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“Thenew shortstop stepped up,”Kimsaid. “AtleastSpencecan’t blame himself for any miscues in the infield.”Sheglanced at her brother. “Toughto see him on the sidelines, though.”
Daveallowed a partial smile. “Theteam won—happiness trumps disappointment.He’snot the first, nor the last, athlete to ride the bench for a game or two.Healthyscratches come with the territory—evenAll-Americanshortstops.”
“ShouldIapproach him, congratulate him on the win?”
“Eh, give him some space,Kimmy, time to process everything.He’llsurface when he’s ready.”
“Notthe easiest thing to do,”Laurencommented as she stepped from the kitchen holding a soft-sided cooler. “Prepareda little care package for you.Youcan freeze and save.”
“Oh, it won’t last that long.”Kimlaughed. “Myself-control’s not that good.Thanks,Lauren.”Shestood and hugged her honorary sister. “Thanksfor inviting me over today.”
“Youdon’t need an invitation,Kim.You’rewelcome anytime.”
Kimlooked for her phone as soon as she returned to campus.Sheunlocked the screen and scanned her notifications.NothingfromSpence.Theteam’s riding the bus back fromTallahassee—an exhausting day for him and the team.Shewanted to call but hesitated.Hemay not want to talk with his teammates nearby.So, she set the phone aside.
ShestoredLauren’scare package in the refrigerator but snatched a cookie before closing the door.Needto get on the treadmill tomorrow.Toomuch delicious food today.
Spence’sringtone played a few minutes later.Herheart raced, andKimbreathed deeply to quell sudden anxiety.Shepicked up the phone and pressed the green button.
“Spence, hey.Congratson the win.”
“I’msorryIdidn’t give you a heads-up thatIwasn’t playing.”
Kimshrugged, though he couldn’t see her, and kept her tone even. “It’snot important; you have enough to deal with.Thatthe only game you’ll miss?”
“I’llsit out the next game, too.Probablydeserve more.”Hislaugh held no humor. “CanIsee you tomorrow,Kim?Afteryour classes?”
“Nopractice?”
“No, we’ll get back late tonight—actually, tomorrow morning—and there’s no game untilSaturday.So, the order is to sleep in, catch up on classes, then relax.”
“Soundslike a plan.You’veearned some downtime,”Kimsaid.
“So, maybe grab dinner?”
Kimhesitated. “Doyou think that’s a good idea,Spence?”
“Asfriends,Kim.Stillfriends, right?”
Shefought against her warring emotions. “Spence,I’mjust getting used to this ‘just friends’ scenario…It’sharder thanIthought.Notjust yet for dinner.”Kimshut her eyes.Pleasedon’t try to change my mind.
Spencedidn’t speak for several moments. “Kim,Idon’t mean to shut you out.I…Ijust…”
“Pleaseremove me from your worries,Spence,” she interrupted. “Please.Getthrough the season and the tournament…”
“Popcorn,Inever wanted to stop seeing you.”
Sheheard defeat in his voice.Herheart ached, and she longed to be with him, supporting him.Buthe’ll realize this break will allow him to chase his dream without regret.
“Spence, you know this makes sense for both of us.”Kimtook a deep breath. “Wecan regroup this summer.”
“Noroom for discussion?”
Kimheard the hint of disappointment—irritation?—in his tone.Shewilled herself to stay strong. “It’sfor the best,Spence.Go, win the conference tournament.It’snot that far away.”
Spencetucked his phone back into his bag and sawToddremove his earbuds.
“YoucallKim?”
