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“Dom.” Tess gives me a pleading look. “Let’s sit down.”
The man I was before meeting her would have stood his ground and given this asshole what he’s got coming to him. I want to be a better man for her, though, and for her kids.
I slide my hand into hers and walk with her to the bleachers.
“I’m so sorry,” she says softly.
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.”
“I know, I just...I know he’s a complete asshole, but today is important to Hannah. She might qualify for nationals today.”
I keep hold of her hand, forcing myself not to look at Nick.
“This is her day,” I say. “All the attention should be on her.”
She leans over and speaks in my ear. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Hey, Dom,” Cam says from Tess’s other side.
Zane and the twins are there, too. Zane’s wearing one of the Colorado Coyotes hoodies I gave him. That has to be grinding Nick’s gears.
Not that I fucking care. If he feels left behind by his kids, it’s his own damn fault.
“Can we go to the beach?” Hannah asks Tess over dinner later that evening. “I’ve always wanted to see the beach.”
“I’ll try to make it happen.”
Hannah hasn’t stopped smiling since she got the news that she qualified for nationals with her dance team. She’s going to Florida, and Tess is hoping to go with her.
When I offered to take everyone to dinner to celebrate, I didn’t think about Nick. Zane invited him to join us, so now he’s sitting across the table from me, giving me a death glare as he sips his second beer.
“We’re going to have to sell a lot of candy bars,” Tess reminds her for the second time since we got to the restaurant.
“I know.”
“Why don’t you get your mom’s rich boyfriend to pay for it?” Nick says in a sulky tone.
The table is silent for a couple of awkward seconds. I decide to call Nick’s bullshit.
“I’d be glad to pay for it.”
“No, you don’t need to do that,” Tess says.
“Well, if selling candy bars doesn’t raise all the money, I’ve got the rest. Hannah worked hard for this, I want you guys to have a great trip.”
Nick’s glare turns disgusted.
“Thank you, Dom,” Hannah says. “We have businesses sponsor the team and we put their names on our shirts. I can put your name on my shirt. Or the Coyotes.”
“My team would be honored.”
Tess squeezes my hand beneath the table.
“Can we go watch Hannah dance?” Sam asks Cam.
“No, buddy. It’s a long way away.”
