Chapter 462: River Court
Tuesday, February 14th, Afternoon
The noon-day sun was stronger than it had been but weaker than normal. The freakish weather had made things different. He stood at the foul line of one of the basketball hoops. Gently he spun the ball between his hands.
The cold and lack of gloves made his hands feel clunky and oversized. Dribbling the ball made odd sounds, and it felt more like a stone. Lining up his shot, he took it. The ball went in, but it sounded more like a brick than the regular gentle shot he would typically shoot.
Nathan shook his head at the cold dead ball as it rolled down the court. This was the usual time he could take for himself. The kids were in school, and Haley was at work. This is his downtime, self-care time, and mental health break; usually, he comes here to bounce a ball and make shots.
Nathan looked across the river downtown and sighed. Valentine's Day, that's today, and Nathan knew Haley liked the holiday. So, he worked the magic he was known for. The nanny would be watching the kids tonight. Pulling a few strings, Nathan had a solid plan for the night. He also needed a night out.
After a deep breath, Nathan let out a cloud of steam like an angry bull. Tomorrow will be discovery day. Will he have another grandchild or not. Nathan sighed and walked over to the basketball and picked it up. After another sigh, Nathan walked off the court towards his vehicle.
Getting into his SUV, he threw the ball in the back seat. He started the engine and tried to get the vehicle to warm up. He looked out the windows downtown.
How many times did he see this very sight? The many places he lived; this was always home. He wanted to raise his children here, he finished with James and Brian, yet he's not finished with LK. Now he's raising three of his grandchildren.
In these quiet moments, Nathan couldn't help but feel like he had failed. Brian went entirely off the rails, and why? What for? Now three of Brian's kids lived with him; why?
That day was windy and cold like today. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, they stood, James, Ashlyn, Haley, Rachel, Trin, Wyatt, Lennon, Lacy, and Darren. Haley held Darren while Rachel had Lacy. Wyatt stuck close to Trin while Lennon held Nathan's hand tight. Nathan shook his head, looked out his window, and saw Tim Smith standing there.
Nathan rolled down his window and looked at his old high school friend.
"What's up, Tim?" Nathan asked.
"I was out for a walk and saw you here," Tim said.
"What are you doing out in this cold?" Nathan asked.
"It feels good, but now that I stopped moving, I'm starting to get cold," Tim said.
"Get in then if you want to talk," Nathan said.
"Yeah, sure," Tim said and got in on the passenger side of the car.
"So, you walk out here," Nathan said.
"Daily," Tim said.
"Again, why?" Nathan asked.
"Makes me feel better," Tim said, "What's wrong, Nate?"
"What makes you think something is wrong?" Nathan asked.
"C'mon, Nate, we've known each other how long?" Tim asked.
"How's Nate?" Nathan asked.
"He's good, he's happy, and I'm finally going to be a granddad," Tim said.
Nathan nodded, "Congratulations," he said.
"Speaking of grandkids, how are yours? How many are there now?" Tim asked.
"They are doing well. You know about Brett since she's constantly in the news," Nathan said.
"Yeah, she seems to have this blessed life," Tim said.
"That she does," Nathan said.
"How about the others?" Tim asked.
"I just saw Wyatt a few weeks ago," Nathan said.
"How is he?" Tim asked.
"He's good; Trin's raising a good young man," Nathan said.
Tim nodded, "Yeah, I feel for her," he said.
"Sorry, I know I say it every time I bring it up," Nathan said.
"That was a while ago, and well, it didn't work out for him either," Tim said.
"Some people are just hard to get along with," Nathan said.
"Yeah," Tim said.
Nathan nodded, "Yeah," he said.
"So, Nate, taking Haley out tonight?" Tim asked.
"Yeah, it's Valentine's Day, and Haley loves Valentine's Day," Nathan said.
"That's good; I hope she enjoys what you have planned," Tim said.
"So, do I," Nathan said.
"So, Nate," Tim said.
"So, Tim," Nathan said.
"What is really bothering you?" Tim asked.
"Why are you so sure something is bothering me?" Nathan asked.
"Who is she?" Tim asked.
"Tim, you think I'm messing around on Haley?" Nathan asked.
"No, I know you're not," Tim said.
"Then why ask that question?" Nathan asked.
"Because something is bothering you," Tim said.
"Why do you think something is bothering me?" Nathan asked.
"Because you only act this way when there is a paternity test underway," Tim said.
"What?" Nathan asked.
'So, who is she?" Tim asked.
Nathan sighed, "Her name is Miléna," he said.
"Which son?" Tim asked.
"Who do you think?" Nathan asked.
"Brian, I get it," Tim said.
"Yeah, Brian," Nathan said.
"Boy or a girl?" Tim asked.
"Boy, nine years old, named Krisztofer," Nathan said.
"Miléna is an odd name," Tim said.
"She's Hungarian," Nathan said, "Or so I assumed, she mentioned Budapest; after I looked it up, it was in Hungry."
"Anchor baby?" Tim asked.
"No, she was legal here before that," Nathan said.
"What did or do when Brian met her?" Tim asked.
"Exotic dancer," Nathan said.
"Why are they always exotic dancers?" Tim asked.
"Maybe, Brian had a type," Nathan said.
"What color hair?" Tim asked.
"Dark brown," Nathan said.
"Yeah, he had a type," Tim said.
Nathan laughed, "I think you're right," he said.
Tim rests his hand on Nathan's shoulder. "Look, Nate, these last few years have sucked for you. I understand; been there. But you're a good man, you've done wonders with your grandkids, and things will work out how they're supposed to work out," Tim said.
"Thanks, Tim," Nathan said.
"You're welcome, and I have to finish my walk," Tim said.
"Well. be safe," Nathan said, "I got to go as well."
Tim got out of the SUV. Nathan put the SUV in gear and drove away. Tim watched the SUV drive away. Once Nathan was out of sight, Tim pulled out his smartphone and sent a text.
