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.

her dark curls tumbling over her

hì," I mumbled, feeling uncharacteristically out of my depth as

slid down her narrow nose,

out in a flustered rush, and I noticed how small she looked, sitting there in a chair that barely reached my knees. Even standing, she wouldn't have

adjusted her glasses again, tugged at the hem of her already modest dress, and finally reached out to shake it. Her hand was small and warm, and when she finally met my eyes, her attention immediately shifted to Asha. "Oh, she's beautiful," she said, her voice soft and warm. "Hi,

the kind that always

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DAY CARE

258 Vouchers

your mother, don't you?" Miss Worth continued, her gaze locked on Asha as if she hadn't just ripped my heart

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

she went on, oblivious to the effect her words had on me.

and I saw

before 3 p.m., and if it's not me, my 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

willingly leaned into her arms, babbling happily as if she hadn't just left me for a total

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

mouth, realizing I was clenching

dropping Asha's