three-year-old.
How fucking pathetic.
“Yeah, buddy.” I leaned back against the counter. “I have practice today. We’ve got our first game Friday.”
“Ame day!” His eyes lit up. “Mama, we o to ame day with Ameron?”
“We’ll see, baby.” She gave him a tight smile, her eyes flicking to mine and then dipping. But not before I saw the flash of regret there. “We’ll see.”
“Maybe Asher’s mom could bring him?” I suggested since it wouldn’t be the first time Mrs. Bennet brought him along. “If you’re, you know—”
“Yeah,” it came out quiet as she cleaned up my brother. “We’ll see.”
“Good morning, family.” Dad breezed into the room. “And how are we all this morning?” He pulled Mom in for a hug, dropping a kiss on her head, and they shared an intimate smile before he went to the coffee maker.
“First game of the season Friday then?” he directed at me. “How are you feeling?”
“Good,” I said barely paying him any attention as I watched Mom scoop up Xander and disappear out of the kitchen. “I’m ready.”
“It’s a big year, Son.” Dad sipped his coffee. “I wish things could be easi—”
“It’s fine, Dad.” I cut him off. I didn’t want to do this, not this morning. “I haven’t decided anything yet, there’s still time.”
He nodded, understanding simmering in his eyes. “I’ll try my hardest to be there but—”
“I know.” The words almost choked me.
“Marshall Prep could be a tough first game. They have a strong defense with that Belson kid, right?”
“Yeah, but I think we can do it. Our offense is looking tight and Coach has us practicing plays until we’re blue in the face.”
“Good, that’s good. Xander will be at Katie’s after school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we have appointments.”
“Shit, Dad, I already told you I can take care of him. I can speak to Coach and maybe figure—”
“Cameron, it’s senior year.” He sighed, barely able to meet my eyes. “This year is important, Son. And Xander likes being with Katie. I know you’re capable of helping, but this is important to us. Your future is important to us.”
“How is she, Dad?” I forced the words out over the lump in my throat. “Really?”
He dragged a hand down his face letting out an exasperated breath. “Your mom is going to be fine, Son. Just fine. This new doctor is on the ball; they’re adjusting her meds and running some tests. I have a good feeling about things.”
“Good, that’s good.” Because God only knew we needed a break.
“I just need you to focus on school and football, Cameron.” He approached me. “Promise me you’ll do that?” Dad squeezed my shoulder and I managed a small nod.
“I promise.” It came out strangled. Because what else could I do?
But as Dad said goodbye and went to find Mom and Xan, I couldn’t shake the feeling there was something he wasn’t telling me.
Hailee
“Morning, sweetheart.” Mom was busy making breakfast when I finally traipsed downstairs. “Don’t forget we have to go pick out the wedding photos on Wednesday.”
I silently groaned. “Great.” Why I’d been roped into doing it when it should have been something a husband did with his new wife, was beyond me. But Kent was busy, suggesting I go in his place.
“Hailee Raine, can you at least try to pretend to be interested. This is important to me.”
“I know, Mom, I just…” Pressing my lips together, I swallowed the words I wanted to say and forced a smile. “Wednesday sounds great. Can I bring Flick?”
“I already told Mr. Fetton to expect the three of us.” She knew me so well. “So how was your weekend?” I detected a trace of suspicion in her tone.
“My weekend was fine.” It came out a little sharper than I intended.
I’d spent most of Saturday in my bedroom. Flick had come over and we’d watched cheesy horror movies and binged on junk food; then yesterday, I’d worked on a couple of art projects.
Mom inclined her head, studying me. “Are you sure? You seem—”
“I’m fine.” I smiled again.
“Because if something happened—”
“Nothing happened, Mom.” It was possible she’d heard about the pep rally; rumors flew around our town quicker than lightning, but no way was I going to bring it up. I wanted to forget all about it.
“Okay.” She conceded, something catching her eye over my shoulder. “Good morning, Jason.”
I went rigid but didn’t glance back to greet my step-brother. I hadn’t seen him all weekend, and after Friday night, I really didn’t want to. It might not have been his hands that grabbed