Riley smiled as Jimmy took his time fielding the ball without making it obvious. He threw Olivia out seconds before she reached first base, but she looked pleased. Riley was happy for her. Funny how a simple game could bring joy to so many people, players and spectators alike. Her grandmother was certainly enjoying herself. Then again, anytime Mimi had a chance to be bossy, she was in her element.
“It’s good to see you smile, sweetie.” Erma reached out and took Riley’s hand. “Real good.”
“It feels good,” she whispered, too low for Mimi to hear. But it didn’t matter. The dread she’d felt over the past few days was dissolving, giving her space to breathe, to think clearly, and to relax, at least a little. She had Hayden to thank for that, in part.
When practice was over, Riley passed out cups of water like she had on Saturday, this time hanging around the players instead of escaping into the dugout. Anita motioned for her to join her, Harper, Olivia, and Kingston, a tall, blond man who hadn’t been at the previous practice. Mimi had told her his name when he caught a ball in the outfield earlier. She paused, then walked over.
“Do you know my brother Kingston?” Anita gestured to the man, who was probably the only one on the field who could hold a candle to Hayden in the looks department. Still, Hayden edged him out, in Riley’s opinion.
Kingston held out his hand. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
As Riley shook his hand, Anita said, “King is five years older than us, so that’s probably why.” Anita grinned. “He was in medical school when we graduated.”
“Gotcha.” Riley smiled. “Are you on the team too?”
“When I can be. I have pediatrician practices in Malvern and Arkadelphia, and I’m on call a lot at the hospital. But when I can make the practices and games, I try to. Hayden’s done a good thing here, putting this team together.”
“I agree.” Olivia beamed. “It’s been a lot of fun learning how to play. I feel like a kid again.”
“My legs are getting a workout, that’s for sure.” Harper did a hamstring stretch.
Riley didn’t quite believe her. Harper’s trim, fit figure didn’t happen naturally. She should know. She’d let her own figure go to pot.
“We were just thinking about grabbing some ice cream,” Kingston said, looking at Riley. “There’s a place right outside town that serves the best in the area.”
“You should come with us,” Anita added.
Riley paused, surprised she was considering their offer. But what if they started asking questions? Just because she’d trusted Hayden with a small piece of her past didn’t mean she was ready to share it with anyone else.
“Maybe another time. I’m Mimi’s ride home.”
“I’m sure Junior wouldn’t mind dropping her off,” Kingston said. “Doesn’t he live right around the corner from her?”
Riley had forgotten about that. Why hadn’t Mimi asked him for a ride instead of practically begging Riley to take her to the ballpark tonight? Then again, her grandmother’s decisions didn’t make sense to her half the time, especially recently.
“So, are you coming with us, then?” Kingston flashed her another grin, his straight white teeth gleaming. He looked more like a model than a doctor, although she could see him as one of those too.
“Where y’all going?” Hayden joined them and stood next to Riley. Very close to her, she noticed, and between her and Kingston.
“Swirlies.” Anita tucked her glove under her arm. “It opened a few weeks ago. Their hot fudge sundaes are to die for.”
“Do they have sorbet?” Harper asked. “I’m lactose intolerant.”
As Anita listed the different flavors of sorbet available at Swirlies, Hayden turned to Riley. “Are you going?” he whispered.
She paused. Once again, she was tempted. A part of her wanted to join the group, to eat two huge scoops of cookie dough ice cream and enjoy the company. Then, as it always did, reality slammed into her. What was the point of making friends when she wasn’t sticking around?
And what about Hayden? She trusted him more than she had anyone else other than Mimi. Even Melody didn’t know about Tracey. Had telling him been a mistake? She felt better after their talk—and kiss. But she hadn’t given any thought to the future. Would she end up getting hurt when she had to leave?
“Riley?”
She met Hayden’s expectant gaze and knew the answer.Yes, I will. I always do.Turning from him, she looked at the rest of the group. “Thanks, but I need to get Mimi home.”
“Rain check, then,” Kingston said.
She barely nodded, then hurried to Mimi, who was in a lively debate with the three Mathis cousins about the best old-school rap group. Riley frowned. When did Mimi ever listen to rap music?
“Oh, there you are, sugar.” Mimi gestured to the three sweaty young men. “Tell them I’m right.”
