Chapter 26- Allison
I still care about you.
The words swirl around in my head—a tornado growing in rage with each spin.
I take a deep breath.
“Still? You didn’t care. Let’s not play pretend,” I snap.
A little louder than I intended. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a few of the players and their families glance my way.
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m starting to think you didn’t see the big old letters that said Divorce at the top of those papers you signed.
That word means I’m done letting you drag my heart around.
I’m done thinking you could ever change. ”
TJ holds his hands up in a surrendering motion. He turns his body blocking everyone from view.
Not to protect me. To protect himself. His reputation.
I was blind before. I hadn’t seen what was right in front of me. The way he was always overly affectionate in public and resigned in private. It was all about image.
“It’s hardly pretend, Al.” He gives a charming smile when he huffs out a laugh. Ever the actor. “Listen, I know I've had a lot going on. I’m sorry I missed my weekends. That’s why I have a plan to make it up to you. To Hudson.”
I roll my eyes and wait for the punchline.
“Iron Ridge Amusement Park.” TJ grins. It falters slightly when I only stare. He shifts his weight from foot to foot. “For his tenth birthday next month. You get a break from the kid, and he gets to have fun.”
“I don’t need a break from Hudson. I enjoy spending time with him; in fact I love it. I love him.” I roll my lips. Trying to make selfless decisions for my son wasn’t difficult. How could I stand in the way of Hudson’s chance for a real relationship with his dad?
Trusting him into TJs care was tough. He was at the very least unreliable.
But he was entitled to every other weekend and a month in the summer per the custody terms in our divorce.
Would Hudson resent me if I didn’t give him this chance to reconnect with his dad? To be a part of his sibling's life?
“I know you do. Why don’t you come too?” He trails a finger down my arm. “The whole weekend at the amusement park. We’ll stay at the hotel there.”
My head rears back. I take a step back.
“Is that what this is about? Because there are too many reasons why that would never happen.” My voice is dripping with disbelief.
“No, I’m sorry. I don’t… I can’t help it, ok?” He shoves his hands in his pockets. His eyes find a spot over my head that he stares at as he asks, “So, am I getting Hudson this weekend or not?”
“Okay. I think it could be fun for him. But— I’ll need to make sure that’s how he wants to spend his birthday first,” I nod.
TJ exhales audibly, stopping short when I hold up my index finger.
“As long as you don’t tell him about the baby without me.
We should do that as a family, so it’s not a bomb dropped in his lap. ”
TJs brows furrow. He opens his mouth to argue but thinks better of it. His lips press into a firm line, before nodding in agreement.
“I’ll be coming by to tell Hudson.” TJ tells me before turning and stalking down the hall.
“No need!” I call after him.
When my eyes leave his back, I notice Tony’s wife watching him with interest. She takes a step to the right, into TJs path and puts on a flirty smile.
It quickly falls as he side-steps her. The quick whisper in her ear and his fingertips trailing her waist as he passes her don’t escape my notice.
I turn and head down the side hall to leave. I'm nearly to the exit door when I feel a warm presence at my back.
“Come on, Darlin. Let’s get outta here.” He tucks me close under his arm, and I wind my arm around his waist.
We walked together like that to the hotel bar where we planned to meet up with Roman and Emalyn. She’s already there with a bottle of champagne and appetizers being placed on the table.
“Get over here, bitch!” She waves me over earning herself a few glances and odd looks from the surrounding people. “I got your favourite!”
A smile forms on my lips as she shakes the basket enticingly.
Tate’s hand squeezes my shoulder once before he drops his arm. Emalyn tracks the movement but doesn’t comment. Just shoots me a secret wink that has my cheeks aflame.
I flush deeper as Tate pulls my chair out for me, gaze never leaving mine and settles into the one beside me.
Emalyn's eyes flick between us, a knowing smirk on her lips.
“So, Alli, how did my little present fit?” Emalyn asks.
I choke on my water. My wide eyes shoot a glance over to Tate, who just looks amused.
“I, uh, I haven't tried it on yet.” I shoot her a pointed look to shut up.
“I’m sure they'll do just fine.” Tate draws out, amusement lacing his tone. When my head whips to his, mortified, I notice him smirking behind his own glass.
I hold my cheeks in my hands trying to hide the blush.
Not that I'm embarrassed or demure, but because I was shocked to find that he really was that big. I thought Emalyn was exaggerating when she over shared details of her escapades. Even if he hadn’t already taken care of me first, I wasn’t sure that was a ride I was ready to ride.
Tate chuckles and pulls my hands away from my cheeks. He keeps a hold of one and gives a gentle squeeze.
“Don’t hide that pretty blush from me, Alli baby.” He murmurs.
“Ugh, you guys are so fucking cute.” Emalyn sips her wine. “You’re making me feel my singleness.”
“I told you, I’m here when you’re ready, Em.” Ronan's voice comes from behind us. She rolls her eyes but still leans into him.
My chest doesn’t ache like it usually does when I’m around their easy, undefined love.
How could it, when Tate wraps an arm around me to pull me closer?
I’m just about to relax into his side when my boss, Andrew walks in. His eyes leisurely scan the bar.
My spine snaps straight. Tate must notice the change in me, because he withdraws his arm. He glances at me as he picks up his glass and takes a drink. He doesn’t comment on it.
Andrew stops by our table.
“Allison. Emalyn.” He gives us each a nod of his head. We plaster on polite smiles.
“Andrew.”
“Great post-game interview tonight. As always.” He tapped his knuckles on the tabletop. “Would you mind if we spoke in private for a minute?”
Emalyn meets my eyes, looking as worried as I feel.
Tate gives my knee a squeeze under the table, eyes searching mine in question. I give him a little nod and follow Andrew to the bar.
My heart pounds in my chest. Did someone say something? Oh God, someone must’ve seen us coming out of the supply closet. He’s going to think I'm a jersey chaser not equipped to handle my job let alone a promotion.
He gestures to the seat beside him. I take it, not realizing I was just standing here like a deer in headlights when I haven’t technically done anything wrong. Tate and I aren’t each other's direct supervisor, so we aren’t technically breaking any rule.
“Allison, I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve got some news you’re going to need to hear.”