I swore she clapped at the end like she had just finished a cheer. I had nothing against cheerleaders, being a former one myself, but she was too cute. And what did she know about love? I didn't like the way Cody's eyes filled with wonder when he saw her. The question was, what was he wondering about? What was under that uniform? How far he could or should go? I almost chased after him shouting about STDs and unintended pregnancies.
Reed chuckled next to me.
"Are you laughing at me?"
"Yep." He took money and handed a ticket to the next kid in line without missing a beat or saying anything else to me.
This went on until lunch was over and it was time for me to count the money and make sure it coincided with how many tickets were sold.
When the last kid scurried away down the locker-lined hall to get to class, I turned to Reed. "Thanks for your help. You should probably get to class."
He pressed his lips together and took a deep breath. "That sounded too motherly."
I had done it again. I shrugged. "Sorry, I can't help it." I started organizing and turning the money all the same way before I turned it in to the school cashier.
Reed started doing the same.
"I got this."
He glanced my way. "This is my planning period."
"Oh." I stayed focused on the piles of bills in front of us.
"How have you been?" There was a playful edge to his voice.
"Good." I sorted the money by denomination, pretending like I hadn't ignored him for the last few days.
"I'm glad to hear that." He was making his own piles of money.
"How are you?"
"Great. Looking forward to the game tonight."
"That must be exciting. Home opener and first game of the season."
"Yeah. I never thought I would get another one of those here."
"It must be gratifying to coach at your alma mater."
"It's an honor."
I nodded.
Silence fell upon us in the empty hall. We were surrounded by motivational posters and the lingering smell of lunch.
"Is your phone broken?" He casually tossed out there.
"No." My voice squeaked.
"So you're purposely ignoring me."
"I wouldn't exactly say that."
"What would you say?"
I turned and met his playful eyes. Were they always so blue? My head darted right back to the money.
"I've been busy with stuff, lots of stuff . . . Cody, work . . . and my sisters-in-law, they're really getting into this Sidelined Wife stuff." That was true. I had a photo shoot tomorrow, and Avery had been working with Delanie on designs for my new Facebook page and blog makeover. All that meant I had to go shopping. I'd taken Gelaire with me because she was the epitome of style and she too was excited about this new alter ego of mine. We'd found a great denim shirt and paired it with a black blazer. It was chic. Or at least that's what Gelaire said.
"Sounds jam-packed." His sarcastic tone came out loud and clear.
I decided to ignore it. "Yep."
"Well, I hope you can live with yourself, knowing that I forgot I didn't have window coverings and inadvertently flashed my neighbors yesterday morning."
I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't hold it in.
"You think it's funny?" He didn't sound upset at all. "Now, thanks to you, the senior citizen sisters that live behind me have become admirers. I got cookies and a dinner invite for this weekend."
"That sounds nice. You're welcome."
"I like older women, but not ones that could be my grandmother."
I dared a peek at him. "You like older women?"
He gave me a dazzling smile. "They're my favorite."
Counting money. Counting money. "Like, how old are we talking?" I tried to play that off as nonchalant as I could. I wasn't even sure why I was asking.
"My last girlfriend was ten years older than me."
"Wow!" Why did I react like that? If only I could kick myself under the table. I said the dumbest things around him.
He laughed good naturedly. "Why is that so surprising?"
I thought about what Avery said about my type. "I guess I'm old fashioned. You know, the man being older than the woman."
He flipped my hair, causing a weird sensation I couldn't exactly identify. "You are looking a little matronly."
"No need to get personal." I glared at him.
"I'm kidding, you don't look a day over fifty."
I elbowed him in the ribs.
"Ouch."
"Serves you right."
He leaned in too close. His scent excited me. I didn't know I could get that kind of excited still, especially around him. "Can I tell you a secret?"
Was he using intimate tones? No . . . I couldn't respond. The breath I was holding was keeping me hostage.
"Word on the street is that Cody's mom is a babe."
That held breath came out when my jaw dropped. "You're lying."
"I swear it on Mimsy's holy water."
I gave him a scrutinizing stare. "You know that stuff she uses isn't real."
"Be that as it may, Cody's friends think you're hot."
"Cody's never said anything." Waves of embarrassment were washing over me.
"Why would he? Do you think he likes the fact that his friends are checking you out? And believe me, they are. I heard a few of them talking about you when you showed up to practice last week."
"Are you putting me on?"
"I wouldn't lie to you."
I believed him. "We better finish counting this money."
"There you go, using those leadership skills again."
"I'd rather be bossy than annoying."
"I always enjoyed annoying you."
"Looks like some things never change."
"You don't know how true that is."
I tilted my head toward him. He was already staring at me with a penetrating gaze. What did that mean?
Chapter Eighteen
Are you coming tonight? I hated texting Neil, but it was for Cody. Cody wouldn't admit it, but I knew he wanted his dad there. He offhandedly had asked me this morning before he left for school if he was coming. I didn't have an answer for him.
While I waited for a response, I got all my game gear ready-a light jacket just in case, and a stadium seat. My butt was getting too old to sit on the bleachers all night. I also did something else, surprising the heck out of myself.
Good luck, I texted Reed. I wasn't sure if he would get the message since he was probably in the locker room with the team giving them a motivational speech or something. I wasn't sure why I even felt compelled to send it. Maybe guilt from ignoring his texts all week? Or maybe I couldn't quit thinking about our odd conversation at the school. The oddest thing being that a man had just jumped in and helped without even being asked. Come to think of it, he'd done that at my parents' house too. He was always the first one to help clean up. Neil never would have.
Thank you, Sam. Reed texted right back, unlike my ex-husband, whom I had texted three times already throughout the day with no response.
I did a quick check of my email before I headed to the game. My heart about stopped when I saw that I received a response from the Autumn Moone.
Dear Samantha,
First, let me apologize for my late response. My editors are breathing down my neck
Your thanks are not required. I feel as if I should thank you. Your insights and bravery have inspired me to be a better person and writer. I am a fan.
Keep writing those posts, and I will keep sharing them.
And I wish I could tell you if Laine and Hunter really get together in A Black Night, but you'll have to read the book to find out.
Back to editing.
All the Best,
Autumn
I laughed to myself. I knew it was a long shot, asking about Hunter and Laine. It was nice of her to respond. It probably wasn't really her. She more than likely had an assistant do it, but I would take it all the same.
Her site had even posted my little snippet from this morning about my new obsession, protein balls. Oats, honey, chocolate, and peanut butter with some flax seeds sprinkled in for good measure. Basically, they're a cookie in ball shape. But I could feel better about eating them because of the name. Which reminded me, it was time for some protein. I grabbed a ball out of the freezer and indulged in it while I hauled my gear to the car. I was too nervous to eat a real meal. I wasn't sure Cody would get any playing time, but I was nervous just in case.
It didn't help when Neil texted, I don't think I'll be able to make it. Wish Cody luck for me.
I shook my head in anger. Do it yourself, coward.
I threw my phone in my bag, doing my best not to cry. I shouldn't have been surprised. I ached for my son. He didn't deserve this.