It was Sandy’s turn to laugh. “I was eighteen once, trying to sneak around. I know what it looks like. And they’re not nearly as clandestine as they think they are. So there’d be a problem with the parents?”
“I’m not sure how much I should say.”
“I’ll be discrete, I promise.”
I shared with her what I knew about the Ellises, noting how that focused, penetrating look stole back over her face as I did.
“It’s sweet of the girls to block for them.” She sighed. “It shouldn’t have to be like that. They shouldn’t have to hide.”
“Like we shouldn’t hide?” I suddenly felt bad about my own fearfulness.
“Sweetheart, we’re just starting out, and you have children, and baggage. We’re not kids. But they are. They’re what, sixteen? Seventeen? They’re supposed to be dating at that age, figuring out who they are.”
I nodded, resting against my lover. “Still, I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t have baggage. That we could just be together.”
“Sweetheart, we’re both over forty. Baggage is a given. As long as we’re moving forward I’m content.” She just held me for a moment before speaking again. “You know, if you want some practice at being a couple in public, I have to go to a wedding in a few weeks, an old teammate of mine. You could come. I think it’s a weekend you don’t have the kids.”
“Here in town?”
“Actually it’s down in Charlotte. See, no one would know you.”
I grimaced. “Charlotte? I’d have to tell Bill that I was going out of town. We always keep each other apprised of that sort of thing.”
“Do you have to tell him why?”
I thought about that for a second. I almost never left town. He did, both for work and weekends away with Ashley, often to visit her parents in Virginia. He generally told me why he was leaving, a refreshing change from during our marriage, but I guess he didn’t have to, as long as I knew how to get ahold of him.
“He’d want to know, but I guess not. They wouldn’t mind you bringing a woman as a plus one?”
Sandy laughed. “No, I’m sure neither of the brides would mind.”
Wow, I guess I wasn’t expecting that. But I’ll admit it piqued my curiosity. I’d never been to a LGBTQ wedding. And it would mean a chance to dance with Sandy, somewhere other than in her living room, at least. But were we ready for a weekend away together? I don’t know, but I’ll admit I liked the person I was around her, and not just because she made me feel desirable. She made me feel like Melanie, not just Mom, or an ex-wife.
“Okay, let’s do it.”
Sandy’s face lit up. “Really? Huzzah!”
I giggled. “Huzzah?”
“Yep, Huzzah.” She leaned closer, grinning, our noses feathering together for a moment before our lips each found the other.
***
“Grandpa!”
“Hey, sweetheart, you played amazing! Just a ‘page’ out of the old book, huh?”
Paige rolled her eyes as she released my dad from her hug. “Grandpa, you’ve been saying that since I was six.”
He touched Paige’s nose. “That’s because it’s true. You aren’t the only athlete in the family, you know.”
Bill and Ashley came up from my left. My dad’s expression cooled some, but he stayed cordial.
“Bill.”
“Mr. Sullivan. Hey kiddo.”
“Hi, Daddy.” Paige gave her father and stepmom a hug, talking about the game for a minute.
Coach Dalton was talking to the Perry’s, something I could tell she was not enjoying. I doubt anyone else would have known, as her face was a carven portrait of professionalism. Senator Perry was speaking, wearing one of those practiced, politician masks that sent chills up your spine. But if he was trying to intimidate the coach, he wasn’t succeeding. I don’t really know what he was on about, since Adrienne had scored both goals in the girls’ 2-0 win.
After a few more moments Sandy moved away, her eyes angry. I couldn’t tell who had gotten in the last word, but if it hadn’t been the coach I wasn’t sure she’d even noticed. Her eyes scanned the crowd until they came to rest on our little group. As soon as she saw me her expression softened, a sad smile tugging at the corners of her lips. I gave her a tiny, hopefully unnoticed wave, mouthing the work ‘hi.’ For the briefest moment her eyes sparkled, and I wanted to run to her, or maybe walk sedately until she was holding me.
I controlled myself, though, and Sandy’s face hardened back into the professional mask she’d been wearing before she made it to our little group. She nodded to Bill and me in turn before turning to Paige.
“Paige, time to get everyone rounded up. Let’s get’em on the bus so we can head back.”
“You got it, Coach.” Paige jogged away, speaking up to get the attention of the others. “Let’s go, ladies! Lady Panthers! Towards the bus, please!” I was impressed with the command in her voice, like someone who expected to be obeyed. I couldn’t imagine doing that at her age.
We weren’t far from the school, just on the south side of town, but policy said the team had to ride back together from all road games. Sandy left her captain to it, turning back towards me. “She really played well today, Melanie, Bill. She, Kaylin and Bobbie Leigh won us that game. They were a wall.”
I smiled at her, trying not to let it get too wide. My heart was already beating faster at her mere presence. “Thanks, Coach Dalton.” God it felt weird calling her that. “Coach, this is my dad, Paige’s grandfather.”
My dad stepped forward. “Warren Sullivan, nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot of good things so far.”
Sandy shook his hand. “Sandra Dalton, thank you. Paige is a joy to coach. Receptive, enthusiastic, makes everyone around her better. Unlike some others.” Sandy glanced back toward The Perry’s, who were walking toward the parking lot.
“Same issue?”
“It’s getting frustrating. Dani has really been working hard, doing the right things on that wing, and she should be getting rewarded with some shots. But every time Adrienne touches the ball in the circle she shoots. Doesn’t matter if it’s a good shot or not.”
I grimaced. “Yeah, just be careful. Her parents throw a lot of weight in the school. Paige loves playing for you, I wouldn’t want…”
“I know, but I wasn’t kidding about what I said at the welcome dinner. And if Adrienne doesn’t come around she’s going to get benched.” Sandy let out an exasperated breath. “Thing is, she passes in practice. I’m going to have to figure out what’s going on.”
Bill shook his head. “I have an idea.”
Sandy nodded, looking back at the Perry’s. “Yeah, me too. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I’ve had the coaching staff put together a highlight reel for Paige, and I want to start sending it off to some schools.”
Bill looked at me, his eyes widening, asking my opinion. I responded quickly. “Absolutely.”
“Good. I expect scouts to start showing up soon. Be ready to get some calls.” Sandy started walking away, sparing a last glance at me, which made my heart do a little flip.
My dad took my arm. “Don’t worry, Melanie, I won’t tell your mother.”
***
Saturdays with the kids were usually a blur, but I did have something to look forward to. Charlie’s friend Devin came over, and Will wanted to meet some buddies to play disc golf. Paige and I, of course, had a shopping date, so I spent the entirety of the day driving people around in between doing laundry and dishes. #Momofteens.
Usually I just moved through my day, accomplishing the mundane necessities so my kids could live their best lives. But this time I was constantly finding myself daydreaming and losing focus. All of a sudden the life I’d been living for the last twelve or so years seemed like a shadow, and the only thing that felt real was my time with Sandy. Seeing her last night and not being able to hold her hand or kiss her, having to pretend we barely knew each other, it made me hurt inside.
“Hey Mom, what do you think?”
“Hm? Oh! Yeah, turn around, sweetheart.” Paige spun in a circle, letting the knee length, A-line skirt flow around her. The ring halter-top left her toned back bare. God, my little girl had grown up into a gorgeous woman.
“It’s beautiful honey. Do you like the royal blue?”
“Actually, I wouldn’t mind seeing the burnt orange?”
“Okay.” I signaled to the sales girl, who was hovering unobtrusively nearby. “Can we see this one in orange in a four?”
“Of course.” She disappeared back into the store.
Paige turned back to the three-way mirror, turning left and right, admiring her reflection. I didn’t mind that, Paige wasn’t the prideful type. It was nice seeing her enjoying dressing up, something she didn’t do often.
“Y’know mom, after we’re done we should look for something for you, like, for your next date.”
I blushed and looked down. “Sweetheart, there’s nothing in this store that would fit me.”
“Maybe not, but there’s a Torrid just over there. My friend Cara shops there all the time. She always has cute clothes, and she’s about your size.”
I hemmed and hawed long enough for the sales girl to return with the requested dress. In all, Paige tried on several colors before deciding on the royal blue, which I agreed looked best on her.
We stopped at the food court for a smoothie, and Paige kept at it. “Please, Mom, let’s just go into the store. If you don’t like anything we can go.”
I laughed and sat back. “Why is this so important to you?”
“Why? Because you are in desperate need of a makeover. I mean, the hair is a big improvement since Uncle John’s party, but seriously, Mom.” She was grinning at me, and I bowed my head.
“Okay, fine. We’ll look. No promises!” I wagged a finger at her as she clapped her hands in triumph.
“Awesome, It’s going to be fun, promise.” Paige stood up and held out her hand. “Let’s go!”
After several more hours we piled the bags we’d acquired in the back of my van and climbed into the front. I was in a very good mood, so I was in the passenger seat as my daughter started the engine. “Mom, you looked so good in that pink dress, it was so cute. Like, Grecian Goddess.”
“You’re lying, but thank you, Sweetheart.” I winced inside at what Sandy would have said if I’d run myself down like that in front of her. I didn’t get away with Paige either.