Game On (Aeon Book 1)

by Wendy Smith

  “It’s nice to be here.”

  “How’s Grace?” Becky, Stu’s wife and my office manager, asks.

  “She’s okay. It’s not easy, obviously, but we’re getting there.” I smile. “Thanks for asking.”

  “If you ever need a babysitter, I’m here,” she says.

  Stu nods. “We both are. And I’m picking you might need one if Molly is still in town.”

  “Stu.” Becky nudges his elbow.

  “What?” Stu shrugs at her. “The man’s been divorced for two years. He and Molly were a couple once.”

  “I know, but maybe back off?” She shakes her head, but her smile shows how much she adores him.

  I draw in a deep breath. “Molly is in town. And I’m fine right now, but I’ll remember that. I appreciate it.”

  He grins. “So, you’ve seen her?”

  Lying on my floor, her shirt unbuttoned. I strip her out of her jeans and panties and bury my face in her pussy. Familiarity floods my senses. All this time, and I never forgot her smell or her taste.

  “Yeah, we’ve had a couple of conversations.”

  I look up at a knock on the door and smile at the sight of Bridget.

  “Good to see you here. Are you back at work?” she asks.

  I nod. “First day. I’ll be leaving early from now on to pick up Grace, but I want to get straight back into it. Let me finish my coffee and we’ll do a walk-through.”

  She nods. “I’d be happy to do that. We’ve made some really good progress.”

  “Thanks, Bridget. See you shortly.”

  She pauses for a moment. “It’s good to have you back. We’ve missed you.”

  My gaze moves to Stu. He’s fighting a laugh, and it’s not until Bridget’s gone that he leans closer. “She missed you. You’re pretty popular with the ladies right now.”

  “Oh, leave him alone, Stu.” Becky laughs.

  I grin, but there’s only one lady on my mind right now, other than my daughter.

  Molly Caitlin Beckham.

  I’ve been away from work for two weeks, and in that time, the team has got a lot done. I’m proud of them. As Bridget shows me around the site, I smile at the sight of everyone working hard. I appreciate all of them.

  Did I pack Grace lunch?

  Yes. She helped me. I should stop worrying.

  But what if it’s too much for her?

  The school would call me if there were any issues.

  “Brad?” Bridget nudges my arm.

  “I’m sorry, what?”

  “I said another week and that unit will be complete. The groundwork on the next one is already completed, so then we can make a start.” She smiles. “Are you okay?”

  I nod. “Thinking about Grace.”

  “I’m sure getting into a routine will help. You’re a good dad, Brad. You’ll get there.”

  I let out a sigh. “I know we will. I just wish we didn’t have to, you know? Lane not being around is still so fucking weird.”

  “And it will be for a long time. I was twelve when my mom died. So many times, I’d still go to tell her something, but of course she wasn’t there to talk to. It took months to get out of that habit.”

  I nod. “I guess with Lane and I living apart, I don’t notice that as much.”

  “You’ll work it out. Grace is so easygoing, I’m sure she’ll just go with whatever flow you end up in.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” I smile. “Thanks for listening.”

  “Any time you need an ear, I’m here.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  For a moment, Bridget looks at me as if she’s pondering saying something else. “Now, these plans for the next two units. There’s a small issue with the dig …”

  I look back at the paperwork that Bridget has laid out. It’s hard to focus when my mind is split between thoughts of Grace and thoughts of Molly.

  I’m just glad I have good people who work for me.

  13

  Brad

  It’s been a while since I did the school pick-up.

  Lane did it for the first year and a half after Grace started school, then my mother took over when Lane became sick. Now, I need to make it a part of our new routine. My daughter needs to know I’m here for her.

  At first, I wonder if there’s some special event, but the penny soon drops that this is it. This chaos is simply everyone trying to pick up their kids at once. Including me.

  What fresh hell is this?

  I have to park what feels like a mile away before walking back to the school. Panic fills me. Will I be late? Will Grace think I’ve abandoned her? Am I a bad father?

  I need a drink.

  “Is it always this crazy?” I ask another man walking toward the school.

  He nods. “Every day. The street will be clear in about five minutes.”

  This is insanity. Maybe Grace can play in the playground for a few minutes after school, and I’ll come a bit late. Or work out how early to come.

  Is this what Lane did? Did she come early to pick up Grace? How early? We went through so much before she died, and I learned a lot about her routine, but I bet that there are other gaps like this.

  I turn the corner into the school and head toward Grace’s classroom. When the bell rings, kids spill out, and in a second, they’re everywhere.

  But there’s no missing my girl. With her flyaway blond curls, she stands out in the crowd. And she grins when she sees me.

  I remember when she started school, and Lane told me how excited Grace was to see her at the end of every day. Now, I understand how amazing that felt.

  My little girl only has eyes for me.

  She runs and leaps into my arms as I catch her. I close my eyes as she leans her head on my shoulder.

  “Hey, baby girl. Did you have a good day?”

  “Yes. My bunny’s in my bag. Miss Thorne let me hold her this morning, but I had to put her away this afternoon when we did art. I didn’t want to get paint on her.”

  “A wise decision. Wanna get out of here?”

  She raises her head and nods. I drop her to the ground, and she takes my hand.

  “It’s a bit of a walk to the car. I need to work out what time to get here to get a good place to park.”

  She sighs. “Mommy used to park right outside.”

  “I bet she was here about an hour early to do it.” I laugh. “I’ll work it out.”

  “My legs hurt.”

  “We haven’t gone anywhere yet.”

  She looks up at me with the biggest eyes. “Daddy, can you carry me?”

  “Not really, honey. I promise I’ll park closer tomorrow. Okay?”

  Grace lets out a huge sigh. “Okay.”

  “We’ll stop at the grocery store and get a few things for dinner. Want me to get a treat for dessert?”

  “Can we get some cookie-dough ice cream?”

  I nod. “We sure can.”

  When we get home, I unpack the groceries and start preparing for dinner. My stomach’s in knots at the thought of Molly joining us. But today’s been good. I’ve learned a lot about the school pick-up and what to do in future, and we’ve survived our first day back with some kind of normalcy.

  “Daddy, why are there three plates on the table?” Grace asks.

  I pause. How’s she going to take the news of us having a visitor?

  “Molly’s coming for dinner.”

  Her eyes widen. “Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  A smile spreads across her face, and she claps her hands.

  “You really like her, don’t you?”

  She nods. “She was Mommy’s friend. And she gave me the bunny.”

  “Yes, yes she was Mommy’s friend. And Daddy’s too.”

  “Is she going to be my new mommy?”

  What?

  I stare at her. “No. Lane’s your mommy. Where did you get that idea from?” Even if Molly did become Grace’s stepmom, that’d be a long way down the track.

  “A
t school today, Ellie said that when her mom died, she got a new one.”

  I chew on my bottom lip. “It wasn’t quite like that, Grace.”

  Grace nods. “She said so.”

  “Honey, Ellie’s mommy died when she was a baby. Her daddy married someone new when she was four. There’s no supermarket to buy new mommies.”

  She pouts. “I didn’t think there was, but Ellie said maybe I’d get a new mommy. And I got confused. I miss my mommy.”

  I open my arms and she falls into them. “Maybe one day I’ll find someone to share my life with. And if you want, they can be a mommy to you. But no one will ever replace your mom. She’ll always be your mother. Okay?”

  She nods.

  “I know it’s confusing. Everybody’s situation is different. Right now, I’m enjoying being friends with Molly and hanging out. And I want you to hang out with her too.”

  “Daddy?”

  I smile. “Yes?”

  “Can we get a dog? Ellie said she got a dog too.”

  I chuckle. “We’ll see.”

  The less I hear about Ellie from here on in, the better.

  There’s a knock on the door just before six, and Grace runs to get it.

  “Gracie-boo. What did I tell you about opening the door?”

  “It’ll be Molly.”

  “It might not be. You need to wait for Daddy.”

  She slams her hands to her hips. In that moment, she looks so much like her mother it takes my breath away.

  “Cut the attitude.” I laugh as I pull open the door.

  Molly’s on the other side, a bemused expression on her face.

  “I, uhh, guess you could hear that.” I grin.

  She nods. “Sure did.”

  “I’m glad it’s you.”

  A smile crosses her lips. “It’s good to see you two.”

  “Come in.”

  She kicks off her shoes and steps into the room, bending when she reaches Grace.

  “Hi, Grace. I heard you went back to school today. Was it good?”

  Grace nods. “I took the bunny.”

  Molly grins. “Did you? I’m glad you like it.”

  “I have a lot of other toys. Wanna see?”

  Molly shifts her gaze to me. I shrug. “I’m working on dinner. Go with Grace and I’ll give you a call when it’s ready.”

  She nods at Grace. “I’d love to.”

  Grace grabs hold of Molly’s hand and leads her toward the hallway. As they reach the door, Molly gives me one last look over her shoulder. There’s contentment in her eyes,—it’s like she’s telling me that she’s genuinely happy to be with Grace. This isn’t just for show.

  I head back to the kitchen. The pork chops are done, and I strain the potatoes to mash them. Lane loved cooking. Every time I make one of our favorite meals, it makes me think of her. This may not have been her house, but her presence is everywhere.

  I miss her.

  When the potatoes are mashed, I go to the kitchen door.

  “Dinner’s ready,” I call.

  The thump of footsteps tells me Grace is on her way to the table.

  “Did you wash your hands?”

  She shakes her head.

  “Where’s Molly?”

  “In the bathroom washing her hands.” Grace giggles.

  “Go and join her. Then you can come back to the table.”

  “Okay, Daddy.”

  She passes Molly on the way, and I shake my head as she disappears up the hallway.

  “Smells good.” Molly shoots me a smile that makes my heart thud.

  “It’s nothing too crazy. Pork chops and mashed potatoes.”

  “Yum. Sounds great. Home cooking has been one of the best things about coming back. I eat way too much takeout usually.”

  I nod. “We did for a while when Lane was sick. I didn’t have the heart to cook. But now I have to make sure Grace is well fed, and that means going easy on the pizza.” I point at a chair. “Take a seat, and I’ll bring dinner in.”

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For letting me spend time with Grace. She’s such a sweetheart.”

  I grin. “Yeah, she is.”

  Grace comes running back in and holds up her hands.

  I nod toward the table. “Good girl, now take a seat with Molly, and I’ll get you your dinner.”

  “We have cookie-dough ice cream for dessert,” Grace announces.

  “Do you? I love cookie-dough ice cream.” Molly reaches out and runs a finger through Grace’s hair.

  “Me too! I like pork chops too. They’re Daddy’s favorite.”

  Molly smiles, meeting my gaze. “I remember.”

  “You always did have a good memory.”

  She nods. “I think you’d be surprised at what I tucked away.”

  My heart.

  “I’m sure. I’ll go and get the food,” I say.

  I bring out the dishes, and a lump forms in my throat as I watch Molly with Grace. Molly spoons the mashed potato on Grace’s plate, cuts up her pork chop for her, and charms her into eating her vegetables. They’ve become fast friends.

  “Your dad is a pretty good cook. I remember when he used to burn water.” Molly shares a smile with Grace. My heart swells, despite the insult.

  “You burned water, Daddy?” Grace asks.

  “No. Molly’s exaggerating. But I really wasn’t that good. I used to take turns cooking dinner with your mom, and she taught me everything she knew.”

  Molly nods. “Now, your mom was a great cook.” She meets my gaze. I know what she’s thinking. Lane never really had much of a choice. Her mother worked as many shifts as she could at the bar, and Lane often had to fend for herself.

  “She really was. I’m sure Grace preferred her cooking to mine.”

  Grace nods, and we all laugh.

  This feels so right, sharing memories of Lane with Molly and Grace. Back then, Molly did everything she could to support Lane, and I was right there with her. We did everything together.

  I swallow, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat.

  It’s not easy thinking of both the women I’ve loved. Especially when one is gone.

  But Molly’s here, living and breathing, and she wants to be here.

  She’s my past, but I want her to be my future. And Grace’s.

  “I’m glad you’re here, Molly,” I say.

  “Me too,” Grace says.

  “You’re so sweet.” Molly touches Grace’s arm. “Your dad’s not too bad either.”

  “I’m happy you think so.” I laugh.

  My gaze meets Molly’s. There are so many conflicting emotions running through me, and I think Molly’s feeling the same way.

  She smiles, and looks back down at her plate, scooping up a fork full of mashed potato and popping it into her mouth.

  That mouth I so want to kiss.

  But it scares me that once I start, I’m not going to be able to stop.

  After dinner, Grace takes Molly outside, and I watch from the kitchen while I wash the dishes. Molly pushes her on the swing, and my heart soars watching them together. She’s just what Grace and I need.

  I hope she knows it.

  Eventually, Grace runs in, puffing with exertion.

  “You finished?” I ask.

  She nods. “I’m tired now.”

  “Did you wear Molly out?”

  Molly appears at the door, a wide smile on her face. “We had fun, didn’t we, Grace?”

  Grace turns, wrapping her arms around Molly’s waist.

  For a moment, Molly meets my gaze. Tears well in her eyes. She closes them and embraces Grace.

  “It’s time to get ready for bed, sweetheart,” I say gently.

  Grace lets go of Molly and smiles at me. “Okay, Daddy. Can Molly read me a story?”

  “I’m sure I can manage that.” Molly opens her eyes and wipes the tears from her cheeks.

  “Go get your pajamas on, and brush your teeth.”

&
nbsp; Grace nods, giving me a quick hug before she disappears up the hallway.

  “You okay?” I grasp Molly’s arms.

  She nods. “She’s amazing, Brad. It’s like talking to Lane when she was that age. So sweet and kind.”

  “Grace is her mother’s daughter.”

  “You don’t realize just how much until you spend time with her. She’s lovely.”

  I run my hands down her arms, linking my fingers in hers. “Thank you for being with us tonight. It means a lot.”

  She falls easily into my embrace, and I breathe her in. “Thank you for letting me back in. I wasn’t sure if you would. I wasn’t sure if I wanted you to.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Molly leans back. “I know how much I hurt you. I’m not sure if I deserve a second chance.”

  “I think that’s up to me to decide.” I lick my lips. “You made the decision as to what my fate should be all those years ago. It’s my turn now.”

  She says nothing, just looks into my eyes. I’m lost, just as I always was in her.

  “Molly, can you read me this book?”

  We both turn to see Grace. She’s in her pajamas, and she’s carrying her tattered copy of Where the Wild Things Are. Her eyes widen as she takes in the sight of Molly in my arms.

  “Of course I can,” Molly says, pulling away from me.

  “It’s Mommy’s favorite.”

  I nod. “It really was. She read that so often, I think the two of you knew it off by heart.” Smiling, I take the book from Grace’s hands. “Don’t be surprised if Grace takes over telling the story.”

  Molly grins as I give the book to her. “I’d love that. I remember this from when we were kids, Grace. Your mom loved it even then.”

  Grace slips her hand into Molly’s and tugs at it. “Come on, Molly.”

  “Are you going to say good night to me?” I place my hand on my heart in mock hurt.

  “Good night,” Grace says.

  I lift her into my arms. At seven, she’s getting too big to do this, and that does hurt my heart. But I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can. “Love you, Gracie-boo.”

  She snuggles into my neck. “Love you too, Daddy.”

  “Have a good sleep.”

  I press a kiss to her temple, and she slips down, grabbing Molly’s hand.