Shattered Pieces

Five

Spencer

"Sorry, ma. I was hoping we could avoid that awkward encounter."

She eyes me with a solemn look. "It's okay, son. I'm the reason for all of this. I know that."

"Nah. Dillon is 16 years old. That means all of this was 17 years ago. I know it's kind of fresh for Mrs. Baker, but still. All of this unnecessary movement to keep the two families apart has to end."

The sadness in her eyes is something I've become all too used to when we discuss the Bakers. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into a hug before kissing the top of her head. "I love you, I whisper."

"I love you too, baby."

Her and my pops wave as they pull out of the driveway. There's more than enough room in our house for both families to be here, and watching them drive away only makes me even angrier than I already was. Attempting to calm myself, I take a deep breath, then turn to head back into my home.

"Spence! Liv here was just telling me that training camp is going well."

I look over to my wife, who's running her fingers through Grayson's curls. Her eyes widen when they meet mine before a small frown forms on her face.

"Yes, sir. I've been playing with Jordan for the past four years, so getting used to a new QB is different, but Kyler is great. He was actually out in Scottsdale today, Liv." I turn to my wife to gauge her reaction.

"Oh." She responds, eyes glued to the ground.

"We're not completely settled yet, but I can take you guys' bags up to one of the guest rooms. Or, if you'd prefer, you guys can have the guest house."

I hope I don't sound rude because it isn't my intention, but I need to talk to my wife, and I need to speak to her alone.

"Guest house." The Bakers answer in unison.

Olivia hands Grayson to her mom, and he studies her face cautiously, but ultimately decides against throwing a tantrum. Mr. Baker insists on taking their bags, and the three of them head out of the back door.

In two short steps, my wife is beside me, reaching for my hand. "You're mad at me. I mean, I could tell from the moment you stepped in the house, but then you called me Liv, and I realized you're more than just mad; you're hurt. Talk to me, babe. Please."

I slip my hand away from hers and place some space between us. When I'm this close to my wife, I can't think straight and what we have to talk about is important.

"Kyler saw you out with Bryce today—"

"Spencer, baby. I had no idea he was going to be here. I had no idea he even lived in Arizona." She rushes back to my side and, this time, holds my hand a little tighter.

"I'm not worried about Bryce. I trust my wife." I pause, locking on her eyes, so she knows I mean what I'm saying. "I'm not a fan of being subjected to listening to the underhanded comments about my mom from my wife's mother. I'm even less of a fan of it when my wife is playing catch up with a college ex."

We were in the car for all of five minutes before Mrs. Baker felt the need to make a sly comment about my mom. In an effort to keep the peace, I shrugged off the comment and tried to change the subject. Then, I pull into the driveway only to get a text from my QB that my wife looked real chummy with Bryce Matthews. My wife who couldn't pick up her parents because she lost track of time.

"He's not my ex, Spencer. You know that. There's no need to be childish. Capri and I were grabbing lunch, and I ran into him. We talked for maybe fifteen minutes. It was nothing. I was going to tell you."