of us. So Dad introduces us to Jenelle, Ethan and Lucas while standing in the entrance of the tiny place. Despite the age difference, Jenelle doesn’t look like she’s way too young for Dad. She’s about my height, her blonde hair cut in a wavy chin length bob, stylish glasses on her narrow nose, and she’s dressed in slim black pants and a hot pink top. We exchange greetings, smiles and handshakes. Ethan and Lucas are in awe of Hunter, staring up at him.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Jenelle says. “The kids brought Storm pennants for you to sign.”
They eagerly display their pennants.
“Don’t mind at all,” Hunter says cheerfully. “Are you guys Storm fans?”
“Sometimes,” Lucas says. “I usually cheer for the Aces.”
“Me too,” Ethan chimes in.
We don’t tell them that Hunter probably won’t be playing for the Storm next season. He uses his ever-present Sharpie to sign his name, holding the pennants against the wall. This attracts the attention of others in the restaurant, but I don’t think anyone else recognizes Hunter.
“I guess golfing’s not cool,” Ryan says, ignored by the boys.
I smirk. The boys give him a blank look.
“They do think it’s cool,” Jenelle assures Ryan. “They’ve been excited to meet you.”
Ryan looks unconvinced as Lucas and Ethan continue to worship Hunter. When we finally move into the small dining room to sit, they’re quick to take a seat on either side of Hunter.
I smile at Hunter as I sit opposite him. He grins.
We have to order at the counter, so Jenelle and Dad go up while we wait.
“Do you guys play hockey?” Hunter asks Lucas and Ethan.
They both nod vigorously. “Mom makes us do other stuff, too. Taekwondo. Baseball.”
“Golf?” Ryan asks dryly.
“No.” Lucas wrinkles his freckled nose.
“Maybe one day,” I say. “Hunter likes to golf.”
“You do?” They stare at him.
“Oh yeah. I’m not as good as Ryan, but I’ve been golfing a lot this summer.”
Ryan shakes his head, smiling crookedly. “Thanks, man.”
Soon we’re eating excellent Chicago hot dogs—poppyseed buns and fresh toppings including a tangy pickle. Ryan and Dad have chili dogs.
“How was your meeting?” Dad asks me.
I’ve been dying for someone to ask! “It was great!” I smile proudly. “I signed him!”
“Wow! That’s fantastic!” Ryan says. “Good for you, Kate.”
I catch Hunter’s proud smile.
“Wow,” Dad says with less enthusiasm. “That’s amazing. That kid’s going to be a star.”
“I know!”
“Congratulations!” Jenelle says.
“Thank you, I’m excited about it.”
I’m doing it. People thought I couldn’t, but I am. I really am.
I eye Dad. His muted reaction is a bit of a bummer. But it’s okay. Because I’M DOING IT!
We tell the others about our Ferris wheel ride (which makes Lucas and Ethan envious) and our afternoon at Navy Pier, including a walk along the beach path.
Conversation jumps around, with the kids pelting Hunter with questions and me interrogating Jenelle. Just kidding. I’m trying to get to know her. I learn that she’s been a widow for four years, she manages a bookstore, and she loves hockey. She also seems devoted to her kids and keeps them in line when they start getting carried away catapulting French fries at each other with their forks. So overall, I don’t find anything about her to dislike. And the boys are honestly adorable.
When we get back to Dad’s place later, I follow him into the family room where he turns on the TV. Ryan’s gone out somewhere else with friends and Hunter’s gone up to bed early. He’s still a little under the weather from last night. I told him to go sleep in my room since the cot is broken and I’ll deal with Dad if I have to.
“It must be different for you having two young kids around,” I say, curling into a corner of the couch.
“Yeah, it is.” Dad smiles ruefully. “It makes things a little harder, but luckily Jenelle has a good babysitter in her neighborhood she uses, if we want to go out alone. And her boys are great kids.”
“They seem like it. And Jenelle seems nice.”
“You sound surprised.”
“Do I?” I purse my lips. “I’m sorry. I wanted Jenelle to be nice, because…I wanted her to be good enough for you.”
“Aw. Baby girl.” Dad coughs. “And your verdict?”
“Well, I’ve only met her this one time, but I like her.”
“Good. And I like Hunter.”
“Thanks. I like him too.” I smile at him.
“I have to confess I was a bit concerned that you’re dating a client.”
My stomach tightens. “Oh.” I swallow.
“I know how much you care about your clients. I worry