disease. He knew there were restrictions with his physical activity. He knew there was little to no chance that he’d ever be a sports celebrity. So, would taking him to a game really be so traumatic for him? And how was that any different from him watching the games on television? It was worth talking to Steven about because Nathan really seemed determined to befriend Grant.
Nathan had also made it crystal clear that his only interest in our household was Grant. After we had spoken some more about Grant’s condition and I had filled him in on everything I knew about chILD, he had asked if he could stop by on Monday to see Grant, and when I had assured him that it would be okay, he had politely excused himself.
Now, granted, I knew the odds of Grant playing professional soccer were a lot higher than Nathan Hayes being interested in me, but it had been fun to fantasize about the idea. While everything I had said to Rachel was true, a girl couldn’t look at Nathan Hayes and not think things.
Well, at least, this girl.
So, when Steven had dropped Grant off a half hour ago, I had asked him if he could stay, so we could talk. He agreed, and since I didn’t want Grant overhearing us, we had gone out to the balcony. However, this time, I made sure to listen for any noises coming from the balcony above us.
But before I could launch into my spiel, Steven had assured me that he already knew Nathan Hayes was living in the penthouse on the top floor. Apparently, Grant hadn’t shut up about meeting Nathan all weekend.
Steven had given me the opening I needed, but I quickly found out that hadn’t necessarily been a good thing.
Our argument kind of confirmed that.
“Steven, there’s no need to get upset-”
Steven disagreed. “For three years, we have been doing everything we can to make sure his condition doesn’t worsen, and in one visit from Nathan Hayes, you’ve changed your mind?”
“No,” I clarified. “He just offered a different perspective that had never occurred to me.”
Steven crossed his arms over his chest. “Or maybe the more time Grant hangs out with Nathan Hayes, the more time you get to hang out with him, too.”
My blood pressures spiked, and my blood started to boil.
“Did you seriously just accuse me of putting Grant’s health at risk just to get Nathan Hayes’ attention?” I couldn’t believe how much I was seething inside. “Are you kidding me?”
“Are you telling me I’m wrong?”
“What I’m telling you is to get the hell out of my house,” I snapped. “If that’s what you think of me, get the hell out of my house and don’t ever cross the threshold again.” I was pissed. “You can drop Grant off at the door.”
Steven’s eyes narrowed. “The first time you suggest we let Grant go to ballgames, and it’s so that Nathan Hayes can take him. Not us. But Nathan Hayes.” Steven stepped to me. “If Grant is finally going to go to a game, why wouldn’t we be the ones to take him? Why Nathan Hayes?” He didn’t let me answer. “Unless…” He let the sentence trail off, and I wanted to slap him.
“Let’s clear something up, here and now,” I seethed through clenched teeth. “I never said Nathan was going to take him to a game. I said Nathan wanted to take him to a game. And I mentioned Nathan’s point of view because I thought it was worth discussing.” I shook my head. “Of course we’d be the ones to take Grant to his first live sports game ever. Do you honestly think I’d give that experience to someone else?”
Steven let out a deep breath and raked his fingers through his hair. His green eyes shot my way. “Maybe I just don’t like the idea of you getting chummy with Nathan Hayes,” he retorted.
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t even know the man,” I pointed out.
He cocked his head. “Well, maybe, I don’t like the idea of you getting chummy with any man,” he clarified, and my heart sank.
I understood exactly what Steven meant, and that wasn’t fair. He was overstepping. I knew it and he knew it. But men were stupid that way.
“You don’t get to say that, Steven,” I told him. “Especially, since you moved on from that part of our marriage and divorce ages ago.”
I’ll never forget the evening he had dropped Grant off, only to tell me he