“Please, Dominique. Let’s not go there. Justin has mentioned his cousin on several occasions. He’s talked about how good a quarterback he is, and how he, too, has dreams of going pro.” This was a true statement, but it was also true that Jake was aware of Michael’s role in Justin’s maturation. He decided that there were worse crimes than lying by omission. “Justin’s doing much better in math,” he continued, making no bones about changing the subject. “But then, I’m sure you’re aware of the A he got on his last test.”

“He was very proud of that grade,” Dominique conceded. “I’m sure that came in no small part to your tutoring efforts. And even though it’s obvious that you’re changing the subject... thank you for taking time with him.”

“It is my pleasure to tutor those kids. And you’re welcome.” Feeling that he’d once again sidestepped one of the bones of contention between them, Jake got down to the business of his call. “I asked what Justin was doing this weekend because I’ve been invited to a special tribute for next Sunday’s Raiders game in Oakland. I’d like to take Justin with me. And I’d like—”

“An overnight trip?” Dominique interrupted. She sounded suspicious.

“We’d leave on Saturday morning and return after the game on Sunday night. It would mean a late night for the boys, but I figure one night’s lack of sleep won’t kill them.”

“Boys? Who else is going? You know what, it doesn’t even matter. I’ve already made plans for Justin. He can’t go.”

“Trust me, Dominique. Justin would rather come on this trip, no matter what other plans you’ve made.”

“Listen, I have another call coming. Thanks for the invite, Jake, but I’m going to have to pass on this one.”

Several hours later, Dominique pulled into her garage and closed the door. She sat there for a few moments, trying to still the discomforting feelings roiling inside her. She’d been on edge ever since Jake’s phone call. Actually, Dominique realized, she’d been edgy for about a week now, the time that had passed since she and Jake last made love. Throughout the day, she’d gone back and forth with her decision not to let Justin go to Oakland. On one hand, she knew that Justin loved the Raiders. And to attend the game with Jake, a former Raiders star? For her son, it would be like a dream come true. But on the other hand, Dominique knew that a shared experience such as this one would only deepen Justin’s feelings for Jake, make it even easier for Justin to imagine him in a fatherly role. And it would only deepen the pain if things didn’t work out, and Jake stopped being a part of their lives.