Page 66 of Double Play

“Why the wrinkle? You admitted earlier you’ve had a crush on someone. And your dad wasn’t always old, like you call him.” I chuckle because Declan and I are older, and yet he’s aged very fine.

Montgomery’s face flushes pink and she glances away from me. I remember that she’d been crying when she entered Declan’s apartment earlier, angry with her mom.

“You feeling better?”

She shrugs. “My mom doesn’t understand me sometimes.”

I’d bet her mom knows her better than she thinks, as I recall how well my mom knew me. She overcompensated for my dad’s behavior and comments.

“Want to tell me about it?” I’m not trying to be nosy. I’m just offering a listening ear.

“Well . . .” She glances down toward her feet and drags her toes along the turf. “There might be this boy . . .”

“There’s always a boy,” I joke.

“And my mom doesn’t really like him.”

“Oh, dear.”

“She says I’m too young.”

I won’t say I agree or disagree. Love strikes when our hearts are ready.

“It’s not like we’re getting married. It might not even be a forever crush. I just like him.”

My brows pinch. Admittedly, I’m not a parent. I’m the fun aunt. The one spoiling my niece and nephew by doing things with them that their parents don’t approve of, like ice cream before dinner. But this sounds a little more serious than dessert before a meal.

“Can you talk to your dad?” Declan seems understanding, compassionate even, toward his little girl.

“I will. Eventually. Right now, I’m too mad at Mom.”

“She’s only looking out for you,” I state, as if that’s any kind of advice.

“That’s what Dad will say.” She laughs softly, shaking her head. “But I can handle myself.”

Oh, the wise ways of fourteen.

“Just be careful with your heart.”

“I get that,” Montgomery nods. “I just really like him.”

I get that, too, kiddo, I think as I stare at her dad, twisting his body and hitting baseballs, and wonder if we’re only having fun or if we can be forever.

Shaking the thought, I turn back toward Montgomery. “You’re being safe, right?” The comment might be a bit direct and a little intrusive, but she needs to be smart. She is young and hormones don’t always make the best decisions.

Her eyes widen. “Oh, I’m not ready for sex.”

The comment is so direct, I feel myself taking a step back. “Well, that’s . . . good.” I swallow. “Know your worth.”

“That’s what Daddy would say, too.” She gazes at her father. The corner of her mouth curls slowly upward. She smiles just like him. “He says to hold out for love.”

“Love,” I whisper, peering back at Declan. “Definitely hold out for love.”

Declan finishes his last swing, and he removes his helmet, causing his hair to stick upright. His brow is a little sweaty as he looks in our direction. His forehead furrows a bit.

“What are we talking about over there?” His expression looks pensive, like all the good energy of whacking a ball has disappeared by noticing our body language or something in our faces.

I turn toward Montgomery, following her lead on what she wants to tell her dad.