Waiting for Willa (Big Sky, #3)(58)

Alex shrugs. “I can play tomorrow, I guess, after the movies are over.”

I share a surprised look with Max. “That’s true.”

“So, can we?”

“I don’t see why not. But first, we need to have a talk.”

I turn the TV off and sit again, my elbows on my knees.

“Oh, man,” Alex says. “Nothing good ever comes from that.”

Max laughs. “That’s exactly what your mom would say.”

Alex grins. “I know.”

“What do you want to talk about, Wills?” Max asks, his eyes smiling at me.

“Skiing.”

“Well, that’s my cue to go,” Max says as he stands, but I put my hand out, stopping him.

“No, I really want you to stay. We’re in this together, remember?”

“I’ve been in trouble for that already.”

“You’re not in trouble now,” I reply with a laugh. “No one is in trouble.”

“Okay, then,” Max says as he takes his place on the couch again. “Go on.”

“I want to talk about the lessons you’ve been asking for,” I say, addressing Alex directly, and see the hope fill his brown eyes.

“Really?” he asks.

“We’re just talking about it right now,” I clarify. “I need you to be patient with me, Bubba, because this is something that truly scares the hell out of me.”

“It’s just that it’s so fun,” Alex says as he walks over to me and sits next to me. “And I’ll always be really careful.”

“I know.” I kiss his cheek and then his forehead. “Did you have fun with Max?”

“It was the best day of my whole life,” he says so earnestly that it tugs at my heart.

I look over to find Max watching us, his face solemn.

“What do you think?” I ask him.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I understand why it scares you. It can be a dangerous sport, but if he’s taught by the right people, and always follows the rules and wears his gear, he’ll be safe.”

“I would do those things,” Alex says, nodding with enthusiasm.

“Jacob has some incredible instructors,” Max adds. “I hate to break it to you, buddy, but ski season is almost over for this winter.”

“Oh.” Alex deflates next to me. “That sucks.”

He’s disappointed, but I’m elated. This gives me a good nine months before I have to think about it again.

“I think there’s only one more weekend left,” Max continues. “But now we know it’s not out of the question for your mom.”

“Yeah, that’s awesome.” Alex leans into me. “What made you change your mind?”

“I can see that you enjoyed it,” I reply, thinking it over. “I talked with Nana about it, and she gave me a new perspective on it, too.”

“Interesting,” Max says.

“I’ll tell you about it sometime.”

He nods, and I glance down at a smiling Alex. “Now that we’ve decided that skiing is back on the table for next year, do you want to watch more Harry Potter?”

“I just have one question,” Alex says.

“What’s that?”

“Will you go skiing with us?”

I glance at Max, who’s leaning forward, waiting for my answer.

“No,” I reply with a laugh. “But I’ll go hang out at the lodge and wait for you.”

“Okay,” Alex says. “Let’s watch Harry Potter.”

***

“I haven’t played Pac-Man in years,” Max says as he joins me at our table at O’Donnel’s. It’s Wednesday night, and Alex has the next two days off school, so we invited Pierce to come out for pizza with us before we take Alex to spend one more night with Jean and Dan before they leave for Arizona.

“I can’t believe it still works,” I say, watching Alex and Pierce take turns on the game. “Alex is good at it.”

“He’s smart, Wills. And I’m not just saying that because I’m biased. He’s highly intelligent. Alex says he struggles with math, but once he grasps the concept, he runs with it. I’m excited to see what he does with all that brainpower.”

“I am, too,” I admit. “But it’s okay if he’s a little boy for a while longer. He’s growing up so fast.”

“I notice his attitude has been better since our week away. Even with being sick.”

“I’ve noticed the same,” I reply. “It’s been nice to have my sweet boy back for a while.”

“Look what the cat dragged in,” Max says with a grin, looking at someone behind me. I turn to see Christian and Jenna, along with Nina, walking through the door.

“Oh my gosh! You have to join us,” I say, jumping up to give Jenna and Nina a hug. “Tell me you’re not taking it to go.”

“We’re not now,” Christian says with a laugh. I flag down the waitress and let her know we’re moving to a bigger table, and once we’re settled in, I nudge Jenna with my elbow.

“I haven’t talked to you in forever.”

“You were off on a romantic getaway, and then Alex was sick,” she reminds me. “But please tell me we’re on for yoga tomorrow.”