Shattered Pieces

Twenty Eight

"Grayson, say go, daddy!" Aaliyah claps his little hands together as he bounces up and down in my lap.

"Dada, ball!" He screams and points, drawing the attention of everyone around us.

"You seem to have the mom thing down, Liv. Most well behaved kids in the stadium." Kia teases.

"Ha. Ha. Honestly, I'm ready for this game to be over so I can finally relax." I let out a sigh before glancing down at my two littles, who are effortlessly entertaining each other.

"Tell me about it. We've had a busy past few days."

"We?" I arch my brow at her playfully.

"I mean, Aaliyah came home for good, then we had Gray's party, and now this game. A girl could use some rest." She throws her head down dramatically onto my shoulder.

"I cannot stand you, Ki." We both laugh. "You know, you can't hide out at my house forever. I mean, you could, but that isn't going to fix your problems." I rest my head on top of hers.

"Yea. I'm married, Liv. Married. That has to count for something, right?"

"Mmm, nope. I'm not making this decision for you! Nice try."

Some of the players and staff enter the field as the minutes until kickoff continue to tick away. Spencer is playing with a different QB today since their starter was injured, and he says it's all good, but I know he's nervous.

Kia slowly lifts her head off my shoulder; her gaze hyper focused on the field. I don't even have to follow her line of sight. I know she's looking at the Cardinal's new QB coach. And somehow, I'm sure that said new coach is looking at her too.

That's the job they were talking about. A job that puts him in Arizona permanently. I suppose when you're fighting for a girl, living where she lives is a good start. Guess it's a good thing I bought that house from underneath she who shall not be mentioned.

I'm happy for my brother and this opportunity, but I'm scared for him if he loses this fight, and I'm not so sure that he won't.

I spy the number eleven, and suddenly, nothing matters anymore except for Spencer James. Story of my life.

"Look, you guys, there's daddy!" I point the littles in the direction of their favorite guy.

Gray becomes extra rambunctious when he spots his dad, and my sweet Leah tries her best to calm him down, but there's no use.

The first play of the game brings the magic. A 62-yard connection between the new QB and my husband for a touchdown! Spencer was worried for nothing because they look like they'd been playing together for years.

I turn to Kia, who's smiling like it's her husband who just scored.

"This new QB coach is looking like a smart hire." She winks at me.

Of course.

Four quarters fly by, and finally, double zeroes are on the clock. The crowd erupts, celebrating yet another win.

Aaliyah and Grayson jump up and down, holding hands, and Kia is equally as giddy beside them.

"Well, what are we waiting on? Let's go congratulate them!"

"Them who?" I arch my brow playfully at her.

"The uh, the team." She shyly smiles.

"It's okay, Kia. It's okay to be confused. It's okay to love Bryce. It's okay to love my brother. It's all okay, but you have to choose." I grip her shoulder then usher the kids out in front of me so we can go congratulate the team.