Page 25 of Everything For Love

“You were angry?”

She nods.

“So, you lashed out at a married woman and threatened to tell her husband a lie? People we consider our friends?”

Another nod. “Should I call and apologize?”

“Absolutely, yes,” I tell her. “Josie didn’t deserve you saying those things to her. Neither did I. I’ve been nothing but faithful to you, Aubrey. I wish you’d believe me.”

“I’m trying. I really am, Nick. I know I said some really hateful things and honestly, I expected you to leave me, but you didn’t and you’re still here. It makes me wonder if we have something worth saving.”

I pull her into my arms and hold her tightly. Leaning back slightly, I lift her chin with my index fingers so I can look into her eyes. “We do, Aubrey.”

She rises on her toes and pulls my head down toward her. Our lips brush against each other’s. Hesitantly, at first and then she opens for me. The moment our tongues touch, it’s like a kaleidoscope of colors bursts through my mind. Everything around me seems vibrant and shiny, and powerful. I pick her up and her legs wrap around my waist as I head toward the bedroom. Only for my phone to ring. If we were anywhere else, I’d let it go to voicemail.

Groaning, I stop in the hallway and Aubrey slides down slowly, bumping my erection on the way. This time I moan. It’s been over a year since we’ve had sex, and I’ve missed my wife terribly.

In three big strides, I grab my phone from the table and see Liam’s number on my screen. Instant panic arises. I press the button and wait for the video to connect. “Is Mack okay?”

“Hey, yeah,” Liam says. “Sorry, I should’ve texted you but uh . . . I signed Mack up for a recruiting program and I wanted to fill you in. The band shot a music video the other day and I had the videographer put some content together of Mack, and I sent it off in hopes of getting some scouts out here to see him pitch.”

Relief washes over me. “He said you taught him how to throw the slider.”

Liam nods. “He’s a natural, Nick. We should be thankful we didn’t have to play against him in high school. I don’t think anyone is going to hit him this year.”

“That’s fantastic.” I am dying inside because, once again, I feel like I’m failing my son as it’s not me who’s signing him up for recruiting programs.

“Anyway, you’re going to get a shit ton of emails because I put your email in there as well as mine. Anything he gets from a scout or recruiter, you’ll see. Just email me what you think and we’ll go from there.”

“I can’t thank you enough,” I tell him. “How’s Mack doing in school?”

“Thriving,” Liam says proudly. “He’s doing well, Nick. You’ve raised an outstanding young man. He’s been helping out at Mr. Powell’s, mowing his lawn, washing the car that rarely moves, and going to the grocery store for him. I’ve been teaching him to drive, if that’s okay. I probably should’ve asked first.”

“No, that’s perfectly fine. We were going to do that after football and then. . .” I trail off. “If I need to sign anything, email me and I’ll take care of it.”

“Everything good there?”

I turn, only to find Aubrey gone. My hope is she’s in the bedroom, ready and willing to pick up where we left off. Looking back at Liam, “I’ve been offered a job here.”

“Mack mentioned that after the game. You were really missed.”

Heart meet knife, twist.

“I hated missing it.”

“So, are you going to take it?”

“My son?—”

“Your son is doing well, Nick. We love having him, and if the time comes when we don’t, we’ll let you know. If you need to stay because of your family, do it. But do it knowing Mack is being taken care of. Things are good in Beaumont,” he says. “I’ll have him call you when he gets home from school. We’re going to the batting cages after dinner to hit some balls under the lights. He said he struggled with that last year.”

“Yeah, he did. Thanks, Liam.”

Liam sighs. “You did it for Noah, Nick. I’m just returning the favor. Mack will call you after school.” He hangs up before he can see me lose my shit. I don’t know whether to scream or cry right now.

Or both.

I move about the house, looking for Aubrey. Because if it isn’t my heart aching for my son, it’s because my wife just left without saying goodbye.

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