“Breaking up and dealing with a death are two very different things,” I said.

“Why death?” Hayley asked, even though she knew. It was her way into the conversation without telling them she knew.

“Grayson’s childhood best friend died very recently and he showed up to practice intoxicated. Sutton tried to sober him up and sneaked him home,” Parker said.

Grayson blushed at her explanation. “So, Parker’s excellent cooking is our way of saying thank you. I don’t want to lose my job over one stupid mistake,” he said. He stood by the bar in the sitting room. “What can I get everyone to drink? Dinner should be ready in about thirty minutes. We should save your wine for dinner. How about a martini?”

“I’ll have one dirty,” I said.

“Tanqueray?” he asked.

“Perfect.”

“Same,” Hayley said.

“I can’t believe you have three boys. I think it’s amazing. What’s it like raising them?” Parker asked.

Hayley laughed. “It’s exactly as horrible and wonderful as you think. Sometimes they want to cuddle and other times they run away when I get too needy. They’re smart, funny, and very caring.”

I took the martini from Grayson and tried to get into the conversation. I was nervous around them only because of our history. It was ridiculous, but I couldn’t help the way I felt. “They are wonderful kids. My goal is to get them interested in all sports.”

With Hayley’s slight frame and Mike’s small stature, they would never be big enough to play football, but there were other sports they could excel at if they wanted to get involved. I smiled thinking of the camaraderie I had with other team members when I was growing up. It made middle and high school tolerable.

“With Mike’s brain, Sutton’s athletics, and my confidence, my boys are going to be quite the force in whatever they decide to do,” Hayley said. Her eyes were shining bright with pride and love for her family. The same light was in Parker’s gaze.

“I know exactly what you mean. The girls love football and soccer, but they also love homework and school in general. They’ll probably be more social than I was,” Parker said.

“You were a cheerleader. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get more popular than that,” I said.

“Unless you’re the quarterback who takes the team to state,” she countered smugly.

“Touché.” I toasted her martini glass against mine and quickly toasted Grayson, too, since she probably meant him. I ignored the embarrassment that crept up my throat and warmed my cheeks. “I’m sure that with the parental support in this room, all the kids will turn out great.” Parker gave me a heated look over the large rim of her glass. It was obvious to me and when I felt Hayley’s knee press slightly into mine, she saw it, too.