Coach barks out orders for our after-practice workout and Wes and I fall silent.

I groan at the grueling conditioning I have to look forward to when all I want to do is go home and pass out. Maybe Wes is right. I mean one night over there and I’m dog tired.

“I’ve thought about it – what it means to be with her short term and long term,” I tell my buddy, but it feels more like I’m finally admitting it to myself. “I liked my life before I met Katrina, but when I’m with her and Christian, I dunno man, I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

He nods, considering my words and letting them soak in. That’s Wes, always thinking and calculating. I stand ready to get through the next hour so I can go home and make up for the sleep I lost this morning. One thing is certain, if I’m gonna stay over again, I need to teach the kid how to sleep in on weekends.

“Hey,” Wes calls. “You didn’t say what happened to your high school girl. Did she have the baby? There a little Joel or Joelina out there somewhere?”

It’s a wound that never quite heals and pain slices through me as I shake my head. “Nah, wasn’t meant to be, I guess.”

28

KATRINA

I’m beyond nervous as I pull into the driveway at Nadine’s house.

“Christian, we’re here.”

I grab his bag out of the back before I unbuckle a sleepy-eyed Christian.

Victor and I have always maintained a civil relationship, but it doesn’t make seeing him any easier. I never loved him, and he never loved me. We were a short fling that had long repercussions.

“Here, I’ll get him,” Nadine says, and I move so she can lift Christian from his car seat.

I glance around realizing Victor’s car isn’t here. “Where’s Victor?”

A look of guilt crosses her face before she schools her expression. “One of his friends asked him to fill in on a softball league now that he’s moved home. He’ll be back later.”

Unbelievable. I bite my tongue, but Nadine reads my expression.

“I tried to talk to him.”

I nod because I’m sure she did. She isn’t perfect, but she never has trouble speaking her mind. “I think maybe it’s time I talk to him about it.” I let out a long breath. “Are you sure you want to keep him the whole week?”

Technically this time is Victor’s, but we both know she’s the one that’s really going to be watching him.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Alright, a whole week buddy. You excited?” I look down to my son who is nothing but excited. I’ve never been away from Christian for an entire week, and even knowing I’ll see him Wednesday at soccer practice, I’m feeling all kinds of out of sorts.

“Victor is going to drive him back and forth for soccer practice on Wednesday. I’ll text him to remind him of the time and place. You know you can call me any time and I’ll be here as soon as I can.”