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“Monday.”

Her eyes immediately move to Laney. “Are you going to be okay by yourself?”

Here we go.

“Mom.”

“I’m asking.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Of course she’ll be fine,” I join in.

Laney's eyes go wide, apparently surprised I’m not joining the interrogation.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t sound so shocked.”

Her mouth curves.

Mrs. B relaxes… a little.

And I don’t tell any of them that I’ve already thought about the same thing.

More than once.

It’s after eleven when we finally say goodbye. Beckett pulls Laney into a hug outside the restaurant before his parents drive him back to the hotel.

“Call me.” He tells her.

“I do call you.”

“When you have a problem.”

“That’s usually when people call their older brothers.” She teases.

He looks at me. “So, she’s really staying at your place for a bit?”

Laney groans. “Still right here.”

“That’s the plan.” I rock back on my heels.

“Okay.”

That’s it. No warning. No threat. Because he knows me.

Mrs. B hugs me again before she and Coach leave. “Thank you for taking care of our baby girl.”

Laney makes a strangled sound.

I lower my voice. “I’m trying.”

“I heard that.”

Coach pulls me into a quick hug and slaps my back. “Good game, son.”