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“Where are his parents?”
“No one knows anything about the mom, just that she’s out of the picture. His dad’s in jail. He’s the one responsible for the burglaries around town.”
I leaned forward. “I can’t even process what you’re saying. You’re saying that Nick’s brother is in jail?”
Brooke nodded, looking miserable. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you. But I thought you should know if Hunter’s going to be spending a lot of time with him.”
“Is that why Ben wants to come to his first practice?”
“Ben’s worried for you, but he would go regardless.”
I couldn’t even feel good about that statement because I was in shock over what she’d said about Brody’s dad. “So he moved here to take care of Brody.”
He was a good guy. He probably wasn’t anything like his brother.
“That’s my understanding. But everyone thinks his dad will go away for a while.”
“So, Nick’s going to raise his nephew?” I asked, thinking out loud.
“Ethan said he’s always stepped in, and he loves him. He ensures he has whatever he needs. Clothes. Sports gear. Money for field trips.”
I leaned my head back. “So, he’s nothing like his brother.”
“Not from what Ethan said. But he’s worried the rest of the community won’t feel the same.”
“I wonder if the other parents know.” When we introduced ourselves, we mentioned where we lived, and not everyone was local.
“I don’t know.”
“Should I be worried?” Nick didn’t seem like a criminal. From what he’d said, he worked in the accounting field, and he seemed smart and reliable.
“Just keep an eye on the situation.”
I’d slept with him knowing nothing about his history, but I hadn’t felt unsafe when I was with him. I’d felt the opposite. Protected. Cared for even.
“Ethan vouches for him. That must mean something.”
It was possible for families to have a black sheep. Someone who didn’t fit in. Who was different than the rest. I’d have to ask Nick about his family without making it seem like I was snooping.
A little while later, I took Hunter home, and he immediately ran out back to throw the ball against the pitch back. I went into my office and edited some pictures. I worked whenever I could, sneaking in time when he was preoccupied.
I always felt guilty about taking the time, but I didn’t have a choice. When you owned a business, you were always working. There was always something to do.
For a second, I imagined what it would be like to be with someone like Ben or even Nick. Both were responsible and loved their kids. I closed my eyes and envisioned a man cooking dinner, throwing the ball with Hunter while I got some work done. I wouldn’t feel the guilt, the worry, the stress. I’d have someone to share the responsibility.
It felt good. I wanted it. I just wasn’t sure I’d ever find it.
Ten
NICK
Sunday was our first practice. It was the first time I’d ever coached a team, and I was nervous.
Hunter arrived first, putting his things in the dugout and coming to the mound to warm up. I walked him through the bullpen routine I wanted him to do each time he warmed up.
Abby was with a blonde woman and a man with a little girl. The man and the girl lobbed a baseball back and forth on the practice mound on the outside of the fence. The two women set up camp chairs facing the field. They looked like a family. Were they sisters?
I pulled my gaze from their group just outside the fence. I needed to focus on the team and not what Abby was doing or who she was with.
