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I nod and try to smile, but there’s a pinch of recognition in my gut as I remember every time Josh left, knowing that truth.
My eyes drift to the little boy who reaches for his father, and I hold my breath, willing my mind not to wonder what it would be like to see Josh holding Ax.
“Anyway, I’m sorry we interrupted, but we love you guys. You’re absolutely the cutest, and our military family is rooting for you.” She looks at me. “Your story is so inspirational. Would it be possible to get a picture?”
I look at Sean, and he stares back at me like he doesn’t know how to answer either.
“Actually…we just work together.” I stammer all over myself like I’m new to the world. “But…sure.”
The woman's brow scrunches, her eyes flicking between the two of us like she doesn’t believe a word of it.Ugh. This isn’t going to work.
I stand as she pulls her phone out of her pocket, and Sean follows.
He shakes the husband’s hand. “Thank you for your service, and stay safe.”
My mind floods with memories, and sadness for what will never be creeps up my throat. The man nods and tells Sean what a big fan he is, and then we squish together to fit into the frame. After a few clicks, we separate, and they thank us again before leaving.
Once we’re seated again, Sean studies me for a second. I want to crawl under the table with the way his eyes are lingering on my face.
“Are you alright?” His voice is soft and full of concern, and I can’t help but wonder what he sees that makes him ask that question.
Can he see me swimming in the emotions of telling Josh goodbye the last time or the excruciating reminder that he’ll never hold his son? The son he didn’t get the chance to know he’d have. So many things are running through my mind, but I push it all down to get back to working together, worried it’s a terrible idea.
“Yeah.” I push my hair behind my ear, trying to shake it all off. “Thanks for the tea.” I take a sip, readying myself to get down to business, but first, I want to revisit what we’re doing. “Do you think this is a good idea?”
He looks around, his hand rotating his bottle of water. “For you and me, I don’t know. The more we’re together, the more people will think whatever they want. If that bothers you, then we shouldn’t do this. If we want to join forces to do something good, I say to hell with whatever people think we are or aren’t. Imean, what more can they really say? I’m kind of done giving a shit.”
That makes me smile, and I don’t even try to hide it.
One of his light eyebrows hitches up toward the clasp of his hat. “Why are you smiling?”
I lift a shoulder. “The guy in the elevator definitely gave a shit, Sean. This is a fast turnaround, and in my experience, it takes a while to get to the level of truly not giving a single crap.”
“Are you telling me you don’t care that people think we’re sleeping together and may continue to spin stories as long as Morgan wants to feed them?”
I glare at him, knowing he’s right. I do care, but only because it affects my business and, if this doesn’t stop it, at some point, possibly my son.
When I don’t respond, he pushes forward. “Andie, at this point, I’m just ready to try to turn this around, so unless you’ve changed your mind, tell me what you’re thinking.”
I lean back in my chair. “I’m thinking, if we can use the attention to help some people in need, then maybe all this nonsensical noise will be worth it.”
“Ok. So let’s do it.” He downs about half of his water. “What ideas do you have?”
I fiddle with my pen. “I thought we could combine things we’re passionate about. The couple just here gave me the idea of honoring military families and veterans. The stress and hardship of that life is real. It’s a big sacrifice for servicemen and women and their families.”
“What about the kids at the hospital?”
I weigh my head from side to side. “Most of them are currently in treatment or recovering. Not all days are good days, and it would be sad for some to miss out. Plus, getting them to the stadium could be a challenge. Really, just stopping in tosee them would be amazing. That’s where they need their spirits lifted.”
He nods, thinking about what I said.
“How about you? Is there something you’re passionate about you’d like to call attention to or honor?” I’m curious to see if there really is something deeper to this man.
He rolls the cap to his water bottle between his fingers as the self-assured guy looks just a little bit uneasy. “I was thinking we could do something with local foster families.”
Well, that’s not what I was expecting.“Foster families?”
“Yeah. I grew up in foster care and would have lost my mind if I’d been able to go to a game, let alone spend a morning with some players. It would’ve been a dream come true for a kid with nothing to look forward to. Adding you to the mix only makes the deal that much sweeter. Those kids…”
