His smile is easy. “Did you get what you needed?”

I consider what I learned today. I didn’t write down a single note, but I do feel like I got the tiniest peek into their lives. “I’m not sure,” I answer honestly. “I got so swept up in your mom and aunts that I found myself listening more than asking any of the questions I intended.”

“Send me the questions and I can email them to my mom, or you could always come back next week. Standing invitation.”

“You guys really do that every Sunday?”

“Yep. I don’t make it every week. Practice and away games sometimes interfere, but every Sunday at noon lunch is served at the Moreno house for anyone who shows up.”

My phone beeps and I read Victor’s message telling me it’s fine that I’m going to be a few minutes late.

“Late to pick up your son?”

It’s the first time he’s mentioned the bombshell I dropped, and I don’t miss the tightness in his voice. I wonder if he’s disappointed because I have a kid or because I didn’t tell him. It’s better not to ask. The first option is soul crushing and the second is completely valid and all on me. I should have told him and avoided this whole awkward tension.

“Yeah, I’m supposed to be home in…” I check the time. “Three minutes.”

“Where do you live?”

“West side of town. Columbia and Main.”

“The West Lot apartments?”

“Yeah,” I answer.

I notice the increase in speed, but he seems to have a good command of the car so I don’t mention it.

“I like that area. I grew up a few blocks from there.”

“You did?” I’m surprised. It isn’t a bad neighborhood, but it isn’t nearly as nice as where his parents live now either.

“Yeah, we moved across town when I was in high school. My cousin Lucas lives there now. I’ll take you to your apartment and if you give me your keys, I’ll get your car back to you tonight.”

“That’s really not—”

“You need your car before tonight?”

I shake my head.

“You want to be on time or not?” He smirks.

“You’re going to get me there in three minutes?” I check my phone. “Two minutes.”

He nods. “Give or take two minutes. Anything less than five isn’t late.”

If my stomach weren’t in knots to get to my son, I’d be impressed with his cockiness even in a time like this. He breezes through the side streets toward my neighborhood with a sureness and ease that further proves his knowledge of the area.

Despite the amazing time I had today, it’s relief and happiness I feel when Joel pulls up to the curb in front of my apartment building. I open the door before he’s come to a full stop.

“Thank you so much.” I jump out of the car and then pause before shutting the door. “Today was really great. Your family is fantastic. Thank you for all of it. And for getting me home impressively fast.”