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“Can you show me how to do that?”
I handed her the other ball that was smaller. Then I demonstrated the way you were supposed to hold the ball and push it off your hand. “Like you’re waving good-bye.”
Wren snorted. “Daddy, that’s silly.”
“Hey. That’s how I was taught. Lie on the ground. I’ll show you how you can practice at home without a hoop.”
We lay side-by-side on the grass next to the driveway, both of us pushing the ball in the air in the motion I’d taught her. At first, Wren’s ball fell away from her more often than not, and she had to jump up and grab it before it rolled onto the street, but after a while, she got the hang of it.
I heard the rumble of Everly’s small sedan as she parked on the curb.
Everly grabbed her bag and got out, walking over to us. “What are you two doing?”
“Playing basketball. Watch,” Lola said as she demonstrated the move again.
Everly smiled at her. “You’re good at that.”
“I’ve been practicing,” Wren said seriously.
Remembering my role, I got up to kiss Everly. It was nice to have someone to greet at the end of the day.
“Ew. Not in front of me,” Wren said dramatically, an arm thrown over her eyes.
“Get over yourself and come say hi to Everly.”
Wren scrambled to her feet, tucking the ball into her side, and hugged her.
Everly closed her eyes, her arms still snug around Wren. “I missed you, sweet girl.”
I wondered if Lola greeted Wren as eagerly when she came home or if she took her presence for granted. I only got to see her for a brief time, so I was appreciative of every minute. But I had a feeling it would be the same no matter how much time Wren spent with me.
“How was dinner?” Everly asked when Wren pulled away.
“Good. We got ice cream.”
Everly’s smile fell slightly. “Sorry I had to miss it. Maybe I can come next time.”
“I’d like that,” Wren said.
If Wren wanted to be alone with me, I trusted she’d say something. I know Everly worried about overstepping, but she’d always been a part of our lives; she was just more now. She needed to get used to being wanted and needed in our lives.
Maybe that was step one of this fairy-tale project. I meant to talk to Wren about that at dinner, but we got sidetracked with her history project, and I forgot to bring it up.
Checking the time, I said, “We need to get you home.”
I was always respectful of the custody agreement. I never wanted to give Lola a reason to say I was irresponsible. Besides, Jackson had drilled into me the importance of adhering to it, even if I didn’t agree with it.
“I wish I could stay longer,” Wren said, hugging Everly again.
“You know what we should do?” The idea suddenly popped into my head.
“What?” Both Everly and Wren said at the same time.
“We should get a puppy.”
Wren jumped up in the air. “Yes!”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Everly said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
