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“Not really.” I don’t want to talk about Rebecca, especially since it’s not my thing to tell. I don’t want to talk about Alycia either, because I’d have to say why.
But there is something that’s been on my mind for a while now. “Do you think Dad will ever be a part of our lives again?”
She’s quiet and I can see her hands tighten on the steering wheel. I wonder if I shouldn’t have brought it up.
“I don’t know, sweetie,” she finally says. “He’s made some terrible choices, and he’s hurt us a lot. He’s not the man I fell in love with or the father to you I thought I knew.”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“But he’s still your dad, and I know you still care about him,” she says. “And I can’t deny that a part of me still loves him, still hopes for him to change. But I don’t know if he will. I don’t know if we can ever trust him again.”
“I miss him,” I say, and my voice catches. “I love the Breakers, but I miss the Tide. I mean, a part of me misses who we used to be, but then another part of me, a much, much bigger part, is happy with my current life. I’m playing great, the team’s doing well, and I have Valentina. Honestly, I never knew love could make you feel this way. I never knew this type of happiness existed. It’s crazy to me.”
She smiles with a hint of regret in her eyes. “I’m happy for you, Lexa. You deserve to be happy. And I’m glad you found someone who makes you feel that way.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, looking out of the window at the city lights. Valentina’s waiting for me at home.
“What are you going to do about him?” Mom asks, pulling me from my thoughts. “About your Dad.”
I sigh. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll wait and see what happens. Maybe he’ll surprise us. Maybe he’ll make things right.”
“Maybe. But don’t get your hopes up, Lexa. He’s proven over and over again that the club comes first. He’s obsessed with leaving a lasting legacy.”
“Yeah. I guess time will tell.”
“I guess it will,” she agrees.
We don’t talk much after that, but it’s not awkward. We just listen to the radio and enjoy the ride. She stops in front of my apartment. Once I get out, I lean in to kiss her cheek.
“Good night, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you more,” she says. “See you tomorrow.”
“See you,” I reply, closing the door.
I watch her drive away, then head inside.
No matter how many games we win or how many goals I score, coming home to Valentina is the best part of my day.
CHAPTER 20 – Alycia
Wednesday, October 29
“Are you sure?” I ask, taking Rebecca’s hand. “Once we do this, there’s no turning back.”
“I’m sure,” she says. “I thought about it a lot, and I’m ready.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’m with you. You can do this.”
“Thank you. And I’m very sorry, Alycia. About everything.”
“I know you are,” I say, and I find that I mean it. “I’m glad you’re doing this. I think it’s the right decision. It will be hard, but it will be worth it.”
“I hope so,” she says, taking a deep breath.
I let go of her hand, and open my office door. Esme is sitting on a chair next to the table that has a microphone and a laptop on it. Lexa’s standing nearby, looking out the window. She turns around and smiles at Rebecca when she hears us enter.
“Hi,” she says. “Are you okay?”
