Blame it on the Eggnog by Jami Davenport

Author:Jami Davenport [Davenport, Jami]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cedrona Enterprises

* * *

Practice that afternoon started with Dez’s apology and my lecture on every member of this team being a valuable contributor. I further stressed that I wouldn’t tolerate backstabbing in my locker room.

“Anyone who doesn’t want to play as a team, regardless of the makeup of that team, there’s the door.” I pointed to the aforementioned door and directed my gaze at my son, Mason, and then Charlie. I thought I’d glimpsed a bit of a smirk on Charlie’s face, but it disappeared so quickly I decided I’d imagined it. Charlie’s face was one of complete sincerity and absolute buy-in.

“Mason?” I prompted, “is there anything you’d like to say?”

Mason swallowed hard, his eyes narrowed in Charlie’s direction. One scathing glare from me, and Mason shriveled. “I’m sorry, Charlie.”

“Thank you. I accept your apology,” Charlie responded, somewhat magnanimously. Something didn’t sit right with me about this entire situation, but I cautioned myself not to overreact. These kids didn’t have the maturity to deal with adversity, and I had a responsibility to help them build that maturity.

“I’m sorry, Dez,” Mason added.

Dez shrugged and grinned at his teammate. “All good.”

“All right then, let’s get to practice. We’re running a scrimmage today. White against blue. Everyone ready? Get your warm-ups in, and we’ll start.”

The kids leapt to their feet and hustled out the door. Charlie hung back.

“What’s up, Charlie?”

“Thank you for defending me. It’s been tough, Coach.”

“I admire your bravery. It’s not easy being the only girl on a boys’ team. You can always come to me if there’s trouble.”

“Thanks.” She hesitated, and I sensed there was more.

“And?”

“What’s going on with my mom and you?”

“We’re friends and enjoy each other’s company.” I didn’t know what else to tell her.

“That’s good. You know my mom is still in love with my dad.”

“Uh, okay.” I studied her face for signs of deception but saw only concern and sincerity. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She broke into a wide grin and hurried after her teammates as fast as someone could in bulky goalie gear.

I rubbed my chin, deep in thought. I didn’t know how to interpret her claim, but my gut warned me not to take her seriously. Kids always wanted their parents together, and why would she be any different? In my case, my kids knew Bria and I would never be a couple again. In Charlie’s, there was still hope, especially with her dad weaseling his way back into Charlie’s life.

Her warning was a complication I hadn’t counted on, and I’d approach with caution. I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to survive another blow to my fragile heart.

But I knew I wasn’t willing to give up on Serenity and me either.

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