“Six hundred feet!” His eyes widen. “Cool!”
“You want to go up to the top?”
“Yay!” He bounces in his car seat happily.
“I got tickets for us,” I tell Serena. “We can settle at the hotel and then walk over.”
“That sounds wonderful.” She’s gazing out the window, a sweet smile on her pretty face.
We’re not staying at the same hotel as everyone else, and I did that by design. For one thing, I wanted to be closer to the arch, and we’ll have a view of it from our room. And for another, I’m hoping that by staying somewhere else I’ll be less likely to be recognized. Not that I mind, but I’m hoping Serena and I can have a modicum of privacy on our first trip together.
As a family.
The thought is a little jarring because a month ago I didn’t even know her. Now I’m calling her and Joey…family.Myfamily. And I still haven’t taken her out on a proper date. How fucked up and backward is this? I have to do better and stop treating her, and Joey, like they’re temporary distractions. They’re part of my life now.
I need to make sure I show it, especially this weekend.
My buddy Banks Christenson, from my old team, is going to be here so I’m looking forward to seeing him again, introducing him to Serena, maybe spending a little time together since I don’t talk to him much anymore. That’s another part of the situation with my ex that sucks. Banks is like a brother to her, and though he never took sides, there’s no doubt our friendship has suffered.
Obviously, my trade to Atlanta doesn’t help either, but we’re not tight like we used to be so it’ll be nice to just hang out. I’m sure Aspen and Serena will get along so that’s one of the bonuses of coming to the All-Star weekend, even if I’m not playing.
“Oh my God, West!” Serena’s eyes are round as saucers as she looks around the suite I booked for us. “This room is bigger than my apartment!”
“I thought we’d splurge since we’ve never traveled together before.”
“This is amazing—look at the view!” She stands by the window staring and then spins around to throw her arms around my neck, kissing me soundly. “Thank you. I love this.”
“You’re welcome.” My arms close around her and I’m just about to kiss her more deeply when I feel something touching my legs. Little arms wrapping around my thigh, and a warm body pressing in. Like he’s joining us.
Ah, hell.
I reach down and scoop him up with one arm, holding him between us. “You ready to go see the arch, big guy?”
He claps his hands. “It’s six thousand feet high!”
Close enough, little man.
“Six hundred feet,” Serena gently corrects him. “Let me change my shoes since we’re going to be doing a lot of walking.”
“I’ll get the stroller,” I say. We had to bring his car seat and the stroller, which seems like a lot, but in reality it just makes our lives easier. This way, Joey has somewhere to crash if he gets tired.
“You ready?” I ask Serena once she’s packed a bag for Joey.
“I’m ready for anything,” she announces.
I love the sound of that.
We spend a fantastic afternoon at the arch and then walk around the area. We have dinner at an Italian place I’ve eaten at before and then make our way back to the hotel. We’ve just gotten into the lobby when I hear someone call my name. I turn and grin at Banks.
“Hey!” I walk over to him and he pulls me into a hug.
“Good to see you, man,” he says.
“How’s it going?” I ask, glancing down at the sturdy little toddler hugging his leg. “Holy crap, look how big she is!”
He laughs, lifting his daughter. “You don’t remember Uncle West, do you?” Maisie shyly buries her head in his shoulder.
“She was still a baby when I left,” I say quietly.