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Cameron
It’sa hot one today and Nat’s wearing those short shorts again. They’re riding up and sticking tightly to her thighs. Her shirt’s doing the same, outlining the amazing rack I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since we spent the night together. It’s only been a few days, but I need her again, all the time really.
“Hey.” She whistles at me. We’re standing barely six feet apart from one another. “Eyes up here, buddy.”
Lifting them up, I give her the same kinda wink she gave me when she saw us pull into the parking lot. Instead of continuing to flirt with me, she averts her eyes and clears her throat. That’s when I notice Gauge walking up with Bellamy and Bev. Seems like this is a family affair tonight. Quickly, I jog over next to her. I have to make sure we’re on the same page. This is one thing we haven’t discussed. “Are we going to be telling Gauge or not? Your parents?”
“Not yet. I’m not sure how he’ll take it. He’s had so much to deal with. I don’t want to overwhelm him anymore than he already is. As for my parents, they’ll spread it all over town. Mouth of the South, Bev Grimes, will be telling everybody from her hairdresser to the post office workers.”
While I understand, I’m slightly disappointed that she seems to want to keep us a secret. “No, I get it. He’s definitely been through it. And as much as I hate to agree with you about your mom, you’re right.”
“Trust me, it’s not because I don’t want to tell the entire world we’re together. It’s one hundred percent because of what he’s going through. Gauge may seem like everything’s okay, but I see it when I look at him. He’s struggling.”
Again, she’s right. He’s only been back at work a few days and I’ve seen it myself. Just haven’t wanted to address it. I’m happier having him around, and how selfish does that make me? I’m more worried about keeping myself happy than what may be best for Gauge. That’s something I’m going to have to come to grips with.
The Grimes family approaches and I wave. Bev comes easily into my arms, hugging me like the family I recognize them as. “Look at you.” She puts her hand up to my cheek. “Handsome as always, but there’s a light in your gaze I haven’t seen before.”
“I’m the same as I’ve always been.”
“Nope.” She shakes her head. “You’re lighter. There’s not so much darkness on this face.”
“Must be cause I’m seeing you today, Ms. Bev.” I hope she goes along with it.
“C’mon, Mom.” Natalie hitches her head toward the bleachers. “I saved you a spot in the shade. That way you won’t be hot.”
“Oh, thank you, honey. Let’s go, Bellamy.”
He takes off without another word. Gauge stands beside me, digging his hands into his pockets. “That ever gonna be us?” He chuckles as he watches Bellamy follow Bev.
“If we’re lucky.” I sigh.
“Seems more like a collar around the neck,” Gauge mumbles.
“For the right woman, I think it’d be worth it.”
His gaze is on me as I walk onto the field and toward the dugout. It’s burning into my back, but I refuse to turn around. I’m afraid he’ll see the feelings I have for his sister written all over my face.
* * *
“Okay,girls, let’s get warmed up.” I clap my hands, getting their attention. “After that, we’ll have the best practice of the week, huh?”
The girls all shout in agreement and divide off in pairs. My gaze works its way up to the stands and I put the sunglasses around my neck over my eyes. It allows me to keep watch of Nat, along with her parents. She’s so animated as she talks to them. It’s one of the things I admire most about her. When she gives you her attention, she gives it all. Natalie is present in every part of her life and that’s exactly what my daughter deserves. It’s why we’re so blessed to have her in our lives.
Right as I look over from where I’m standing next to the dugout, I see Trinity walking, her gaze on her partner and not on what’s surrounding her. Not on anything that’s going on around her. One of the players throwing back and forth lets the ball slip out of her hands. It’s heading right for Trinity. I can already see it in my mind and I’m fucking sick to my stomach, wanting to puke immediately.
I would do anything at this point to keep what’s about to happen from happening. But I can’t. This is one of those times in life where I can’t reach out and stop my daughter from getting hurt. “Trinity, watch out!”
Startled, she glances up and her eyes lock with mine. She doesn’t have time to be scared and, for that, I’m thankful. However, it’s then that she gets smacked across the cheek with the softball. The thud reverberates through the field area. It’s as if time stands still and everything happens in slow motion. A car wreck I can’t look away from, but also can’t prevent. I make a run for it, trying to sweep her out of the line of fire, but I’m not quick enough.
Her neck flinches backward as her face takes the brunt of the throw. Gasps are heard throughout the stands from everyone who’s gathered to watch the practice.
“Trinity.”
That voice is Natalie’s. I’d know it anywhere. It’s strong and sure, belying how scared I know she must be. If she’s even half as scared as I am, she’s freaking out on the inside. I swear I make it over to Trinity in five steps.
She’s screaming, blood pouring from under where she’s holding her cheek with her palm. “Lemme see it, baby,” I coax her, trying to see.
“No,” she screams, tears streaming down her face. “It hurts, it hurts.”
