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“Nota problem,Spence.Ihave too many projects due, anyway.Idid spend some quality time in the bookstore during lunch.”Shelaughed, a bit self-conscious.
“Textbooksor notebooks?”
“Cutenotebooks and markers.Imightshare them with you,”Kimsaid.
“Don’ttease me.”Hepretended to grumble. “I’mheading to the team dinner—then an exciting evening of trying to keep track of the guys.IfIcan,I’llcall later.”
“Don’tworry about me,Spence,”Kimsaid. “Ihave plenty to keep me busy.Justtext an emoji if you get a chance.”
Feelinga pang of loneliness as she thought about spending the weekend alone on campus,KimdialedDaveandLauren'snumber, hoping for an invitation.
Daveanswered after the first ring, his voice bright with enthusiasm. "Ofcourse, we'd love to have you," he said. "Anytime."
Kimsmiled, feeling less isolated, but thenDavecontinued. “Unfortunately, we're leaving tonight for ourWestCoastroad trip.IthinkItold you that the team’s sponsoring aWives’Tripthis year—Laurenand most wives will join us inLA, where they’ll enjoy activities, spa treatments, and our games inLA,SanJose, andLasVegas.I’msorryIdidn’t give you the dates,Kimmy.”
"Youmay have mentioned that before.”Kimtried not to let her disappointment show.
Daveasked aboutSpence, andKimexplained that the team was inWestPalmBeachfor a three-game series.Shealso mentioned her midterms the following week and her plans to study during the weekend.
"Doyou want us to drop off a car for this weekend?”Daveoffered.
“Notunless you need me to take care of the house while you're away?"
“Cassie’savailable—we don’t want to impose on you right before exams,”Davesaid.
“Ihope you andLaurenhave a fantastic trip—she deserves pampering.”
WhenCassiecalled with an invitation to spend the weekend with her,Kimaccepted without a second thought.
“Thanks,Cassie,I’dlove to see you!”
KimheardCassie’ssigh of relief. “Tom’sout of town for a medical conference—Ineed some girl talk—and maybe you could give me a hand checking in on theChadwicks’,Petersons’,Rogers’, andMartins’ homes?”Cassielaughed. “Talkabout pressure.”
“Soundslike a full-time gig.I’llbe happy to help,”Kimsaid. “Didmy brother say something to you?”
“No, butLaurengave me a page full of instructions and said you knew the drill.Ihope you can show me how to fill her bird feeders.”
Kimpictured the numerous feeders around the screened porch and near the kitchen window. “ThatIdo know,Cassie.Perfecttiming—almost everyone on campus followed the baseball team toWestPalmBeachthis weekend.Feelslike a ghost town here.Imay be the only person in my residence hall this weekend.”
“Ugh—how boring.Itfeels pretty empty around here, too,”Cassieadmitted. “WhencanIpick you up?”
“Ican take anUber.”
“No, you won’t.I’mstill at work catching up with paperwork.Iskipped out early yesterday to have some extra time with my hubby.CanIcome by whenI’mfinished here?”
“Anytime,”Kimsaid. “Justcall when you’re on your way.”
“Great… bring an appetite.Iwant to take you toTom’sand my favorite restaurant.”
48
SinceToddandErichad their girlfriends inWestPalmfor the weekend,Spencevolunteered to hang out at the hotel after the team dinner.
“Wecan do something here,County,”Toddsaid. “Wejust planned to walk on the beach.”
“Nah, we need eyes on the beach more than at the hotel,”Spencereplied. “Iheard some guys planning to head to the pool, butIexpect most will go to the ocean.”Heclapped a hand onTodd’sshoulder. “YouandEriccan wander by the parties… just in case.Anddon’t let them forget curfew.”
Ericlaughed. “We’llbe back,Captain, to help you with room check.”
