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Today he wished he could be a little selfish and rush out like most of the other players. But just because he hadn’t slept well and struggled to not snap at people like an angry alligator didn’t mean he had to skip out on helping.
Keri walked out of the storage room just as he was getting ready to go in. “I can take those from you.” She reached for the bag of basketballs in Isaiah’s hand.
“I’m already back here. I can put them up.”
She stepped aside and let Isaiah open the door. “How are you doing today?” The question was simple but her tone was wary.
Isaiah put the balls on the right shelf and leaned against the door of the room. “I’m fine. Why do you ask like that?”
“You seemed a little…off today.”
He ran a hand over his face. “Sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m a little tired today.”
“I hope there isn’t anything about the camp that’s wearing you down. The kids, our schedule, one of the parents or guardians…” Her eyebrows rose and she tilted her head to the side when she said guardians.
No question which guardian she was referring to. He’d tossed and turned last night thinking about the hurt expression in Angela’s eyes after Bridget said they were dating. Why the hell did he feel bad about that? He’d planned on telling her. He should have been glad to get the entire thing over with. Except, after the function Bridget had said she was tired and went back to her hotel room. They’d exchanged an awkward hug and quick kiss before parting and hadn’t talked since. Or, maybe the hug and kiss were awkward because he’d felt guilty for hurting Angela. The woman he shouldn’t be thinking about.
He gave Keri a reassuring smile and closed the door to the storage room. “Nothing like that. Everything is going great at camp. Just up late watching some movie on television. I’ll be going to bed early tonight.”
Keri seemed satisfied with that explanation. They chatted about plans for the next day as they walked to the front of the activity center. Isaiah stopped and signed a few autographs for some people at the front desk, Keri’s ultimate destination, before he waved goodbye and left the center.
Outside, the heat and humidity cloaked him instantly in sweat. He and Bridget hadn’t made any plans for tonight, but they needed to talk. He needed to figure out what his next move would be. After a shower and something to eat, he’d call her and see if she wanted to meet for dinner.
He headed to his car, but was surprised to find Cory and Denise standing at the edge of the sidewalk. Denise’s older sister had signed her out of camp earlier. Cory should have been inside waiting on his aunt.
Cory held his cell phone to his ear. Denise leaned in and watched Cory with an eager expression.
“Come on, Auntie, I’m almost fourteen. I can stay home by myself,” Cory said into the phone.
Isaiah slowed his steps and listened, unashamedly, to Cory’s side of the phone call.
“Do you know how many thirteen-year-olds stay home alone? Everyone in my class does. Besides you said you’ll only be working ’til seven or seven thirty. I can handle that amount of time alone.” Cory got quiet and listened. He smiled and took Denise’s hand in his. “Don’t worry. I’ll just be watching television and playing video games.” Cory winked at Denise, who bounced on the tips of her toes.
Playing video games and watching TV, his ass. Cory was trying to sneak Denise to his home. Isaiah shook his head and walked over to them both. “Tell your aunt not to worry. I’ll watch you until she gets off work.”
Startled, Cory jumped and quickly dropped Denise’s hand. “Oh, hey, Mr. Isaiah.”
“Did you hear what I said? I can watch you until your aunt is off work,” Isaiah repeated.
Cory’s eyes widened with excitement. He shot a quick glance at Denise. Isaiah could read the conflict on his face. “Really? You’ll let me hang with you?”
“I’ll look forward to it. I’d rather you hang out with me than have your aunt worry about you being home alone. We’ll do exactly what you said, watch television and play video games.”
“Cool! Auntie, Mr. Isaiah says I can hang with him.” The excitement in Cory’s voice was obvious. The grimace on Denise’s face, followed by her sucking her teeth, also obviously displayed her annoyance. Isaiah felt no guilt for interrupting their teenage dream.
