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“Okay!” She’s swaying in the spot, excited to kick things off. “Come at me!”
Reid and I share a look and chuckle. At least she has her enthusiasm.
A shriek echoes in the place as the first ball flies out. She jumps aside to dodge it.
I can’t help the laughter that bursts out of me.
“Mom, swing the bat,” Reid encourages amid his chuckles. “Just try.”
“Ah,” Aunt Helena yelps. She attempts a hit but misses ball after ball, swinging too late or too early. Regardless, she seems to be enjoying herself. It’s nice to see her so comfortable.
Reid goes next at my insistence, batting like a professional player and only missing one ball.
His level of focus turns me on. As Aunt Helena looks away, I give him an air kiss and a wink.
Moving closer, he watches until she isn’t looking again, then pats my butt. He quickly lifts his hand to the back of his neck the second she turns.
“All right, Cassie,” Aunt Helena cheers. “Teach Reid a lesson for showing off.”
Reid only snorts at her.
I nail the first ball and the next. By the end, I’ve only missed two.
“Well done!” Aunt Helena claps for me. “That was wonderful, honey.”
“Yeah,” Reid adds, giving me a cocky grin. “You didn’t beat me, though.”
“Oh, stop.” She slaps his arm playfully. “Okay. What’s next?”
I refer to the list on my phone. “A stop at the Tribus beer company? It’s supposedly a wonderful brewery.”
Aunt Helena clicks her tongue and gives me a stern look. “Absolutely not.”
“I’m kidding,” I say with a laugh.
“Let’s get something to eat,” Reid suggests. “How about that place across from Walnut Beach?”
“Sure. We’ll eat by the water.”
Leaving the sports center, we arrive at the seaside restaurant shortly and park down the street. After lobster rolls, we stroll on the beach, enjoying the warm and bright afternoon.
“Ugh, I don’t mind ice cream on a cone right now,” Aunt Helena remarks when we veer onto the boardwalk. She’s about to turn, but Reid stops her.
“I’ll run back and buy it,” he offers. “Vanilla and strawberry?”
Aunt Helena and I respond with nods.
He jogs back up the beach to a dessert shop, and we lean over the railing and wait for him.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen him so happy. You make him laugh so much. He brightens when you walk into the room. The connection you two have…” She slowly turns her head. “I’m almost jealous.”
“Um, it’s because neither of us has siblings,” I try to explain it away to sway her from suspecting what’s happening between us.
She touches my cheek lovingly, beaming at me. “I’m glad you came, Cassie.” She wraps her arms around me, and I hug her back.
“Me too,” I whisper on her shoulder, happy that I’ve regained my connection and now have something way more with Reid.
