The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders #4) - L A Cotton Page 0,44
want to do one day.”
“You have a big heart, Mya Hernandez.” I brushed my thumb over her cheek, letting it linger on the pillow of her lip.
“I just want to help. You came into my life when I needed someone. I’d like to think I can pay that forward one day.”
Well, shit. When she put it like that… but fostering? That was huge, and we were so young.
“I don’t want this to be another issue between us,” she said as if she could hear my thoughts. “I was just saying it’s something I’d like to think about, one day.”
“I know.”
But I also knew Mya, and once she got something in her mind... Yeah, this wasn’t going away anytime soon.
I could give Mya a lot of things: money, love, a happy life... but could I give her this?
There was only one thing for it. I needed a beer and some guy time with my best friend.
Asher
“Hey, thanks for coming.” I got up to greet Jason. We guy-hugged before taking a seat at the bar.
“Anytime. What’s up?”
“I... fuck, I don’t even know where to start.”
“Is everything okay? With Mya? Your mom?” Concern filled his eyes.
“Yeah, they’re fine.”
He frowned. “So, spit it out.”
“Mya wants to foster kids.”
Jase reared back. “She wants to what?”
“Yeah, I know.” I scrubbed my jaw.
“Like now or after college?”
“After college. You have to be at least twenty-one to get a license.” Although her birthday was in a few weeks, I was pretty sure no one was going to entrust a kid’s wellbeing to a college student.
“I thought she wanted to do the social work thing?”
“She does... at least, I think she still does. It kind of took me by surprise.”
“Yeah, I bet.” He flagged the bartender and ordered a drink. “So how do you feel about it?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. I mean, I want kids. I can’t wait to get her knocked up.” Jase shook his head at that, and I frowned. “What?”
“We’re barely twenty-one.”
“I know, but I’ve always wanted a family.”
“I’ll say it again... we’re twenty-one.”
I flipped him off. “You’re telling me you don’t want the big house and lots of kids?”
“One day, when we're much, much older. I want to enjoy Felicity first. Make a life together, ya know? Besides, if I draft—”
“Which we both know you will,” I smirked.
“Life will be crazy.”
“Yeah, I get it.” I ran my thumb over the neck of the bottle. “I told Coach I’m not looking to go pro.”
He let out a long breath. “I always knew you were unsure, but I didn’t think you’d made the final decision.”
“It’s just not what I want. I love football. I love being on the team. But I want more after college.”
“Like babies?”
“Fuck off.” I chuckled.
“It’s a damn shame, Ash. You could have gone all the way.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But I don’t yearn for it the way you do. I thought maybe breaking free from my old man’s expectations, I’d find my passion for it again. But honestly, it never came. I’m happy where I am. And once we graduate, I want to expand the business here. I spoke to my dad and he’s going to put out some feelers.”
“Well, if that’s what you want then good luck to you.” He lifted his beer and topped it toward me.
“It is.”
“But back to the fostering thing.” Jase’s expression sobered. “Is it a deal breaker?”
“What? No!” Panic snaked through me. “I’d do anything to make Mya happy.”
“Yeah, but come on, Ash. Taking on the responsibility of a kid who isn’t your blood?”
“I’m not saying it would be easy, but I have money, resources... shouldn’t I use them for a good cause?”
“You’re a better man than me. I’m not sure I could do it.”
“I’m still not convinced I can.” But for Mya, I’d try. “Speaking of kids, have you spoken to Cam?”
“Yeah, he’s really worried about Xander. Apparently, he’s getting into some trouble at school.”
“Shit.” I’d known things were bad, but we hadn’t talked in a few days.
“I think he’d move back to Rixon in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for Hailee.” Jason let out a weary sigh. “I’m worried about them.”
“They’ll figure it out. Xander is one of the most loved kids I know.”
“Yeah.” He said. But he didn’t look convinced.
And maybe he was right. Maybe sometimes love wasn’t enough.
“It’s good to see you,” I said.
I had friends at Temple. Diego, Aiden, Farrow, and the rest of the team. But none had ever come close to filling the hole left behind by Jason and Cameron.