Page 105 of Over Time Advantage

In reality, I’m meeting Harper tonight, but Kennedy doesn’t know about that yet. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her about Fallon and me, but they’ve grown close. Kennedy so obviously needs Fallon. I don’t want to do anything that would harm their relationship.

“Not much. Just wanted to make sure my daughter got home safe and sound.”

She gives me a genuine smile. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it.” She fidgets nervously. “It…umm…seems as though my beatdown of Diane Garma has gotten a lot of press.”

I let out a laugh. “That’s the understatement of the year.”

Kennedy’s punch is everywhere. Everywhere. It’s on the news, on all the sports channels, and Pierce told me it’s all over social media. She’s become a bit of a cult hero for defending her teammate. They’re calling her a superhero. Pierce showed me GIFs and memes of Kennedy in a costume he said is the Black Widow’s. He’s relishing in her bolstered stardom.

She nods. “My voicemail and emails are flooded with new endorsement offers.”

I smile. “That’s great, sweetie.”

“It is. I’m overwhelmed. I think I might look for a bigger agent. Do you mind?”

I had passed the name of a small agent friend of mine to her last year. “Of course not. Whatever is best for you. Do you want me to call Leo?”

She scrunches her face. “Nah, I want to do it on my own. I don’t want him taking me on as a client as a favor to you.”

I shrug. “I don’t think it would be, but you have a good head on your shoulders. Do what you think is best for you.”

She smiles with pride. “I will.”

“Where are you going, Dad?” Pierce asks.

I jerk back in surprise as I walk past my kitchen, where he’s suddenly appeared. “Hey, bud. I didn’t know you were here. I have dinner plans. Do you need me to cancel?”

He shakes his head. “No. Who are you having dinner with?”

“With nunya. Nunya business,” I joke, hoping he doesn’t prod further.

He cracks a smile. “Did you just attempt a joke, bruh?”

“Yes, bruh, I suppose I did. This old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve.” I wiggle my eyebrows up and down.

He lets out a laugh. “You look chopped.”

I glance down at myself. “Is that good?”

He shakes his head. “No. You look like a Bible salesman.”

I’m in jeans, a white button-down shirt with a tie, and a navy blue blazer. Perhaps it’s a bit much to meet a nine-year-old.

“Hmm, maybe I should change.”

“You should def change. Can I have a friend or two over to watch Super Mario Galaxy Movie on the big screen?”

I nod. “Of course, but I thought you were with your mom tonight.”

His face falls. “Nah. She’s an opp right now.” He hasn’t wanted to spend time with Ginny since she brought that young guy to the game. It’s got me terrified to introduce him to Fallon. I don’t want to alienate him. He needs one of us to look out for his best interests.

“Don’t be so hard on her.” I sigh in light of his silence. “Have you spoken to Kennedy? She’s back.”

He nods. “Yep. She called me today. We’re having lunch tomorrow. She said she has a mad grad gift for me.”

She missed his high school graduation because of her league-mandated rehab. He handled it shockingly well. I think she promised him some elaborate gift in exchange for him not freaking out over it.

I stand at Fallon’s door more nervous than I’ve ever been for anything in my life. For some reason, this larger-than-life nine-year-old has this two-hundred-and-fifty-pound man on edge. Fallon and I agreed we won’t discuss that Kennedy is my daughter. Harper spends time with her, and we want to tell Kennedy when we’re prepared to tell Pierce.