“No seven-year-old wants to talk about seating arrangements. Right?”
Hazel nods. “I want Portillo’s.”
“I’ll take you,” I say, stepping closer.
My dad glances at Decker, who isn’t saying anything, behind me. “Come on, slugger, you’re going to deny me time with my granddaughter?”
“Oh… slugger,” Decker mumbles behind me.
My shoulders deflate. The truth is, Hazel hasn’t had much time with my dad lately. During the season, it’s hard. He plays the guilt card, and I’ll fold every time.
“Fine. I’ll be by to pick her up in the morning.”
Dad lifts his one hand, and Hazel slaps it.
I shake my head at them.
A shoulder rubs along mine, and I glance to my right to see Decker there.
I groan and go give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. And then my dad. “Congrats on the game.”
There’s something wicked in his smile. “Thanks. You two have fun tonight, and no rush in the morning. I’m taking her to the pancake place.”
“Yay!”
“Bye, Deck.” My dad waves as Hazel skips toward the door.
“Bye, Decker. Thanks for the gum.”
“Keep practicing,” Decker says, but my dad is already halfway out the door.
“Pretty soon he’ll be the one searching every gift shop for your stuffed animals,” Dad says, and I can’t tell if he sounds upset or not.
“I guess that just leaves us.”
I circle around and hold my hands together in front of me. “I’ll be super fast so you can go join Easton.”
Decker tips his head. “Why would I do that?”
“I know he went out, and I’m sure you prefer to be out with him. I don’t think this will take long.”
He picks up his bag from the floor. “Not sure if you know this, but Easton doesn’t share.”
“Excuse me?” I swing my purse over my shoulder and fall into step with him.
“Easton is having a woman over tonight, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want me joining him.”
My face heats. “Oh, I assumed he was going to a club.”
Decker laughs, and we leave the family room to enter the hallway. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m free the entire night.”
I take a chance and look over at him. “It’s not a disappointment.”
He smiles in a way that makes my stomach flip. “You just made my day.”
I shake my head. “You went three for four today and made that play in the fourth that prevented any runs from getting in.”
“Come on, Pen, you know…”
