Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

DAY CARE

JOSH THE PRESENT

I walked into the daycare with Asha balanced on my hip, feeling like a giant in a world that wasn't built for me. The room was alive with chatter, the unmistakable hum of moms exchanging stories about nap schedules, tantrums, and organic snacks. I didn't miss the glances thrown my way, the double-takes, and the lingering looks. I knew why-they'd seen the articles. "Famous NFL Defender Leaves Wife in Hospice and Starts New Life in Texas."

The headlines had circulated like wildfire for weeks. Reporters camped outside my house, my gym, the grocery store- anywhere they thought I might show up. I'd gotten through it by keeping my head down, refusing to comment, and waiting for the storm to pass. Eventually, it did. But not before everyone had their opinions about my choices.

Now, here I was, standing in the middle of a daycare center, clutching my daughter, and ignoring the stares of judgment from a room full of women who didn't know the first thing about my life.

Jess had called a few nights ago, her tone surprisingly softer than usual. She didn't lecture me for once. Instead, she asked about Asha and the nanny I'd hired after we moved. She even sounded almost proud when I mentioned considering daycare. So, here I was- enrolling my daughter and trying to pretend like I belonged here.

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DAY CARE

The receptionist led us down a brightly lit hallway to a

classroom. The walls were painted a soft baby blue, and the ceiling was dotted with fluffy white clouds. A rainbow stretched across the back wall, cheerful and hopeful in a way I hadn't felt in a long time.

the corner sat a woman, her dark curls tumbling over her face

out of my depth as Asha tugged on

her curls bouncing slightly as she straightened. Her glasses slid down her narrow nose, and she pushed them back up in a practiced motion

Miss Worth. Whichever you prefer, Mr. Saunders." Her words tumbled out in a flustered rush, and I noticed how small she looked, sitting there

glasses again, tugged at the hem of her already modest dress, and finally reached out to shake it. Her hand was small and warm,

of her toothy grins, the kind that always seemed

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DAY CARE

258 Vouchers

Worth continued, her gaze locked on Asha as if she hadn't just ripped my heart

my chest, stealing my breath for a moment. Laura. The mention of her-even indirectly-still

oblivious to the effect her words had on me.

head snapped up, and I saw the

nanny will pick her up. The details have been provided to the school. I was assured this place is the best and that privacy is a priority. No photos of my daughter- ever. Call

expression calm despite my gruff tone. She reached for Asha, who willingly leaned

attention back to Asha. "Your dad runs a tight ship, doesn't he?" she added in a sing-song voice that

realizing I was clenching my

moved toward the door, dropping Asha's bag by the