“Yeah. It’s the contract and playing for a team who might not see my worth.” I hate how easy the lie comes out, but God knows I’ve practiced it long enough.
Foster’s gaze stays on me longer than a beat, an uncomfortable tension running between us. He doesn’t buy it. Or maybe he’s choosing not to push. Either way, my chest feels as tight as though I’m holding my breath underwater.
Because although he’s moved on with Callie, more in love with her than I could’ve imagined, Penelope is a reminder of what destroyed our relationship all those years ago. Although she’s entwined in our friend group, me entertaining rekindling a relationship with her would damage what Foster and I are building.
“Okay then. I better get going before they don’t want both Davis brothers next year.” He walks away from the dugout but pauses right in front of me on the field. “Stop being a fucking jackoff and get your ass out on the field. You’re better than Harkins. Show them.” He smiles, then jogs toward the bullpen.
I fight a smile because this—whatever this is between us now—is something I didn’t know I was still allowed to want. It’s proof we didn’t miss our chance. That we can still have a future together as brothers.
Until I realize how badly I wish things could be different. Like Penelope Ripley not being the one thing I want that could cost me everything I’ve just gotten back.
Chapter
Five
Penelope
* * *
I should have homeschooled Hazel.
That’s the thought I can’t shake while standing outside St. Pat’s, clutching my coffee and trying to look like I belong.
I might be standing here with a fresh coffee from the preferred café and wearing similar clothes as the other moms, but none of them have even glanced in my direction. Sure, Hazel and I are new here, but I thought the whole mean girl group was a myth. Or something that ended when the yearbooks were signed senior year. Of course I’ve never been included in one, mostly because I always keep to myself.
I’d been looking for a new house for Hazel and me, needing to get out of my dad’s place before Hazel thought ice cream was a staple breakfast food. Leighton couldn’t stop talking about St. Pat’s, and it felt like fate when a nearby, not-so-perfect house came up on the market. The house is older than I wanted and needs a lot more work than I have the skills for, but it’s close to the school.
Since I really want to help ease Hazel into this transition and allow her to find herself, I figured starting somewhere where she knows some of the kids was a better option than her not knowing anyone.
But I never thought I’d have this hard of a time with the moms.
Then they all turn my way, and I offer a soft smile and start to lift my hand in a friendly wave. But none of them even crack a smile back. God, when did this turn into high school all over again?
It’s then I realize they aren’t looking at me. They’re looking past me.
As discreetly as I can, I glance over my shoulder to see what might be grabbing their attention.
Suppose it should’ve been obvious. Leighton told me that she was working today.
Hayes jogs across the residential street and slows, pressing something on his watch, before he looks up and gives me the first smile I’ve gotten in this small school entryway.
“Penelope.” He catches his breath as he walks toward me.
“Cutting it close, Hayes,” one of the moms says, tapping the watch on her wrist.
Hayes gives her a small nod and tight smile as he stops next to me. “I thought for sure I was going to be late. Got caught up at practice.”
“Oh, I thought you were out on a run.”
He chuckles. “I was. Have to make sure I don’t have two kids crying for me on the school steps.”
“You guys can always call me. I’m happy to watch them for you. Hazel would love it.”
He nods and smiles. “Thank you. We’ll probably take you up on that. But Lincoln has a playdate with two friends today, and you do not want three ten-year-old boys running around your new house, believe me.” He pushes up to sit on the concrete ledge. “I’m happy to take Hazel too.”
The other moms have somehow opened their little circle into a horseshoe so they can all watch Hayes.
“No, you have a full plate. How about I take Monroe?”
