Page 52 of Full Strength

I laughed as I bounced Eli trying to calm him down. “What’s wrong with little man?”

She shrugged. “He’s been like that since I picked him up from Mrs. Jefferies.”

I felt his head and his cheeks, but he didn’t feel too warm. “Do you think it’s another cold?”

She shook head. “No, I don’t think so. He isn’t tired or hungry either. I’m not sure what it is.”

I continued to bounce him and after a few minutes a vibration filled my hand. I looked down at Eli and laughed. “Was that what was bugging you?”

He stopped crying and smiled up at me with crocodile tears in his eyes. Addi looked between me as Eli’s smile grew. “You’re telling me all of that was for a gas bubble?”

I shrugged, “I guess so.”

She shook her head. “I gave him some medicine for that about two hours ago. I thought it would have worked earlier if that was the problem.”

I looked at him and smiled. “He must have just needed my special touch.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m beginning to think that he only responds to you now. It’s like he’s revolting against me until he gets to see you.”

I cuddled him with both arms. “I feel the same way, little guy. I was thinking about you two during the game. It was actually pretty hard to focus. I was worried about you guys.”

She smiled sheepishly. “At least I knew you were safe.”

I lead the way into the kitchen, looking around like I lived there.

“Hungry?”

I peeked into the fridge. “Starving.”

She opened the door wider. “I made a chicken and rice bake, if that sounds good.”

My mouth started salivating. “Yes, please.”

She pushed me to the side and pulled out a casserole dish. I walked circles around the kitchen, tossing Eli up in the air and catching him. I figured out this game a few weeks ago. He loved it. It was the one thing that made him laugh hysterically. Addi recorded it once and I had it saved on my phone. It was the best sound in the world.

“Here you go.” Addi slid me a plate and fork then turned, filling up a glass with water. I sat down at the island and rested Eli on my lap so he could lean against me.

I loved times like these. It felt like we were a family. I didn’t mean for my mind to go there. I knew Addi wasn’t ready and she wasn’t looking for a new dad for Eli.

Still, a guy could dream.

16

Addison

“I should get going. I’ve got practice in the morning and then I fly out tomorrow afternoon for our away game.” Grant made no move to get up off the couch.

“I don’t want you to.” I pouted, disappointed he had to leave, but finally stood up and helped him stand. I slowly led him to the door but something caught my eyes through the window.

“I don’t think you’re going anywhere anytime soon.”

He stood next to me and peaked through the blinds. “I’ve never seen anything like this in the five years of living here.” He said in disbelief.

“I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve never seen anything like this downtown.”

We could see out to the parking lot and the snow was up passed car’s tires.

“I wouldn’t even be able to open my door, let alone reverse out.”