8. Presley
I open my phone and peek at Stephen’s messages for the fourth time today.
Stephen
Good morning, pretty girl.
Stephen
It was so good to see you Friday night.
My stomach coils itself into a giant knot.
No one is as persistent as Stephen McKinley. Ignoring him is useless. I know this, yet I can’t bring myself to respond to any of his texts.
“Just answer him and put the poor guy out of his misery.”
My shoulders jump. “Jesus, Dom. You scared me.”
Dominique gestures to the little silver bell hanging above the doorway. “That’s because you’re too busy fantasizing about your hockey boyfriends.”
I glance around the library, making sure there are no kids lingering in the nearby stacks. “I just don’t know what to say to him. Like, what’s the point of talking to him?”
Her dark brows shoot up. “The point? Ask your vagina. I can hear her crying from here.”
I roll my eyes. “Be serious, Dom. Think about it: He’s a pro athlete. What does he want with me?”
“Maybe he’s looking for closure. I’m sure he’d like to know why you disappeared so abruptly from his life.”
I chew my bottom lip while guilt gnaws at my insides. “You think that’s what it is?”
“You won’t know until you find out.” She slides my phone closer to me on the desk. “Just text him.”
Heaving a sigh, I lift my phone and type out a text.
Me
Hi, Stephen. It was really good to see you too.
His response is instant.
Stephen
I’d love to see you again.
I hold my phone up so Dominique can see his response. “Now what?”
She grins. “Now you set up a time and place to meet up.”
The dismissal bell rings before I can offer her an excuse as to why I can’t hang out with my ex-boyfriend, and we head outside to our afternoon duties.
After the parking lot clears out, I head to my car and drive to pick up my niece and nephew.
Monday through Friday, I run around like a chicken without a head. Alyssa is split between field hockey and band practice, while Avery takes private art lessons, which means I’m driving them to and from their extracurricular activities and trying to fit in some time to cook a healthy, balanced dinner when we get home.
I don’t know how my sister did it, to be honest. Being a single mom is no joke, but she did it with a smile. Never a complaint. She was Super Mom, and the best big sister too. I strive to be like her every single day, though I know I fall short.
This wasn’t supposed to be my life, but I’m trying my best.
“Who’s that?” Alyssa asks as we finally pull up to the house later that evening.
My gaze follows hers out the passenger window as I roll to a stop beside the curb, and my foot jerks on the brake pedal.
Oh my god.
Chance sits on the top porch step, dressed in all-black with his hood up.
Waiting for me.
Avery, my nervous nelly, glances at me from the passenger seat. “Do you know who that man is?”
I nod, swallowing past the dryness in my throat. “He’s...an old friend. Someone I went to college with.”
Avery’s green eyes narrow. “Did you know he was coming over?”
“No, but it’s okay.” I force a smile. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
Alyssa is out of the car in record time, ever the social butterfly and always down to meet new people. “What’s his name, Aunt Pres?”
“Wait, ‘Lyss.” Avery grabs her backpack as she tries to dart past him, yanking her backward. “He’s a stranger. Stay by me.”
Alyssa rolls her eyes. “He’s Aunt Presley’s friend.”
Avery glances at me with his unsure gaze again, undoubtedly recognizing the fact that I’m caught off-guard. Reading people is my boy’s superpower, perks of being quiet and observant.
I hoist myself out of the car and sling my work bag over my shoulder, lifting my gaze to the man in question.
Chance rises from the porch as we approach, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, and I don’t miss the way his eyes dart to the kids with curiosity.
“Hi, Chance.”
His obsidian eyes meet mine, and it suddenly feels like there isn’t enough oxygen outside. “Hey.”
“Hi!” Alyssa bolts up the stairs to stand in front of him. “I’m Alyssa. This is my brother, Avery. Why are you here?”
So bold. I freaking love her.
I cough out a laugh. “I think you meant to ask if he would like to come inside.”
Her cheeks redden. “Sorry. Would you like to come in? We’re making tacos tonight.”
Chance’s gaze flicks between the three of us before he shakes his head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have come.”
He tries to jog down the stairs, but I reach out and grip his arm. “Chance, wait.”
Despite the fact that it’s only been four years, and Alyssa is nine-years-old, it wouldn’t make sense for him to assume these are my kids. But he doesn’t know if there’s a man in my life, or anything about my life, for that matter, so he’s running like the skittish cat he is.
“I didn’t realize...I thought...” He sputters over his words.
“Chance, these are my niece and nephew.”
Realization settles in, and his shoulders visibly drop like he’s relieved at that information. “Oh.”
I fight the smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “Why don’t you come in so I can get them settled?”
He nods, and takes my work bag off my shoulder. I’m not even sure he realizes he’s doing it. That’s how he always was, doing little things to take care of me in his own quiet way.
Once we’re inside, the kids kick off their shoes and head into the dining room to get started on homework.
Chance stands awkwardly in my kitchen, glancing around at the room.
I turn to face him and lift my eyebrows. “So, you found my address.”
“Your friend the other night said you lived on Beaker Street. Wasn’t hard to find you.”
“And you wanted to find me because...?”
He heaves a sigh before his eyes settle on mine. “You didn’t call me.”
“I didn’t know I was supposed to.”
“I gave you my number.”
“But you didn’t take mine.”
“Hence me finding you.”
I roll my lips between my teeth to suppress a smile. “What is it you came here to say?”
He runs his fingers through his thick dark hair, his hood falling off with the motion. “It’s been four years...”
I nod, waiting for it.
“You just left.” He pauses, eyes searching mine for an answer. “And now you’re here, and I just need to know what happened.”
Guilt twists my stomach. I lean over and peer into the dining room, and Avery and Alyssa’s heads snap back down to their homework.
Eavesdropping little sneaks.
I lower my voice and step closer to Chance. “My sister passed away. She named me as the children’s legal guardian. I was a mess, and I didn’t know what to do. I know I should’ve said something to you and Stephen; I should’ve said goodbye before I left. But honestly? It would’ve been too hard.”
Hurt flashes in his eyes. “You lost your sister, and you didn’t think you could talk to me about it?”
I hike a shoulder, toying with the hem of my blouse. “It was a lot. I had to be here for these kids, and I had to figure things out.”
“You didn’t need to do it by yourself.”
“You would’ve tried to help, and you were both so close to having everything you ever dreamed of. I didn’t want to stand in your way.”
“You were my way.” His jaw clenches as he steps forward into my space. “I?—”
“Aunt Presley?”
Both of our heads turn to Alyssa standing in the doorway. “Are the tacos going to be ready soon? I’m hungry.”
I press my palm to my forehead, completely forgetting about the chopped meat in the fridge that needs to be tossed into the pan. “Yes, I’m sorry. I’ll get them started now.”
Her green eyes flick to Chance. “Do you like tacos?”
He clears his throat as he nods. “I do.”
“You should stay. Aunt Presley never has boys over.”
I choke on my spit, and Chance smirks like he’s pleased at that notion.
I bury my face in the fridge, collecting the meat and peppers before setting them on the counter.
“Where are your pots and pans?” Chance asks.
I bend down and pull out a pan from one of the lower cabinets. “You don’t need to?—”
He gently nudges me aside, and sets the pan on the stove before reaching for the package of chopped meat. “Do you want to get changed into something comfortable? I can handle the tacos.”
My mouth flaps open and closed as I stand there staring up at him.
He leans in and presses a kiss to my temple. “Go. I’ve got this.”
What is happening right now?
I bolt up the stairs and throw on a T-shirt and sweatpants, and that’s when I hear the doorbell ring.
“Aunt Pres,” Avery’s voice calls up to me. “There’s another man standing on the porch.”
Another man?
I run downstairs and skid to a stop in front of the door. Peering through the peephole, my stomach drops to the floor.
No fucking way.
“Are we having a party?” Alyssa asks.
“No, go back inside and finish your homework.”
Neither of the kids move.
I inhale a deep breath and swing open the door.
“Hi, pretty girl.”
With a groan, I yank Stephen’s wrist and pull him over the threshold.
I’m going to kill Dominique.
Stephen’s eyes narrow as he gazes over my shoulder, spotting Chance in the kitchen. “What’s he doing here?”
“I could ask you the same question.”
He holds his arms out wide and grins. “I’m here to see you.” His smile drops when he spots the kids standing beside me. “Oh, fuck. You have kids?”
Alyssa gasps at the sound of the curse word.
I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her close. “This is my niece, and that’s my nephew.”
“Cool.” He waves at them. “Hey, guys. I’m Stephen McKinley. I play for the Goldfinches. You might’ve heard of me.”
“I haven’t,” Avery says flatly, and I stifle a laugh.
But Alyssa’s eyes light up. “I love hockey! I play field hockey.”
“That’s awesome.” He kneels down to get eye-level with her. “What position do you play?”
“Attacker.”
Stephen holds up his palm for a high-five. “That’s badass.”
Alyssa’s wide eyes dart to mine.
“Watch your language,” Avery tells him.
My little man of the house.
Stephen covers his mouth with his hand. “Sorry about that, bud.”
“Finish up your homework.” I guide the kids back into the dining room, and glance at Stephen over my shoulder. “You, kitchen. Now.”
Chance’s nostrils flare when Stephen steps into the kitchen behind me. “What are you doing here?”
“Same as you, it seems.” Stephen reaches around him and pops a pepper slice into his mouth. “I came to talk to my girl.”
Chance grunts. “ Your girl?”
I snap my fingers in front of their faces. “Listen to me, and listen good. You can’t just show up at my house. I have a life. I have kids to take care of. If I’m not calling or texting you, it doesn’t give you an open invitation to stalk me.”
Chance keeps his eyes on the meat as he seasons it, and gives me a curt nod.
Stephen plants his hands on his hips and lets out a long breath through his lips. “Look, I’m sorry for barging in like this. But I’ve been going crazy since I saw you at the game the other night. I’ve wondered what happened to you for years, and now you’re standing in front of me. I can’t believe it.”
Without warning, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a hug.
This man has always worn his heart on his sleeve. It’s the thing I love most about him. He says what he feels, and he means what he says. He’s never ashamed of who he is—and he shouldn’t be. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever known.
I sink into his embrace, and inhale the familiar scent of his cologne. Tears sting my eyes as reality sets in.
My boys are back.
They’re here .
And I know they’re not really my boys, but to me, it feels like they always will be.
I pull back and drop my gaze, trying to hide the evidence of my emotions.
But Chance’s fingers tip my chin until I’m looking into his eyes. “Do I get one of those too?”
I slip my arms around his midsection, squeezing him as his arms come up around my shoulders. His tight muscles relax against me, and he lets out a long sigh.
Where would we have ended up had I not left them junior year? What would’ve happened to us when they got drafted to the NHL and we inevitably parted ways? It’s a question I’ve wondered for years, if I made the right choice.
I never expected to see them again, let alone to have them standing in my kitchen.
And I can’t help the excitement bubbling under the surface.
Where will we go from here?
By the time dinner is over, Stephen has us all doubled over with laughter—even Avery.
The kid doesn’t smile much, but when he does, it’s a brilliant one that could rival the sun.
“Can you come to my field hockey game on Friday?” Alyssa asks.
I hold my hand up to interject. “Oh, I don’t think they?—”
“I have a game this Friday,” Stephen says. “But I’ll have your Aunt Presley send me your schedule, and I’ll see when I can come watch you.”
Alyssa beams, but my stomach twists with unease. These kids have been through a lot, and I’m hesitant to introduce new people into their lives, especially if they aren’t going to be permanent.
“Okay, guys. Upstairs and get ready for bed.” I point my index finger at Alyssa. “You have to do your twenty-minutes of reading tonight, plus the twenty you owe me from last night.”
She grumbles. The kid hates reading, and it’s literally like a knife to my chest every time she says it.
Who hates reading?! It’s blasphemy.
Avery hops up from the table. “Rock, paper, scissors to see who has to shower first?”
The duo scampers into the hallway, yelling about best out of three .
I blow out a long breath through my lips, and lift my eyes between Stephen and Chance. “Well, now you see what I’ve been busy doing for the last four years.”
Stephen shakes his head. “You’re incredible for doing this on your own.”
Chance nods. “I just wish you would’ve told us.”
I roll my eyes. “Come on. You two were getting drafted into the NHL. I was here helping two kids grieve the loss of their mother, while trying to grieve the loss of my sister at the same time.”
“And...?” Chance’s dark brows pinch together. “You think I wouldn’t have come running to help you?”
“That’s the point. I didn’t want to ruin your chances at the life you have now.” I pause, emotion lodging itself in my throat again. “I’m so proud of you both. You’ve made your dreams come true.”
“Regardless, the universe pushed us back together again.” Stephen’s hopeful blue eyes stare into mine before he turns to Chance. “The three of us.”
I gesture between them. “Have you two been?—”
“No.” Chance’s reply is instant and final.
They haven’t been together...since the three of us were?
“He’s still hockey’s mysterious bachelor.” Stephen’s voice drips with disdain. Even after all this time, he’s still bitter about the fact that Chance keeps his sexuality hidden from the world.
Chance rolls his eyes and rises from his seat. “It’s getting late. I should get going.”
“And still running from the truth,” Stephen sing-songs.
Chance’s jaw clenches as he flips him off. “Always a fucking pleasure.”
I stand and walk him toward the front door. “Thanks for taking over dinner tonight.”
Chance turns to face me when he gets to the door, his dark eyes roaming over my face. “Thanks for letting me in.”
I reach up and brush his dark strands out of his eyes. “I know I hurt you when I left, and I’m sorry, Chance. I just thought it would hurt less that way.”
He catches my wrist and presses my palm to his cheek, closing his eyes as he leans into my touch. “It hurt all the same.”
I realize that now.
I pull back my hand and let it drop at my side. “I hope you can get closure now.”
“Closure?” Something flashes in his eyes as they narrow. “You think that’s what this is?”
I hike a shoulder. “What else would it be?”
We can’t have what we once shared. Not again. Not after all this time. Not when I’m raising two children who need me. Our lives are so different now.
Stephen steps up beside us, and leans down to press a kiss to my temple. “Pretty girl, this is just the beginning.”
They’re out the door before I can say anything, before I can ask...
What does that mean?