Begin Again

Chapter 2

Mack POV

Alex is staring at me and shakes her head.

"Mack, I'm so sorry."

I bob my head, "It's okay. I mean, it's not, but you don't have to apologize."

She smiles sadly, "I do. I'm sorry for your loss."

I nod, "Thanks."

She sighs, "Can I ask what happened?"

I nod, "Car accident. She was coming home from work."

"That's horrible, Mack." She reaches her hand out and covers mine.

Her hand is warm and comforting, it feels like it's always been there.

'It feels like Ally's.'

"It was. Riley took it really hard. I mean I did too, but Riley didn't understand. I don't think she will fully understand for a while."

"That makes sense." She says and pulls her hand away.

I immediately miss the contact.

I sigh and wipe my face, "So what do you do?"

She chuckles, "I play soccer."

"Like professionally?"

She nods, "You know, most gay women know who I am."

I feel my cheeks heat up.

"I'm just kidding. Well, I mean I'm not, but I'm just teasing. Yes, professionally. I play for Wave FC."

I bob my head, "That's so cool. I want to come to a game."

My eyes widen and she laughs, "Well good, because I want you and Riley to come to our next one."

I smile.

"What do you do?"

"I'm a teacher. High school English to be exact."

"Wow, that's awesome."

I nod, "Not as awesome as being a soccer player."

She chuckles, "But being a teacher changes kids lives. I bet you're a cool teacher."

I shake my head and laugh, "Only for my students who are doing their best."

She smiles and I feel butterflies.

"So where's Charlie tonight?" I ask.

"She's at her dad's, we're divorced." She says.

I nod, "Oh."

She sighs, "It's fairly recent. Like a few months, Charlie is still getting used to it."

I bob my head, "That has to be hard."

"It is, but we alternate weekends."

"Are you guys amicable at least?" I ask.

"Mostly. Like we argue about small things. He doesn't always love my soccer schedule, but we make it work." She says.

I stare at her.

'God, she's so beautiful.'

"Where's Riley tonight?" Alex asks.

"My mom came over. Riley, she doesn't- well she's really attached to me. It's hard to have a sitter, so I mostly use my mom."

She softens, "She lost one mom, she's afraid to lose another."

I sigh and nod, "Exactly."

She smiles softly.

"So, who are you here with?" I ask.