“I started reading one of those books in school that’s been turned into a movie. It has wizards, magic, and dragons. It’s good,” Corey finally said.
I’d avoided interrupting their conversation, enjoying sitting back and observing their relationship, but I couldn’t help but interject. “I didn’t know that.”
He shrugged his shoulders like it wasn’t a big deal. “We have to check out books at school, and I was done with my homework.”
He hadn’t been into reading before.
Hailey twisted in her seat to face him. “Can you let me know which one? I’ll see if I’ve read it.”
Corey pulled it up on his phone and handed it to her.
“Oh, that is a good one. When you’re done reading it, let’s watch the movies together.” Hailey smiled with happiness.
“That would be cool,” Corey said, taking the phone back.
“That’s a great idea.” I pulled into the lot, more convinced than ever that Hailey fit with me and Corey. “Wait,Idon’t need to read them, do I?”
Hailey covered her smile with her hand. “I think that’s only fair.”
“Yeah, Dad. It’s only fair.” Corey got out of the car, leaving us temporarily alone.
Hailey tipped her head to the side, a teasing smile on her face. “The book is always better than the movie. If you watch the movie first, you won’t get the full experience.”
I checked to make sure Corey wasn’t watching. He was leaning against the side of the truck, his head bowed over his phone. I leaned closer and said, “I guess you’ll need to read them to me.”
Hailey blushed, and I kissed her softly.
My heart was beating faster just from that little interaction. I wished we were alone so I could show her how I felt about her being here with me and Corey, but it would have to wait.
Corey smacked his hand on the side of the truck. His way of telling me to get moving.
Corey grabbed his equipment bag out of the bed of the truck, and we walked with him to the locker room.
“Good luck today. Play hard.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said, turning away when of his teammates, said, “Yo, Corey.”
I stood for a second and watched him bump knuckles with his teammate, hating that his mother might pull him away from this.
“Surely, the fact that he’s doing so well here will matter to the judge.” Hailey stiffened. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
I touched her lower back with my hand, maneuvering her toward the bleachers. They were already filling up with parents and friends. “It’s okay. It’s not like I can put it out of my mind.”
We stepped onto the metal steps of the bleachers, and I followed her to a vacant row. Hailey placed a blanket on the seat to make it more comfortable.
When we were settled, I said, “Just being there for me is everything. I’ve never had that before. When Tiffany got pregnant, my parents disowned me—for lack of a better word. They wanted nothing to do with me or Corey.”
Hailey looked at me with so much concern in her gaze, it made me feel cared for. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
I looked away from her to the field where the opposing team was already warming up. “You were twelve. I wouldn’t have expected you to know what was going on.”
“Did Jake know?”
I nodded. “But it’s not the same. He’s not great with stuff like this.”
She barked out a laugh. “No kidding.”
I smiled, happy to share these moments with her. We knew Jake better than anyone.