The Ex Project by Nia Arthurs

Chapter Twenty

She staredhard at her phone as if eyeballing it would make Duane’s number magically appear on her screen.

The phone remained blank.

She remained sullen.

Yolanda finished braiding her hair and tossed the long, loose twist over her shoulder. “I’m not going to look at him or talk to him today.” She coached herself in the mirror. “Today is about Tay-Tay. That’s it.”

“Mom!” Tay-Tay’s footsteps thudded against the floor. “Grandma’s here!”

“Great,” she mumbled. Pushing away from the sink, Yolanda headed down the stairs to the kitchen. Her mother was making herself at home, cracking eggs into a frying pan and humming.

“Morning.” Jada glanced up serenely and then her eyes doubled back. “What time did you go to sleep last night?”

“Late.” She plopped into a seat and bemoaned the fact that not even makeup could hide the tell-tale signs of her tossing and turning.

“Mommy was listening to K-pop all night,” Tay-Tay blurted, his eyes on his phone.

“Tattle-tale.”

He scrunched his nose dismissively.

Oh? So he wanted to throw her under the bus and be smug about it? “I think someone’s been staring at a phone screen for too long.” Yolanda reached out and plucked the phone from him. “No more games.”

“Mom!” Tay-Tay cried. “I was in the middle of something.”

Yolanda felt a flick on her forehead and bawled out. “Ouch!”

“Don’t take revenge on your son for being honest. That’s petty.”

She glared at her mother. “Who did I learn it from?”

Jada planted a fist on her hip. “Don’t think you’re too old for a whupping.”

She laughed. “Mom, I am the definition of ‘too old for a whupping’.”

“You’re never too old.”

“I’m not a kid anymore.”

“So stop acting like one.” Jada snatched the phone away from her and smoothly handed it back to Tay-Tay. “Here you go, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Grandma.”

“You weren’t this nice to me when I was growing up,” she mumbled.

“That’s because I’m a grandmother now. I’ve changed.”

She scowled.

Jada returned to the stove and began to scramble the eggs. “Why were you blasting K-pop until late into the night? Are you worried about something?”

“No.”

Her mother narrowed her eyes. “Are you and Coach Marden fighting?”

Tay-Tay’s gaze whipped up from his game.

Yolanda scrambled around the counter and hissed, “Mom.”

“What?” Grey eyebrows hiked, Jada gave her a curious stare.

Laughing nervously, Yolanda waved a hand. “Why would I fight with Coach Marden?” She stared pointedly in Tay-Tay’s direction. “We have a very professional relationship.”

“Right.” Jada smacked the wooden spoon against the pan. “I meant… are you nervous that Coach Marden might not make Tay-Tay play today?”

“I’m the vice-captain of the team. I have to play.”

“Here.” Jada swept the eggs into Tay-Tay’s plate. “Eat up so you’ll have lots of energy for the games.” She poured another plate for Yolanda. “You eat too, sweetie. The weather reports say it’s going to be a hot one today.”

“When will this heat wave be over?” Yolanda bawled.

Her mother cut her a sly look and pointed up the stairs. “Honey, there’s something wrong with my makeup. Can you take me to your bathroom and help me fix it?”

“Do I have to?”

Her mother blinked once. Then twice. “Yes, Yolanda.”

“Fine.” Caressing her son’s cheek, Yolanda instructed. “Eat up and then get your stuff. We’ll head out when you finish eating.”

“Why are you leaving so early?” Jada glanced at her watch.

“As vice-captain, Tay-Tay needs to help Coach Marden set up for today’s events.” And it was the perfect excuse to spend a little more time with Duane before the festivities went into full swing and his responsibilities swept him away from her.

“I see.” Jada crooked a finger. “Come along.”

The moment they were inside the bathroom, her mother turned on her. “Why haven’t you told Tay-Tay about you and Coach Marden?”

“I don’t want to confuse him.”

“It’s as clear as day that you feel something for his coach. You even took pictures together!”

Yolanda’s eyes widened.

“Yeah, I saw those.” Her mother frowned. “You’re not fooling anyone. That little boy is more confused by all the grown-ups keeping secrets than by your sad attempt to disguise the truth.”

“Mom, it’s still too early to make it official.”

“You’re already losing sleep over the man. What’s so early about it?”

How could she admit the truth? She’d pushed her ex into action by claiming to be in a relationship with Duane. This was already messy. Her mother would never approve of Devon or her methods to rehabilitate him.

“Get yourself together, Yolanda,” her mother hissed. “Before you ruin a relationship that could be the best thing for you and your son.”

The door slammed as her mother left.

Yolanda wilted into the counter and held her head in her hands. She felt like she was spiraling deeper into a mud pit. If the experiment hadn’t been working, it would have been easy to throw caution to the wind and choose Duane.

But she couldn’t.

Since he vowed to be there for Tay-Tay, Devon had picked their son up from football practice on time, honored his promise to buy him new shoes, and even helped with his homework. He was finally being attentive, loving and everything Yolanda wanted for her son. How could she rob Tay-Tay of that?

Are you really doing this for Tay-Tay or for yourself?

Yolanda blocked out that voice.

Everything she did was for her son. There was no doubt about it.

Yolanda picked up her phone and stared at Duane’s text messages.

She should have answered.

Could have.

But guilt made it hard for her to see him or to accept the love he wanted so badly to offer her. She had not drawn the line with her ex, and she was well aware of that. She was also aware of what Duane’s expectations would be if she ever said yes to him.

“Mom!” Tay-Tay called from downstairs. “We’re ready.”

Yolanda gathered herself and pasted a smile on her face so her child wouldn’t worry. On the drive to the football field, she chatted brightly. No one would know the turmoil she felt inside.

And yet, as she drew closer to the football stadium, her stomach tightened into knots and her legs got shaky.

“We’re here!” Tay-Tay yelled. He pushed the door open and took off like a rocket toward the field.

“That little boy loves him some football,” Jada murmured with a chuckle.

Yolanda stepped out of the car and into the Belizean humidity. She’d dressed for a day of sweating, running back and forth and whatever else Duane needed her to do. The cotton tank was on the cheaper side and ready to be sullied by mud, sweat or grime. Her shorts were nice and loose but long enough that she wasn’t being indecent. Comfortable sneakers finished off the look.

No fuss, no muss.

“Hey, buddy!” She heard Duane’s voice and her heart nearly lurched out of her chest.

Pulse jumping, she stepped onto the field and saw Tay-Tay wrapping his arms around Duane’s legs. Her son looked absolutely ecstatic and her knees went weak. There was no mistaking how much Tay-Tay adored Duane.

At that moment, his eyes lifted. Silence swept through her mind. She lost track of everyone and everything on the field. Her gaze locked on his and memories of their kiss swept through her. His hands on her waist, his mouth covering her lips, the hot touch of his tongue.

She only remembered they weren’t alone when her mother nudged her in the side. “Sweetie, stop drooling. He’s coming over.”

“Mrs. Walsh.” Duane’s deep voice washed over her like a gentle rain. His eyes were on her mother and yet his energy was pointed at her. She could feel it. All the intensity of it. The charisma bounced off him in waves.

“Coach Marden.” Her mother giggled, falling easily under his spell. “You look quite handsome in your football regalia.”

Yolanda could not disagree. Duane was wearing a navy jersey with his number on the back. It clung to his muscles that were already glistening with sweat. The matching jersey pants gave way to black socks and gleaming football cleats. She’d never been more attracted to a man in uniform.

“You both look lovely as well,” Duane responded. This time, he looked at her and she almost wished he hadn’t. There was so much longing in that gaze.

She was done for.

“Yes, Yolanda insisted we come early to help you prepare,” Jada said.

Yolanda’s eyes widened and she cast a panicked look at her mother.

Jada shrugged. What? It’s true.

“I appreciate that,” Duane said, his voice low. “Thank you, Yolanda.”

“Duane!” A lovely older woman with curly hair, tan skin and bright brown eyes waved from the bleachers. “The reporters are here.”

“Reporters?”

“This competition is one of many I plan to have this year. The dream is to start a league of my own but, of course, we’re starting with one tournament at a time.”

Jada looked impressed. “I believe engaging in sports is a great way to build discipline, comradery and teamwork. That’s a fantastic initiative, Coach Marden.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Walsh.” He slanted Yolanda a quick glance before stepping back. “I should go.”

“Of course.” Jada shooed him.

Duane turned fully to her and spoke in an intimate whisper, “Catch you later?”

She could only nod like one of those shy schoolgirls when the most popular boy on campus asked her to prom.

“Great.” He let loose a devastating smile that caused her loins to tremble and then jogged over to the reporters.

Jada licked her lips. “My, my, my. Is there anything sexier than a good man with ambition?”

“Mom, he’s mine.”

“Oh? You’re claiming him now? I thought it was too early?”

Yolanda rolled her eyes.

“Grandma,” Tay-Tay ran up to them, “come see my jersey.”

“Duty calls,” Jada said, walking off with her grandson.

Yolanda hung out by the bleachers, her hands idle and her eyes constantly flitting to Duane. Strangely, every time she glanced his way, he seemed to be looking right at her. It made her adrenaline spike. Made it hard to find a purpose for her hands or her legs.

Duane’s lips arched up in a quiet smile.

She felt lightheaded and frowned at him. Stop looking.

His eyes twinkled, even from this distance. Then stop being so beautiful.

She felt a presence beside her and jumped. It was the woman who’d called Duane to do the interviews. Her smile was warm and Yolanda instantly felt at ease when she looked into the woman’s dark brown eyes.

“He’s a looker, isn’t he?” the woman said, pointing at Duane.

Her eyebrows arched in surprise and she gave the woman another surveying look. She was a little too old to be a romantic rival, but age didn’t mean much these days. Was she trying to stake her claim on Duane?

Duane glanced over and, when he saw the woman, his eyes bulged. That made Yolanda curious.

She turned to the woman and extended a hand. “I’m Yolanda Walsh. Tay-Tay’s mother.”

“I’m Claire Marden, Duane’s mother.”

“You’re Duane’s mom?” Yolanda gasped.

“I am.” She smirked. “And you must be the woman who has my son in a tizzy.”

Her eyes swerved back to the handsome football coach. He had a hand raised and seemed to be desperately pushing past the crowd of reporters. The journalists blocked his way.

“Yes. He’s been going crazy missing you this past week. He called me and complained about it.” She shook her head. “Men, right? Instead of calling me, he should have called you.”

A laugh bubbled in her throat. She thought Duane was being respectful about her space when he stopped texting her this week. In fact, she assumed he’d been too busy to worry about her.

“I didn’t know.”

“Oh, yes. He always tries to look cool.” Claire laughed. “But he’s really not that smooth if you get to know him.”

Yolanda smirked and faced the older woman. “Tell me more.”