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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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.

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

depth

curls bouncing slightly as she straightened. Her glasses slid down her

I noticed how small she looked, sitting there in a chair that barely reached my knees.

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,

gave her one of her toothy grins, the kind that always seemed

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DAY CARE

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you get your looks from your mother, don't you?" Miss Worth continued, her

through my chest, stealing my breath for a moment. Laura. The

she went on, oblivious to the effect her

intended. Her head snapped up, and I saw the flicker

to pick her up 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

Worth nodded, her expression calm despite my gruff tone. She reached for Asha, who willingly leaned into her arms,

wavering as she turned her attention back to Asha. "Your dad runs a tight ship, doesn't he?" she added in

my mouth, realizing I was

toward the door, dropping