My Ex-Bestfriend

An ER visit

Michael arrives early each morning this week to our condo so together we can bring Walt to school. Even with the additional meetup responsibilities he has never shirked his afternoon pick up duties either. I keep asking if the time constraints are fine with his job but he assures me that since it is the off season his work load is lighter. One benefit of his botched wedding is that since his ex's family is his boss they are keeping their distance allowing him even more freedom in his schedule. I have a feeling though that even if that was not the case  Walt will always take first priority. The last part makes me swoon....slightly.

His undevoted prioritization was one reason I always loved Michael. I was his priority before and I knew how safe that felt. I liked feeling that someone besides my dad placed me above all others. So when that comfort was ripped away the fall hurt which is something I want Walt to never experience. I have to trust that Michael has grown up since then. 

As per usual Walt has a basketball game this weekend. I made arrangements for Michael to meet us at Walt's game once again. Rodrigo, Martin, Walt, and I decided to carpool. The boys have started to believe it is good luck when we carpool as we have won every game since we started. Today is a game against their rivals and the boys felt they needed lady luck on their side so best not to mess with traditions. I know how superstitious athletes can be so we decided to entertain them. 

Walt and Martin sit the back seat taking turns with Walt's new Nintendo switch. Another afternoon shopping trip gift that Michael insisted on getting him. He said he was celebrating his first week at a new school. I think he is just looking for opportunities to spoil him. I will tolerate it for a little while since he did miss out on numerous birthdays and Christmases but I won't let my kid grow up to be a spoiled brat. I remember those kids who got everything without earning at our private school and I'll be damned if my son turns out like one of them. 

I can see out of the corner of my eye Rodrigo stealing glances at me, his eyes lingering on my thighs.  I fidget under his stare as he unconsciously licks his lips. Suddenly the vehicle feels like the heat is blasting followed by a humming in my lower abdomen. As a single mom I stopped feeling like I had the sex appeal to make guys want me. It feels almost foreign but I am growing more addicted to seeing how much Rodrigo desires me.

Rodrigo breaks the invisible electric energy, " So how's it going with your ex?" He asks in a hushed tone as to not draw attention to our conversation from the other occupants in the vehicle.

I shrug, "He isn't technically my ex." I bite my lip at the half truth. I mean he isn't technically my ex we never officially dated. Obviously he knows we were intimate at some point cause...hello Walt. However, he doesn't need to know that Michael was who I thought would be my everything. My past, present and future when I was 18. Man I was such a dumb teenager, I mentally kick myself.

"You're evading the question." Rodrigo counters. Apparently uninterested in my decoy of labels or lack thereof.

"Not bad. He is doing well at slowly inserting himself into our life. Minus the whole moving to a new school thing."

"I am a fan of that though. Martin has been in the best mood this week. He is normally a bear to get out of bed but each day but he has been so excited to see Walt."

Watching Rodrigo smile reflecting on his own son's joy makes me mirror him. It's true. Michael was right that Walt needed a new school but I hope I never have to admit that to him.

We park and the boys scurry out to meet their teammates in the locker room. Rodrigo gets to my door as I grasp his hand to get out. He doesn't drop my hand this time but he pulls me to his side as he shuts the door. We start walking towards the entrance, my hand still safely tucked inside his. It's a simple gesture that to me speaks volumes. My feet robotically propel me forward even though my mind feels like it is in the clouds.