What Dreams Are Made Of

12.

"How is it going to work when we come visit though?" I pursed my lips.

"To be honest, I don't know." She shook her head. "I haven't dated since we got divorced. Neither has he, so this is all new to us. But Mike has already said how happy he is for me, and your dad, and that you all are welcome any time."

"Really?"

"Really." She smiled. "Mike is actually who told me I should make something out of this thing with your dad. He says I deserve the best, and apparently after knowing your dad for so long, he believes that's him."

I nodded. "I know I've joked, but honestly, what is it about my dad?"

She laughed. "He makes me laugh?"

"That's it? You just got to be funny to date a model?" I raised my eyebrows.

She shook her head and smiled. "No. That's not it. There's a lot of things. He's honest, and honorable. Loyal, especially when it comes to the love of your mother, which I love hearing the stories about her with you and Brayden. And, he's kind. And understanding, especially when it comes to my friendship with Davis and Mike. But, he sees past the model. He doesn't talk to me like I'm Hannah Perez. He talks to me like just Hannah."

I let out a small smile. "Just Hannah." I nodded. "I like that."

"Me too." She nodded. "But what about you. I don't know that much about you other than you're a sweet kid, talented on a field, Brayden says you're a great older brother."

"There's not much about me." I shook my head. "Just a small-town kid with a little brother, I like football and surfing."

"I'm sure that's not true." She shook her head as we walked in to the market. "What about those boys who dropped you off yesterday. Are they your friends?"

"Actually no. Those are some seniors who are adamant on me joining the football team. My friends, Ricky, Tucker, Colton and Lane won't be around."

"Why are they so adamant on you joining the team?" She asked as she started putting things in to the wagon.

"Because apparently I'm going to be the next Cory. And, I don't understand why. Last year I was just some little 8th grader, and now, I have senior girls trying to talk to me, senior guys trying to guide me, and I don't know if I want it."

"Seems like your life is about to change kiddo. Do you want, truth or comfort?"

I let out a small smile. "I like that." I nodded. "How about both?"

"Comfort. I think you're a pretty strong kid who can make the best out of it."

"And the truth?"

"The same." She nodded. "But, I think you don't understand, but this Cory guy, he sees things in you that you don't. Maybe that's why you think you're just a small town boy, but, he thinks you could be more. But, in my time, I've learned that the best way to handle change, is to embrace it. When you fight it, you get stuck. When you embrace it, it could open up a whole new world for you. I believe in fate. There's no stopping fate. Maybe it's yours to have the girls, and football, and a whole lot more."

"Embrace it." I nodded.

"Embrace it." She smiled.

"Thank you Hannah." I smiled. "It's been a while since someone actually offered both truth and comfort."

"With a daughter like Haven, you learn how to do that." She nodded.

"Calvin?" I heard from behind us.

I turned around, and Carol was walking down the isle.

"Mama C." I smiled and hugged her.

"Hi baby. Who is this?"

"Cal?" Delilah came walking up behind her.

"Hey Li." I gave her a small smile. "Uhm, Mama, this is Hannah."

Her jaw dropped. "Oh my god, Hannah?"

I nodded. "Hannah, this is Carol and Delilah Martin. She was my moms friend growing up, and her husband is my dads."

"Oh Carol!" Hannah smiled. "I've heard a lot about you. Hello Delilah."

"Li, this is Hannah. My dad's girlfriend, the new lady in my life."

Her face sunk. "Calvin, I'm-"

"It's ok." I nodded. "But, if you want we can talk about it tomorrow."

She nodded.

"What are you two doing today?" Carol smiled.

"Dad got called in to work, so I'm showing Hannah around. She wants to cook us dinner tonight, so." I motioned around us. "What are we having for dinner by the way?"

"A Cajun Boil." Hannah nodded.

"A what?" I scrunched my face.

"Ok, judging by how much craw fish you ate when you visited us, you're going to like it."

Carol laughed. "Well we'll let you get back to it. It's nice to meet you Hannah. When you come up again, we'll get dinner, yeah?"

"Absolutely, it was nice meeting you both."

"Bye baby." Carol waved at me.

"Bye Cal. Bye Hannah." Delilah gave us both a small smile as they walked away.

"So." Hannah pursed her lips. "The infamous Delilah." She nodded.

My eyes got wide as I looked down at her.

"Haven didn't say anything. But, our dock, not that far from the house." She shook her head. "It must've been hard, having your best friend come home a completely different person."

"It was." I nodded. "I just don't know what do to about her either."

"Do you remember what I just said about changes?"

I nodded.

"Maybe she's one of the ones worth embracing." She gave me a small smile.

I swear to god, if my dad ever lets this woman go, I'll strangle him.