Page 11 of Double Play

My daughter is my world. My purpose.

Then again, India hates being coddled, and whether that’s a byproduct of having Richard as a father or truly part of her nature, I don’t know.

What I do is give her a cursory glance, as if I can visually see that’s she’s physically okay.

When she narrows her eyes at me, I decide she’s fine. Feisty as ever.

Clapping my hand on Isaiah’s shoulder, I suggest, “Why don’t we grab something to eat?” Dinner buys some time from Isaiah’s plan.

“Where do you suggest?” India lifts her head, eyeing me another second before glancing down the hallway. Her arms cross as if she’s challenging me. With the stadium’s proximity to the river and central downtown, there isn’t a restaurant within thirty miles that won’t be slammed tonight.

“My place,” I counter without thinking.

The last place India probably wants to go is to my apartment but it’s the best option I can think of.

India’s brows lift, stretching above the upper ridge of her bright red eyeglasses.

“Boring,” Isaiah groans.

“Look, it’s already after six. Bars are bursting. Restaurants won’t have a table for another hour or more, if at all. And it’s going to be hell to drive around here.” What should take ten minutes will more likely take thirty just to go a few miles. A benefit of my place is the view of the river, which I use next in my argument. “We can watch the fireworks from my balcony with free alcohol and a comped dinner.”

A twinge of excitement tickles my chest at the prospect of cooking something other than the kid-friendly meals I make when my daughter is home.

Isaiah’s shoulders sag a bit, but I’m watching India for a reaction. I cannot exclude her from this invitation.

I don’t want to exclude her.

Plus, Isaiah wants to spend time with both of us.

A strange prickle along my sternum confirms I want to spend the evening with both of them. Just like old times.

With hesitation, I watch India. Her expression matches another sensation inside me. One that counters the anxious excitement with ripples of uncertainty.

Does she really dislike me that much that she’d decline dinner at my place with the buffer of her brother?

“You should come too.” I extend the invitation, tossing in what I hope is a warm smile, so there is no doubt she’s welcome at my place. If she declines the offer, that’s on her.

With our eyes holding on one another, the shimmer of uncertainty in her silver gaze slowly melts. Her shoulders appear to release an invisible weight, and her arms slip free from the tight grip they’ve held around her middle.

“If you’re sure?” she questions, her voice falling small when this vibrant woman is normally larger than life. Bold. Fearless. Wildfire.

I’d like to reply that I’ve never been more certain of anything, but India and I have a long way to go before I feel confident about us.

Regardless, if I thought holding out my hand would reassure her, I would.

Instead, I tip up my chin. “Of course.”

The phrase does not encapsulate how very excited I suddenly am to have her at my place.

six

. . .

[India]

Sometimes, Isaiah can be incorrigible, like insisting that I go to Declan’s apartment with them.

Despite Declan’s kind offer, I’m still uncertain this is a good idea, but I’m not in the habit of declining my brother. It’s so rare we have time together. With my dad in town, I need the reinforcements that come with spending time with my big brother. I’m not on speaking terms with Richard, so I’m honored Isaiah wants to see me over him. Then again, they see one another often enough I imagine.