Page 24 of Over Time Advantage

Because helping them press the eject button on their VCR makes me a technology genius.

“Mom, I think I hear Harper calling. Let me run. I’ll call you later.”

The house is quiet, and I’ve just showered after a long day and a dinner full of Tanner and Kam trading insults. I throw on a robe to go to the kitchen to pour myself another glass of wine before bed. I might need to hijack the entire bottle after listening to the two of them bicker.

I see Tanner sitting alone in his kitchen with a glass of whiskey. “Hey,” I say. “Can’t sleep?”

He looks up, and his sad eyes meet mine. “No.” He runs his fingers over his beard, something I know he does when he’s particularly stressed. “She’s shutting me out. I feel so helpless.”

Bailey has been giving him the cold shoulder since the accident.

“Give her time,” I offer. “She’s living a nightmare right now. It’s an emotional roller coaster. I don’t think it has anything to do with you. When she feels better about herself, she’ll let you back in.”

He slowly nods as he stands and points to the freezer. “Want a scoop?”

I offer a small smile. “Have I ever said no to rum raisin ice cream?”

He chuckles as he pulls two bowls from the cupboard. “I suppose not.”

“Thanks for having it on hand.” It’s one of the few things he’s always remembered. I have a sweet tooth, and rum raisin ice cream is at the top of my food chain.

“Of course. It’s the least I can do for you.”

He serves me a scoop in a bowl before serving himself. After we clink spoons, he says, “Thank you for being here, Fallon. I can’t imagine it’s ideal for you, but you said yes without hesitation.”

“I care about Bailey too, Tan. You’re not the only one.”

“I know you do, but it’s still a lot to ask of you. Especially with her evil twin always lurking in the shadows.”

I smile. “Cut it out with her. It’s not good for Bailey that you and Kam spar the way you do. And I hate to break it to you, but I like Kam. Yes, she’s abrasive. Yes, she’s teaching our kid ridiculous, made-up words. But she’s an amazing sister. Their bond and unconditional love are so special. She’d move mountains for Bailey. I would love nothing more than for Harper to have a sibling just like Kam.”

He looks at me with something between pity and compassion. He knows I’ve always wanted a big family, given that I didn’t have one growing up. “Are you dating at all?” he asks.

I shake my head while swallowing a spoonful of the delicious ice cream. “Not exactly an ideal time for that right now.”

“What about Jeffries? Didn’t he ask you out a few times?”

I nod. “Yes, but that was a while ago, and I declined.”

“Why? He’s not exactly hard on the eyes.” He smirks. “Not my type, but I would assume most women find him attractive. He’s always seemed like a good guy. I know his players love him. He’s like a second father to Vance.”

I swallow the knot in my throat because I know he’s a good guy and he’s ridiculously attractive. “Honestly, Tan, he’s probably the first man I’ve truly been attracted to since you, but…” My voice trails off.

“But what?” he asks with genuine curiosity.

I take a few calming breaths so I don’t break out into full-blown tears. “I’m afraid of history repeating itself. I know I’m getting way ahead of myself, but these are the things I think about before bothering to accept a date because I’m on a bit of a clock over here. Jett has the kind of job you have to be married to. I’m not saying this to be mean, but I don’t want to play second fiddle…again. I don’t think I could mentally handle it.”

His face falls. “I’m sorry I was a shitty husband to you.”

I shake my head. “It wasn’t my intention to drag shit up. We both made mistakes.”

He nods quickly. We don’t need to articulate my mistake in the marriage for us both to know what I’m referring to.

“It doesn’t matter now,” I continue. “It was a success because we made Harper. The best of both of us.”

His face lights up. “We sure did.” He serves himself a heaping spoonful of ice cream before saying, “I think you should go out with Jett. I can see you two together.”

“I think you should worry less about my love life and more about your own. Have you told her that you’re willing to do what it takes to have children with her?”