“You brought me breakfast?” I asked dumbly, wondering if I was still dreaming.
“I did. And you need to hurry up and eat.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m coaching my nephew’s t-ball team and we have our first game today.”
“Oh.” I couldn’t hide the disappointment that he’d only be staying for breakfast before I was alone again.
“Oh, is that all I get? Hurry up and eat, Raine, so you can get dressed. Your hair will scare the kids. Or maybe don’t get ready, we can use you to make the other team lose focus for an easy win.”
I smiled broadly. He wanted me to go to the game with him. He smirked, just like he did last night when I donned my Pappies sweatpants and hoodie when I scrambled out of bed.
“Maybe you shouldn’t change. You look good with my number on your back.”
Trip turned and walked out as I tried to get my cheeks from overheating. I was going to have to install a radiator to keep my body homeostatic when Trip was around.
I climbed in Trip’s Explorer and went immediately to his radio.
“What are you listening to?” I asked as my finger touched the playlist.
“Hey, nobody touches Diego’s controls but me.”
“You named your Explorer Diego? As in, the animal rescuer and Dora’s cousin?”
“Well, it was either Diego or Boots,” Trip grumbled, moving his hand so he could drive.
A thrill went through me when I noticed the playlist he was currently listening to. “The JackholeS, huh? Overrated, huh?”
“I told you I was just trying to get you out of your funk so you’d pitch like I knew you could.”
Trip pushed his hat down on his head and refused to look at me. I smiled and sat back in the seat, listening to the JackholeS while Trip Butler drove me to his nephew’s game. Life was becoming more and more peculiar.
I startled from the seat. “Wait, this is your nephew’s game?” I could hear the panic in my voice.
Trip glanced at me before putting his eyes back on the road. “Yes.”
“Does that mean your family’s going to be there?”
“Yes, my sister, my nephew’s mom will be there. Her husband’s working. I don’t know about my parents.” Trip frowned.
“I’m not good with people, Trip. You should take me back. When I get nervous I start spouting off weird facts and normally fall or drop something.”
I rubbed my sweaty hands on my legs and groaned.
“McKenna, it will be fine.”
Trip’s hand covered one of mine to still it, but it didn’t work.
“I’m wearing shorts and a JackholeS tank top, Trip.” I gestured with the hand that wasn’t captured by his.
“I’m very aware of what you’re wearing, Raine.” Trip’s jaw clenched and his hand squeezed mine again.
“I can’t meet people wearing this.” I decided to try one more time.
“McKenna, it’s a four-year-old’s t-ball game. It’s warm outside. Most people will be wearing something similar to you. My sister isn’t going to bite you. You’re getting all worked up for nothing. My parents most likely won’t be there, and if they are they won’t bite you either.”
“Can you just take me home, please?”
