The Dream Team

42: who am i

Raegan's POV

I walked into the small cafe hand in hand with Keith. After a lot of convincing Jiles agreed to meet here so he could talk to Keith and get to know him better. I was nervous as hell. I liked to think that if Jiles agreed to meet Keith he would be mature enough to sit through this conversation without saying anything slick or disrespectful but I really didn't know when it came to him.

Jiles was already seated at a table and we walked over, joining him. He stood to his feet when he saw us and shook hands with Keith.

"Jiles," he said, introducing himself.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Keith," he said and we all sat down. There was an awkward silence for a while because none of us really knew what to say. Jiles was the first one to speak up.

"You look really familiar, do I know you from somewhere?" he asked.

"I've been in a few movies. Guest starred on a few TV shows you might recognize me from," Keith responded.

"Oh, you're an actor?" Jiles said, looking surprised.

"Yep," Keith replied.

"Is most of your work based in Boston or?" Jiles kept going. I didn't think Keith minded because he was asking regular questions, nothing too intruding.

"Mostly LA. I just got back from filming a new series a few months ago and I've been laying low for a minute while we wait for it to air,"

"Oh, good shit. That's exciting, congrats," I smiled at how cordial he was being.

"Ppreciate it. How's basketball coming along? I know the season is gonna start in a few short months," Keith said and Jiles smiled. He couldn't help but get excited when he talked about basketball. It was July so he had plenty of time until the season but the preparation never stopped.

The conversation stayed friendly for a long time. We got our food and laughed, enjoying each other's company until the topic of the kids was brought up by me.

"Out of respect for you as their father I wanted you to be ok with everything and I think meeting each other was good for all of us," I spoke.

"Yeah, I told Mil- Rae," Keith glanced at me laughing, about to call me Miller like he often did. Jiles picked up on it and shifted in his seat. "I told Rae I never wanted to pressure her into anything because at the end of the day they're your children. You're their parents and I know bringing people into your children's lives is a big step but I just wanna reassure you that I love Rae and I will be respectful of whatever decision you all make," Keith nodded, looking from Jiles to me. I smiled knowing he was genuine about everything he said.

Jiles was quiet for a moment, sipping his water before finally speaking up. "I appreciate you being so respectful of the situation but like you said they are my children and I just don't think I'm comfortable having you around them. It's just so soon and they're getting to that age where they can remember and understand more,"

"I agree with that Ji, but it isn't soon. Keith has been in my life for two years now and like I've told you before I would never put our kids in a situation I didn't think was safe for them. Whether that's their physical wellbeing or mental. I think it's time for them to meet him,"

"I just don't feel the same way," he shrugged.

"Hopefully you don't take this the wrong way but could how you feel about me meeting the kids be influenced by how you feel about Raegan?" Keith asked. Jiles looked at him crazy and I knew that face well. When he got irritated or angry that's how it started.