When the timer chimed, Grayson pointed to the dining room. “Let’s get caught up over dinner.” I watched as he pulled the chair out for Parker. I expected a jab to the heart, but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. They were married and obviously cared for one another.

Hayley sat across from Parker and I sat across from Grayson. It worked for me. Seeing Grayson didn’t sting like it used to. We were friendly and since we worked together, he was starting to become just another player on the team. I hoped to get that comfortable with Parker.

“So, thank you again, Sutton, for saving my ass,” Grayson said.

“We all do them. Make bad decisions,” I said. I shrugged. “We’re not perfect.”

“Leaving my husband alone with my boys is a bad decision, but I need alone time. It’s nice to get away, but I dread going home. The house will be in complete disarray and the kids one step away from Lord of the Flies characters,” Hayley said.

“Can I see photos of your kids?” Parker asked. Hayley quickly pulled out her phone and showed them her family. “Oh, my gosh. They are so adorable. And they look just like your husband.” Parker handed the phone back to Hayley. “What does he do?”

“He’s an engineer. He does well enough so that I can stay home with the boys.”

“That’s great. You seem happy. You always had a motherly instinct about you. Even when we were kids,” Parker said.

“She was always protecting me, that’s for sure,” I said.

“Even when you didn’t need it,” Hayley said. A tender moment passed between us and I squeezed her hand.

“I’m so happy you two are still so close. Hayley always had your back,” Parker said.

“So, you know about my life, tell us about yours. I’m assuming you dated in college and got married shortly after,” Hayley said. I knew that I could get through this with her beside me.

Parker seemed so relaxed. “Grayson was drafted right out of college. We got married after his first year in the NFL and had Vee and Rose. We’ve moved quite a bit but I’m hoping we make Bridgemont our forever home so the kids can have stability.”

“You started in Miami, right?” I asked.

“Yes. I was there for five years, then got traded to Pittsburgh. Took Miami to the playoffs three out of five years, and Pittsburgh twice. I was second string in Baltimore so I didn’t see a lot of playing time.”

“You’ve had a solid career and should be proud of it.” Was I really pumping up Grayson Moats?