“You’re doing great, sweetie.”
Can I please go back to that carefree life where the only thing to be worried about was the hula hoop talent show? We’re still struggling to get a routine down. Which is hard when you can’t even get the hoop to swing around your waist. How is this a kid’s toy?
This is the second time Elias has canceled. The first time a surgery ran long, which I understood completely and told him so. What I didn’t fully think through when I said yes to Leighton setting us up was that trying to schedule a first date with an OB/GYN is apparently harder than booking a hair appointment with a stylist who just went viral.
The bigger problem is I’m not really disappointed. Sure, I need to move on. I want to move on. But it was easier before I got thrown into this whole Dugout Social Club planning thing with Decker.
All I’ve done is replay that phone conversation in my head. His voice. God, I miss that voice. The way he said slugger as if no time has passed and it’s still a running joke between us.
“Hazel!” Monroe shouts from the security entrance, running toward us.
I give a wave to Leighton and Hayes to let them know I have an eye on her.
Lake doesn’t look thrilled to be here, but she’s brought a friend. Lincoln starts tossing a ball with Hayes almost as soon as they’re inside the gates.
Monroe stops outside the bouncy house and bends down to untie her shoes. “Hi, Penelope. Today is going to be so fun! Can you hold this for me?”
“You guys are twins.” I hold up the bighorn sheep stuffie she’s passed me. “Hayes and my dad were clearly at the same gift shop.”
“I know. Did Hazel bring hers?” She asks the question, but runs into the bouncy house before I can answer.
Hazel’s stuffed animal collection is getting a little out of hand, but every time my dad brings one or two—depending on how long they’re gone—Hazel’s face lights up.
“Hey, this is awesome. I can see a future in event planning for you.” Leighton hugs me and takes the bighorn sheep stuffed animal from my grasp, shoving it in her bag. “I told her not to bring this. If she loses it, she’ll go berserk, and I’m not sure when they’ll be in Colorado again.”
“You’ll be hopping on the first plane to Colorado to put yourself out of that misery.”
We both laugh.
“Seriously, Penelope, this is great.” She looks around, taking in every detail.
White tents with tables are scattered around for all the families to enjoy the food from the food trucks. Red, blue, and white decorations are everywhere you look, and everything is Colts-related.
“It’s a generous budget, I’m not gonna lie. I almost had a hard time spending it. But Shane Whitaker is big on making this whole WAGs-but-not-WAGs club a success.”
“Seriously, I can help, you know.”
Leighton has offered a few times already. Callie too, but I have this guilt. Because I don’t work outside the home, I feel like I should take it on solo. Plus, my dad is the coach, and he doesn’t have a wife. Maybe it’s just natural for me to step into that role. How many times did I have to go to galas and things as my dad’s date through the years?
“Stop it. You’re raising three kids and working full-time as a nurse. I can’t imagine how busy your life is.”
She sips her coffee, which she must have stopped for on the way here. “I’m used to running on empty.” She nudges me with her elbow. “So, the big date is tomorrow, huh? Did Elias tell you where he’s taking you?”
“He’s not taking me anywhere. He’s got some chairman coming for a tour of the wing or something.”
Her head rocks back. “Oh, I heard something about that when I was leaving work yesterday, but I was so tired that I didn’t ask for any of the details. I’m not surprised Elias got roped into being the one to show off our wing. He has a charismatic personality. Everyone just loves him.”
“You talking about me?” Hayes kisses her cheek and wraps his arms around her waist, bringing her flush against him. “It’s sweet that you’re bragging about me.”
Jealousy crawls up my back like a spider—quick and unwelcome. Not because I want Hayes, but I do want someone to reach for me like that in public, as though it’s the most natural thing. I wish that was my normal.
“Gross. Can we go to the food trucks?” Lake asks when she approaches.
“Hi, Lake.” I give her a friendly wave.
“Hi, Penelope. This is my friend Kami.” She turns to Leighton. “Can we?”
“Fine, but you stay in this park. Understood?”
