“This isn’t part of your job.” I glance around the space.
With a shrug he looks away. “I didn’t want you to lose another friend.”
“Did I ever lose a friend?” I ask. “I finally listened to your messages.”
His eyes widen as he lifts his gaze. “You kept them?”
My throat grows tight. It’s thick, as if I swallowed honey. “I’m sorry.”
“Ryder, don’t—”
“No, I should’ve been there. I would’ve, Drake. I would’ve been there if I hadn’t been an idiot and ignored them.”
“I don’t hold it against you. It was my fault.” He blinks, a glassy gleam in his eyes. “I’ll never be able to apologize enough for the things I said to you.”
I pull him in for another loud, back-slapping hug. “You can make it up to me by being cool with the idea that I’m going to marry your sister someday.”
Drake laughs, it’s a little wet. “I’m good with that.”
For the first time in ten years, I laugh, unhindered, with Drake Williams.
Ava
Drake groans in frustration.He smacks the tip of the metal bat against a dusty, rubber plate. “Are you a professional ball player or not?”
“The problem is not me!” Ryder shouts back. “If you could just hit a stupid ball. I’m about to get the tee for you to use.”
Charlie giggles and punches his fist into his small glove, mimicking Ryder.
“I could hit it,” Drake goes on, “if the pitcher was any good. Seriously,youget millions a year. You? Can you believe this guy, Charlie?”
“He’s short, daddy.”
Drake barks a laugh, jabbing the bat in the air at Ryder. “He is short.”
“He means shortstop!” Ryder says. “I’m one inch,an inch, shorter than you.”
“Still shorter.” Drake flicks his brows and bends his knees, setting up to take another swing.
Charlie snickers and dances around the infield, not really at a position, but loving the day anyway.
My nephew has been all giggles. He’s fascinated with the constant teasing between his dad and Ryder. It’s a new side of Drake he’s probably never seen. Much like Ryder, Drake was never one to get close with friends outside our family, so close friends like this, I doubt Charlie has ever experienced it with his dad.
Veronica stole my brother’s heart because she wouldn’t let him close off. I wish she could see this side of Drake too. Where he’s at ease, at last, with the people he cares about the most.
Vegas has perfect winter weather, but even today is unusually warm for January, and we took advantage. My secret, underlying plot for a day with family, baseball, and food, is to distract Ryder from checking his phone a thousand times.
Dax has an evaluation with Skye and the other trainers on the team today. They need to ensure his hand can endure the season. His therapy has been intensive. Skye hasn’t let him off easy, but his fingers don’t stiffen as much anymore, and he’s tolerated throwing a baseball long enough Skye is at least breathing easier.
There is a risk of permanent damage to his nerves or shape of his hand if he injures it again.
The guys have all been on edge, and Ryder kept refreshing his messages this morning as if he might’ve missed one. I called in the calvary. Seems to be working. He’s only checked his phone twice since coming to the park.
I’ve looked at mine a few more times. Still no word.
The clink of leather against the metal bat draws me back to the amateur game.
“Oh, come on.”
