Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Sophie
The sun warmed my face as I settled into my chair beside Rob. I adjusted my sunglasses, watching Tyler’s team jog onto the field. He followed at a slower pace and took his place on the pitcher's mound, looking so grown-up. Beside me, Rob shifted in his seat, a proud smile on his face.
“He's really come into his own this season,” Rob said, his eyes never leaving Tyler.
“He’s definitely more confident.”
“I’m sure working with Leo the past couple years is part of the reason for that.”
I nodded as we fell into a comfortable silence, both of us focused on the game. Tyler wound up and delivered a fastball the umpire called strike one. I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. He’s been pitching since Little League, but I’m still a nervous wreck every time he takes the mound.
My whole body relaxed as the third batter hit a fly ball to left field to end the inning. The crowd cheered, and I couldn't help but smile.
“I can't believe how fast he's growing up,” Rob mused. “Seems like just yesterday he was learning to throw a ball.”
I glanced at Rob, feeling a pang of nostalgia. Despite everything, we had shared many good years together.
“Yeah, time flies,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light.
As Tyler’s team batted, my thoughts drifted to Jamie. It’s been a week since we’ve spoken. I wonder what he was doing, if he misses me as much as I miss him. Is he trying to figure out a way to deal with Rob's presence in my life or is he convinced this break should be permanent?
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask Jamie to come along.”
I blinked. It’s as if the man can read my mind.
“He’s finishing up the White Plains house this weekend,” I said, sounding confident even though I have no idea if that’s true or not.
“I really like him.”
“Yeah, he’s a great guy. ”
The ache in my chest grew stronger and I placed my hand over it, hoping to ease the pain.
“But I should have expected that,” he chuckled. “You only date the best guys.”
“Yeah,” I said, unable to muster even a polite laugh.
Rob’s smile was replaced by a look of concern. Before he could say anything, Tyler took the mound again and we both turned our attention to him.
We’d scored three runs, so I’m a little less nervous. I always feel better when we have a little bit of a lead.
Once again, Tyler did well. He got three outs on only four pitches. Two of the batters swung at the first pitch and grounded out, and the third took a ball then lined out to the shortstop.
“Is something wrong?” Rob asked as our team headed to the dugout. “You didn’t even laugh at my goofy dad joke.”
I debated about how to answer. It seems strange to discuss my current relationship woes with my ex-husband, but after a few seconds, I just decided to tell him.
“Jamie and I are on a break.”
Rob's eyebrows shot up.
“Why? What happened?”
I nibbled at my bottom lip, uncertain how to explain without being specific.
“We have some things to work out and it seemed like a better idea if we take time apart so we can each figure out what we want.”
“With the way you picked your words so carefully, I get the feeling there’s a piece of the puzzle you’re not sharing.”
As I thought about it, I decided there’s no reason not to tell him.
“Jamie's concerned about how much time we spend together,” I said. “I think the fact that we travel together is one of his biggest issues.”
Rob nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes then he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Ah, I see.”
He didn’t look surprised by what I’d said and for the first time I wondered why his last relationship really ended. At the time, he said it just wasn’t going anywhere and they’d decided to call it quits. But now I wonder.
“Did it bother Darcy?”
He nodded, but stayed focused on the field.
“It did.”
“Is that why you broke up?” I asked, curious despite myself.
“Partially.” He shrugged. “But honestly, I liked her, but I wasn't in love with her. The relationship would have come to a natural end anyway. We just ended it a little sooner.”
We both fell silent for a moment, watching as Tyler's team switched to defense. I forced myself to focus on my son pitching instead of my relationship issues for the next three outs. Thankfully he’s being efficient with his pitches today, so before I knew it, he’d gotten the third out.
“I just don’t understand why he’s so threatened,” I said. “Why would we have put our kids through a divorce only to fool around on people we date? It doesn’t make sense.”
“Would it bother you if the shoe was on the other foot?”
“My pole ladies asked me the same thing.”
“And what was your answer?”
“That I’d be okay with it.” I shook my head. “But I don’t know.”
We watched the next two innings in silence. What seemed so clear to me last week is now a little blurry.
“I know we're committed to our kids and always being a family,” Rob said. “But if it's causing problems with Jamie, we can pull it back a little. Maybe I’ll skip the Sea Isle trip this year.”
“No,” I said quickly, surprising myself with the vehemence in my voice. “That wouldn't be fair to you or the kids.”
Rob studied me for a moment.
“Is it worth losing Jamie over?”
I mulled over his question through the first two batters.
“Are you going to just stay away forever if Jamie and I end up together?" I asked, then shook my head before he could respond. "That's ridiculous."
“How long has this break been going on?” Rob asked.
“A week.”
“And how long are you planning to let it go on before you talk to him again?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
“I'm not sure. Part of me is hoping he'll call and tell me he’s okay with everything.”
Rob raised an eyebrow.
“But you don't think that's going to happen?”
I laughed humorlessly.
“Things like that only happen in the romance novels I write, Rob. Real life is messier.”
“Look, I know it's not my place to give advice about your love life, but I think you should talk to him. Be honest about how you feel, about what you want and listen to his concerns. If you both want this relationship to work, you'll find a way to make it happen."
I pondered his words, realizing the truth in them. But the fact that they’re true doesn’t mean Jamie and I will live happily ever after.
Jamie
I moved the roller against the wall, replacing the stark white paint with Tuscan
beige, adding warmth to the space. As I refilled the roller, I glanced over my shoulder at Ed working on the trim behind me. At sixty-six, his hand is as steady as ever. I’m decent at trim work, but he makes me look like an amateur, plus he works twice as fast.
He looked over at me, then glanced at the mostly-painted wall.
“Looks good,” he said. “I like the color.”
I nodded.
“Thanks again for helping out with this and the spackling.”
“Anytime.”
As I returned to painting, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The smell of fresh paint, working alongside Ed, and 70’s music in the background all reminded me of my teenage years when I spent countless hours on job sites with him. I learned everything I know about construction and home renovation from him. But he’s given me so much more than the skills I now use to make my living.
He and Maggie had given me a safe haven when my home life was in chaos or my parents left me alone and scared. And more than that, they showed me what it’s like to be part of a real family. Their influence definitely shaped me, and I often wonder how different my life would have been without them.
I'd always dreamed of having a life like the Booth’s…marriage, kids, a home filled with laughter. But something in my radar was off. I always seemed to end up with women who either cheated or wanted me to be something I’m not. Elliott always says I’m a bad picker, but sometimes I think my bloodline is cursed. That’s why after my last breakup, I decided to throw in the towel. I’d rather be alone than deal with repeated heartache.
Then I met Sophie
Before I could go down that rabbit hole, Ed’s voice broke through my thoughts.
“Ready for a lunch break?”
I nodded, grateful for the distraction.
“Definitely”
We cleaned up and headed to the same diner where I'd taken Sophie and my mood shifted. It’s only been a week, but it feels like forever since I’ve talked to her, seen her smile. Our FaceTime calls were the highlight of my days.
After the waitress took our orders and left, Ed looked at me with concern.
“How are you, Jamie?”
I shrugged, avoiding his gaze.
“Okay.”
“You and Sophie still on a break?” he asked, surprising me.
Ed rarely brought up my relationships.
“Yeah, we are,” I said. “And to be honest, I don't see how things between us are going to work out.”
Ed nodded. Since Elliott brought it all up at Tuesday-night dinner, he knows the main issue.
“Between your parents’ screwy relationship and your past with women, I get why her ex hanging around all the time bothers you,” he said. “Besides feeling jealous, you’re probably wondering where you fit in.”
“Logically I know that there's probably nothing going on between Sophie and Rob, but I can't shut off my feelings. My track record with women is pretty shitty.”
I purposely didn't address the last thing he said. It sounds a bit pathetic for a grown man to worry about something like that.
“I get it,” Ed said, his voice gentle. “But you can't hold what other women did against Sophie. She's not them.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
“I know that, but?—”
“For what it's worth,” Ed interrupted, “I like Sophie. Maggie does too. We think you’re good together.” He chuckled. “And I can't say that about a lot of the other women you've dated over the years.”
The waitress approached with our lunch, saving me from having to respond. My mouth watered as she set the hot roast beef in front of me. I picked up my fork and cut off a piece of tender meat and bread, making sure to slather it in the rich gravy before popping it into my mouth. As I chewed, I looked across the table and saw Ed enjoying his Reuben.
Unlike Elliott, who harps on things until I talk to him, Ed has always been a man of few words. He speaks his peace and then gives you space to think. And of course, I can’t stop thinking about the fact that he and Maggie think Sophie and I are good together. Maggie had said as much at dinner, but coming from Ed, it just hits different.
Ed finished half of his sandwich, then wiped his hands and took a drink. As he set his glass down, he looked me in the eye.
“You know, as old-fashioned as it may sound, I'll be happy when all my kids are settled down with someone to love.”
I opened my mouth to remind him that Ed, Elliott, and Eileen are all settled down, then snapped it closed. My eyes welled up as the implication of his words sank in. Ed considers me one of his kids. He smiled and nodded, confirming my unspoken realization.
“Don't let your past hurts cloud your future, Jamie,” he said softly. “Sophie's a good one and you deserve happiness.”
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check.
“But what about Rob? He's always going to be in the picture.”
“True. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for you. From what you've told me, Sophie's made it clear she wants you in her life. Maybe it's time to trust that.”
“It's not that simple.”
“Of course it's not,” Ed agreed. “Nothing worth having ever is. But ask yourself this, is the possibility of a life with Sophie worth working through your fears?”
As we finished eating and headed back to the house, Ed's words kept echoing in my mind. The thought of a life without Sophie is more painful than I want to admit.
By the time we finished for the day, I’d made a decision.