The need for reassurance.

“Even him.”

He places his hand on my knee and gives it a small squeeze. Both of us watch David’s practice until the last whistle blows and he comes running off the field. “You came!”

“I sure did. That quarterback spot is yours.”

“I hope so. Uncle Bryce will be so happy if it is.”

Carlos holds his hand out to David to give him a shake. “I have to get back to work, but maybe the three of us can go out for ice cream this weekend.”

David bypasses his hand and gives him a hug. “Thank you for coming.”

“Anytime. As soon as we have your game schedule, I’ll see what I can do to be there.” He gives me a quick peck on the cheek. “I’ll call you later.” And he walks away.

“So, things are getting serious with the two of you?” Ugh, Nathan.

“Something like that.”

“Hey, little man,” he holds his arms open for David. “That throwing arm looks amazing.”

“Thanks, Dad.” David doesn’t hesitate running into Nathan’s arms. A part of me questions his motives for being here, but seeing the pure joy on David’s face is worth whatever it is. “I really hope I get to be quarterback.”

“You will be.” He lets go of David and puts his arms to the side. “How would you like to stay the night with me this weekend? We could throw the football and go to the movies.”

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