Page 29 of Double Play
I don’t say anything at first, giving him a chance to take care of himself. Because he’s grown and capable, and I’m not his father.
But I’m also not going to let him act like he doesn’t matter.
I reach under the table and splay my hand over his exposed thigh. Jackson’s cheeks flush as I tap by his knee twice. He pauses mid-sentence, eyes slowly meeting mine.
I raise my brow. “Food,” I mouth. One singular word from my lips, and I watch his brain stutter.
Jackson looks down at his plate, spears a piece of pineapple with his fork, brings it to his mouth, and eats it slowly. Then he looks back at me, waiting.
“That’s my good boy,” I murmur, and I squeeze his thigh firmly.
“Dudes.” Kai clears his throat, and Jackson and I both look at him.
Kai’s eyes are wide, like he’s witnessing a crime.
“We’re in public,” he whispers, motioning around us.
“What?” I smirk because I can’t help it. “I’m making sure he eats. I’ve gotta make sure he doesn’t pass out on me. Well, at least not until later.”
Gael chokes on his water so violently he starts coughing. Kai smacks his back, still staring at me like I’m the devil.
“Jesus Christ, Andres!” Gael wheezes.
Jackson is bright red now, but he’s smiling. He leans closer to me, his shoulder bumping mine.
“I hate you sometimes,” he murmurs.
I tilt my head and scrunch up my face.“No. Tú me amas, aunque no lo quieras admitir.”
He rolls his eyes, then quietly checks his CGM like he thinks I can’t see it.
I can.
I see the number 72, and the arrow is shifting down.
And I see him take another bite, bigger this time. Then another.
Good.
Kai shakes his head, muttering, “I swear to God, I’m never inviting you two anywhere again.”
“Liar,” Jackson says, grinning. “You wouldn’t do that.”
Gael laughs, finally recovering, and lifts his glass.
“To the Coyotes,” he says. “To winning. To babies. And to… whatever the hell you two are doing.”
Jackson’s hand finds mine under the table, fingers weaving with mine like he doesn’t care who sees.
I squeeze once.
“We’re doing us?—”
“More like each other. Just exclusively now.” Jackson cuts in, and Gael laughs so hard water comes out his nose.
NINE
JACKSON
