“Of course,” I said. “I'm sure he knows that too. You're getting five million in six months.”
“Oh, I'm not paying him back with that,” she said, in a rough tone. “This is my new life. I will not taint it with that asshole's money. He will have nothing to do with this. The only thing his money will pay for is a lawyer, well two actually.”
I looked down at her and shook my head.
“What?” she asked nervously.
“I'm so damn proud of you,” I said, as I reached out again, pulled her close, and hugged her as tight as I could.
“I'm glad someone is,” she said.
When I heard her sniffle, I pulled back a bit and looked down at her, but I kept my arms around her.
“What's wrong?” I asked.
“I'm so damn afraid of messing up,” she said.
“You won't,” I said. “Those kids are in the best situation they've been in yet. You did that. You stepped up, and you will continue to. I can see how much you love them. No matter what you do, you're going to strive to make them happy, and you will succeed.”
“Yeah,” she said, more as a question than a statement.
“Yeah,” I said, and what I said next, I knew wasn't completely true. It couldn't be. “I'll be here anytime. All you have to do is call.”
I felt her body relax in my arms, and I knew she was going to be okay. There were too many people rooting for her. There was no way she could fail. She just had to believe in herself, and that would take time.
When the knock on the door came, I paid for the pizza. Then I walked back into the kitchen and set the boxes on the table.
“You could always show the kids a bit about college life,” I said, as I took a step back.
“How's that?” she asked.
“Leftover pizza for breakfast,” I said, and she shook her head, as she laughed. “You did do that, right?”
“Of course,” she said, as she laughed again. “I wasn't a total mess.”
I walked by her and into the living room.
“I like your new place,” I said to the kids. “Have a great first night.”
Jenny and Jeff came over, and I hugged them both. Then I leaned in and rubbed Jake's little cheek. He was at an age I remembered well with my kids. It wasn't long after that I began to lose out.
“You're leaving,” Cassie said, and hurried over as I opened the door.
“I am,” I said, but I didn't miss the sad look on her face. “It's their first night in their new home. They need you all to themselves tonight.”
She let out a tiny whimper, and it took all I had not to take her in my arms again.
“You'll be fine,” I said, as I reached out and lifted her chin, so I could see her eyes. “If you need anything, all you have to do is call. I'll be here in minutes. Believe me, I don't want to leave, Cassie, but it's what I have to do, as your friend.”
She nodded, and I let go of her chin. Then I took that step out the door and pulled it closed behind me. I wasn't kidding. I didn't want to leave her. Instead, I wanted to stay. I wanted to be part of their night. I wanted her to know she wasn't alone. I also wanted so much more.
As soon as I got home, I got my laptop out and got to work. There was no way she needed to wake up feeling stressed. If I could do one small thing to take at least some of that stress away, I was going to do it.
Chapter 18
Cassie
He shut the door, and I wanted so badly to swing it back open and ask him to come back. Part of me didn't want to be alone, but another part just wanted him to be there too. He was right, I knew he was. The kids needed me, and I needed them. It was our night, and it needed to be just us.
Jake fell asleep early, so I put him in his crib. The other two ate their pizza and watched a movie while snuggling in against me, one on each side. We had our own place. A place where we didn't have to stay in our rooms so we wouldn't bother anyone. Not that Sammie made it that way. She didn't. That was all on me. But it was different, having our own place. The kids could run through the whole place, and everything in it was ours. There wasn't much, but it was ours.
So many times during the evening, I'd thought about sending Parker a text, but I didn't do it. He'd already done so much for us, and I knew it wasn't right to take up his whole night. I'd already taken up so much of his time. Friends didn't monopolize every moment of their friend's time, and we were friends, he'd mentioned it again on his way out the door.
When it was time for bed, both Jenny and Jeff climbed into my bed. I was glad I'd gotten the king. One day, Jake would be hopping up there too, and we'd need the room. I couldn't make it a regular thing, that I knew, but it was our first night, and I wanted them to feel comfortable and loved. As they each snuggled into one of my sides, I honestly felt like everything was going to be okay for them. They didn't miss the big house or even the vacation home. They were happy right where they were, and so was I.
The next morning, I woke up before the kids, and I went into the kitchen. Parker was right. We were either going to have pizza for breakfast, or we were going out to eat. I knew I could have called Sammie and taken the kids to her house, but I couldn't make myself do it. There was no way. They were my kids, and I needed to feed them.
I'd just picked up my phone and sat down on the couch when I heard a knock on the door. Part of me felt nervous. Who could it be? Was it Parker? Was it Sammie, James, or one of the others? Was it Jeff? Shit! Could it be Jeff? He'd given up on the divorce pretty quickly. Either he'd changed his mind about wanting me back, or he had something up his sleeve. He couldn't know where I lived, not yet. There was no way. Then I thought about it. If he did, would it matter? No, it wouldn't. He wouldn't come here, not before the divorce was final. There was no way he was going to risk losing everything. I'd agreed to what he'd offered. He wouldn't want me to change my mind, and he'd never risk his company. That place meant more to him than anything, even his family.
I got up and walked to the door. When I opened it, there was a young guy standing there. He had a shirt on from the local grocery store. He also had a bag in each arm from that same store.
“I think you have the wrong apartment,” I said, as I laughed. “I'd love for you to be right, but I don't think you are.”
“Are you Cassie?” he asked.
“Yes,” I answered.
“I've got the right place,” he said. “Can I bring these in? There are more in my car.”
“Sure,” I said, as I stepped to the side.
He took one step in and stopped.
“Where would you like them?” he asked.
“In the kitchen would be fine,” I answered. “Don't worry about the floors.”
He nodded, walked through to the kitchen, set the bags down, and then went back to his car. After four additional trips, he was finally done.
I walked back to the kitchen, with the receipt in my hand that he'd handed me on his way out, and I looked around.
“This food will last us for weeks,” I whispered, as I stood, wondering who had sent it.
I looked down at the receipt to find nothing, not a single clue. The bill had come to over two hundred dollars. Who could it be, I wondered? Then I thought about my family. Would one of them have done it? Sammie and James, I thought. It had to be them. I grabbed my phone and pulled Sammie up in my messages.
Me: Do you know anything about a huge load of groceries being delivered to my place?
Her reply came instantly.
Sammie: Not at all. I asked James if you'd bought any food, and he said you could shop today. It wasn't us. Was it your parents? Was it mine?
I read her message as I went through the first bag. I doubted it was Lance and Lucy. It definitely wasn't my parents. They knew I was getting a place but had no idea that we'd completely moved in in one day. I was going to call and talk to them later to tell them. It had to be Lance and Lucy. Who else could it be? Only my family would do something like that, I thought, and I made a mental note do somethi
ng nice to thank them.
I emptied all of the bags and put everything away. There wasn't an open space left on any of my shelves, and my empty refrigerator had taken on a whole new look. Whoever it was had really thought of the kids. There were cookies, chips, juice boxes, ice creams shaped like characters, and so many things they'd like. There were also fruits, vegetables, meats, soups, and so much more. They'd thought of me too. I had coffee and was so glad that I'd bought a coffee maker already. Whoever had done it had thought things through. I had everything to make tacos, hamburgers, spaghetti, and a steak meal. They hadn't missed a single thing for each meal. I didn't know who it was, but I was so damn thankful. It had taken the hugest load off my mind. They would never know.
I made myself some coffee. Then I took my cup and phone and sat down on the couch in the living room, my couch. I looked around the room, feeling so damn proud of who I was becoming. There was still a long way to go for me, but I was getting there. We had our own place, and it was wonderful.
The ding of my phone pulled me from my thoughts, and I was happy to see that it was Parker.
Wannabe: How was the first night?
Me: Really good! We ate pizza and watched a movie. Jenny and Jeff slept in my room with me, and the baby slept in his crib. I can't tell you the last time I've slept so good. Great call on the bigger bed by the way, and the mattress is amazing. I was so worried about the price, but it was worth it.
Wannabe: I told you it would be. Aren't you glad you listened to me? You should do it more often.
Me: Very funny. You'll be a busy man next week. Why don't you come over for dinner?
Wannabe: You sure? I don't want to intrude on your time with the kids.
Me: If you already have plans, I get it.
Wannabe: Never said I had plans. Well, I did, but I'm sure my frozen dinner won't mind waiting an extra day.
Me: Why are you such a smart ass?
Wannabe: Why do you always assume the worst? I'll be there at five. Some of us have work to do.
Me: Oh really. You going to hang out with Sammie?
Wannabe: Wow! You sound a little jealous. I'm actually going to the gym.
Me: Not jealous at all. I know better. Your muscles did look a bit smaller yesterday, so the gym is probably a good idea.
Wannabe: Hhmmm.
Me: What?
Wannabe: You were checking out my muscles, were you? They haven't gotten any smaller. If you want, I can show you.
A heat ran through me, as I read his words, and I knew if I looked in the mirror, my cheeks would have been red.
Me: I was not checking out your muscles.
Wannabe: So just one then?
Me: Parker.
Wannabe: Calling my name already.
I didn't reply right away. I wasn't sure how to. Just the thought of his name on my lips had my thighs clenching. Before I could even pull my thoughts together, he'd sent another message.
Wannabe: Sorry! Friends don't say shit like that, do they? I'll see you at five. Goodbye, Cassie.
I read his words over and over, and each time, the tug in my chest got a little stronger. What did he mean, I wondered? Was he reminding me that we were friends, or was he reminding himself?
“Mommy,” I heard coming from down the hall.
I quickly put my phone down and went to check on the kids.
We had breakfast, watched cartoons, and played with their new toys. When I got up from the floor to make lunch, I let out a laugh. The whole floor was a mess of blocks and cars. I remembered standing in Sammie's living room not long after I'd gotten there, not believing the mess she let the kids make.
“I really have changed,” I whispered to myself.
Jeff would have been pissed if he'd seen a mess like that on his floors. They always were his floors, weren't they, I wondered? Even though we'd picked the house out together, it was his.
I stood and watched the kids play for a few minutes. Then I turned and walked toward the kitchen with a smile on my face.
Before I knew it, lunch was over, I'd done the dishes, we'd played some more, and it was time to make dinner.
I was up to my elbows in mess when I heard the knock on the door.
“I'll get it,” Jenny yelled, as she got to her feet.
“Mommy will get it,” I said, as I wiped my hands and walked through the living room, still not positive that Jeff wouldn't do something else to hurt me.
As I opened the door, I thought about Jeff. Was he really done? Was everything really going to work out? Was he just pretending? Was he going to come out of nowhere and ruin everything?
“You okay?” I heard Parker's voice, and right away felt my body relax.
“Yeah,” I said. “come in.”
“Parker,” Jenny yelled out, as she walked around me and hugged his waist. “Come watch the show with us.”
“I'll be in the kitchen,” I said, as I shut the door and walked away. “In the kitchen. That's pretty funny.”
Parker smiled before walking toward the couch with Jenny.
“It's got to be better than a frozen dinner, right?” he asked.
“I'm not so sure,” I said, as I got back to work.
The food was ready, and I was hoping with everything I had that it wasn't going to be awful. I got the kids ready around the table. Then I put Parker's plate in front of him. He looked up at me with a smile but didn't say anything.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he answered.
I fed Jake, as I watched Jenny, Jeff, and Parker for their reactions.
“This is good,” Jenny said.
“Good,” Jeff said, as he looked up with a smile, before shoving another piece of steak into his mouth.
“It is,” Parker said. “Definitely better than a frozen meal.”
“Thanks, I think,” I said, as I went between feeding Jake his baby food and taking bites of my own.
Everyone ate quietly for the most part. Jenny did ask Parker about baseball a few times. I honestly wasn't sure if she really liked the game or if she just liked being a part of something everyone else liked. He was really good about answering each question she had. He really was good at teaching people. The man had a lot of patience.
When Parker was done eating, he turned Jake toward him, took his food from me, and started feeding him. I was enjoying my steak so much that I didn't argue one bit. I'd actually made a good meal.
Jenny was up the second her food was gone, and Jeff was right there with her.
“Can we have dessert?” she asked.
“I'll get it,” Parker said, with a huge smile on his face, as he set Jake's bowl down and stood up. “How about some ice cream.”
He walked toward the freezer, and I heard him before he opened the door.
“You're going to love these,” he said.
I set my fork on my plate, stood, and turned around toward the three of them. He opened the freezer, grabbed the character shaped ice creams, opened the box, and handed one to each of them. Jenny ran by me to the table, and Jeff followed behind her. Parker put the box back and closed the freezer door. When he took one step toward me, he stopped.
“What's wrong?” he asked, with a worried look on his face.
I didn't answer him. I was still processing what I'd just heard.
“Cassie,” he said. “What happened?”
“It was you,” I said, as I walked toward him. “You were the one that sent them.”
“What?” he asked.
“The groceries,” I said. “It was you.”
“I hope you're not mad,” he said, as he took a few steps toward me. “They're too young for the college life.”
“I can't believe you did this,” I said.
“Before you say anything,” he said, “I saw how stressed you were that you didn't have food.”
I took the last step. Then I reached up, wrapped my arms around his neck, and hugged him as tight as I could.
“Cassie,” he said. “Are you o
kay?”
“I'm not sure,” I answered him honestly. “I was so worried about breakfast and shopping. When that knock came and I'd seen what someone had done for me, I was so damn thankful. You shouldn't have. I've already taken up so much of your time. You're going to be so busy, but you took the time to do that for me, for us.”
“Cassie,” he said, as he pulled back from my hug.
His hands went to my arms, and his eyes had so much concern in them. I was freaking him out, I thought. Oh shit! I was scaring him. I had to do something. I didn't want him to think I was some clingy nut.
“I know what you're going to say, and you're right,” I said, as I cut him off, before he could continue and speak the words himself. “That's what friends do.”
I took a step back to give him his space.
“You will never know how much that meant to me, what that did for me,” I said. “Thank you!”
He walked back to the table and sat down.
“I was just trying to help,” he said.
Then he picked up Jake's bowl and went back to feeding him. I sat down at the table and went back to eating too. There was no way I wanted to scare him away. I was really starting to like him being there, and I wasn't about to do anything to ruin it, especially not tell him how I really felt.
Chapter 19
Cassie
The next few weeks went by in a blur. Parker was with the team almost every day. I saw him at Sammie's once, and he came by for dinner once as well. The kids really missed him, and he said he missed them too. We text back and forth for a few minutes each day, but I could tell he was tired, so I tried to leave him alone as much as I could. He said he'd always be there, but I knew it wasn't true, so I was trying my best not to get into the habit of sending every thought I had his way.
We watched the first game on television, and I actually paid attention, which was a first for me. When the game was over, it was late, so I got the kids ready and tucked them into bed. Then I grabbed my phone, made sure everything in the apartment was off, and got into my own bed. I'd just turned my light off and covered up when I heard my phone ding. I figured it was Sammie. She'd gone to the game and would probably have just gotten home. When I picked the phone up and checked the message, I was surprised to see that it was Parker.
Out of My League: Complete Box Set Page 29
