Hayes comes out and scoops up Leighton and the kids, promising pizza and ice cream. Hazel and Monroe hug goodbye, and it feels like a gut punch when Hazel looks longingly at her friend as they leave, but I need her tonight. There’s no way I’m going into Decker’s personal space without a sure-fire way of knowing I will not end up in his bed.
Of course, that would mean he can set aside the past and actually make a move. Then again, do I even want him to make a move? The war in my head never goes away.
Foster comes into the family room next, going right to Callie. “Ellis is already gone?”
“You look at me like I’m a consolation prize,” Callie says.
“You’re the golden ticket, baby.” He dips her as if he just returned from war and kisses her so hard and passionately, I’m thankful that Hazel is distracted at the dry erase board, trying to master drawing a tree.
“Okay, I guess I was wrong. Take me home.”
“Every night for the rest of my life.” Foster puts his arm around her shoulders, guiding her out.
“Smooth line.”
“I’m reading this book.” They both laugh but stop right before they pass me. Foster looks at me, and surprisingly, it isn’t weird at all. When I look at Foster, I only think about him with Callie. “He’ll be out in a second. He was right behind me.”
“Okay. Have a good night, you two.”
Callie puts her hand on his chest. “Oh… we will.”
Foster kisses her temple. “I’m so fucking happy we live next door. I wouldn’t have the willpower to wait an entire Uber drive.”
They leave, and I can’t say I’m not jealous.
Easton dips his head in. “See you, Pen and Hazel. I’m the lone wolf once again.”
I wave and tell him good game.
I’m unsure how often Decker goes out with Easton, and I try not to think about it too much. He has a life and has every right to be at those clubs, picking up women. Which means Hazel and I will keep it brief at his house so he can carry on with his night.
A minute later, Decker walks into the room with damp hair, wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that’s snug around his shoulders.
“Decker!” Hazel turns around the minute he walks in.
Does she smell his cologne too?
“Hazel, what did you think? Good game?” He gets down on his haunches to talk to her.
“Great game. How is your back? Monroe yelled at the pitcher and said he was a bully.” She giggles, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Not gonna lie, it’s sore. Probably have a big bruise. So, what do you want to eat?” Decker asks. “We can order it to my place.”
“I thought you were going to be my dad,” I say. “Foster said he was coming right out.”
Decker looks over his shoulder, seeming a little confused. “He’s still in media.”
“Oh, I…” There’s no way Foster would assume I was waiting for Decker, would he? Unless Decker told him that we were leaving with him tonight. Though I’m not sure he’d ever have that conversation with Foster. “Do you mind waiting? Hazel likes to tell him good game.”
“Not at all.” He straightens, then sits down and extends his legs out on the ottoman. “Guess what I scored from the dugout, Hazel?” He pulls out two pieces of gum for her.
She squeals and runs over, plucking one out of his hand.
“Sorry, do you mind?” He cringes and looks at me.
I shake my head, trying to pretend that I’m not slipping a little further into the fantasy of him being a part of our lives.
Hazel unwraps one piece of gum and chews it.
