Easton: I had a great time with the two of you. Thank you.
Me: We had fun too.
Easton: I’ll call you tomorrow to set up plans.
Me: I know you’re busy. We don’t expect it. I can handle breaking it to Paisley.
Easton: I never break my promises. Sweet dreams, Ris.
Letting my phone fall to the bed, I close my eyes, and all I see is him. Him with the kids today, him playing with Paisley, them eating pizza and playing arcade games. The way he carried her as if she was precious to him and put her in the car. The way his lips pressed against my forehead. The feel of his hot breath against my skin. I drift off to sleep dreaming of Easton Monroe.
It’s been over a week since I’ve seen her. With away games, practice, and team meetings, I’ve had no time and what time I did have exhaustion set in and my bed was calling my name. This week we have a rare three days in a row without games. I’m hoping out of those three days, I can convince Larissa to go out with me. I know she probably hates to leave Paisley, but I need some time with her. It’s selfish, but it’s fact. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I send her a text.
Me: Hey, Ris. I was hoping you and I could get together soon.
Larissa: I don’t know. I hate to take another night away from Paisley.
Me: We can bring her if you want.
Larissa: I don’t want to interrupt her routine. She goes to bed early.
Me: Please?
I wait, tapping the screen of my phone every time it starts to dim, watching for the little bubble to appear that tells me she’s responding. Finally, after what feels like a lifetime, the bubble appears and her reply comes through.
Larissa: I’m off tomorrow night.
Me: So it’s a date?
Larissa: I’m not sure. I also need to talk to Mom to see if she can watch P.
Me: We can go early if that helps?
Larissa: A day date?
Me: You can call it anything you want as long as I get to spend some time with you.
Larissa: And P can come too?
She’s a cute kid, and of course she’s welcome, but I want time with her. I don’t say that, because I know as a single mom, her options are limited.
Me: Always.
Larissa: Give me some time. I’m wrapping up some homework now.
Me: You have class today?
Larissa: I take some online classes, but there are a few I can only take on campus. It’s convenient that as long as I log in daily, and submit my work, I’m good to go. Helps that I can do it on days off and after P is in bed.
Me: Nice.
Me: So, I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
Larissa: Give me fifteen minutes.
Me: I’m not going anywhere.
My words have double meaning, and I know Larissa can figure it out. She’s a smart girl. She’s more than just her beauty; she’s the full package—smart, funny, easygoing, and one hell of a mother. That alone tells me that she’s one of the good ones. That and the fact that she couldn’t give a fuck that I’m a major league baseball player. I like that a whole hell of a lot.