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Fourteen
NICK
The next morning, I sat at my desk with coffee in my mug and my laptop open, TV playing in the background. I stretched my neck from one side to the other to ease the kinks. Working from home, not seeing other people for days on end were my norm. It usually didn’t bother me. I’d always loved the silence. The solitude. Most likely, it was a byproduct of growing up near Austin’s chaos. I valued the time alone.
I’d gone from my solitary existence to juggling Brody’s school schedule, baseball practice, and now, social calendar. I wasn’t upset about it. I liked it. Brody had given me purpose.
I hadn’t planned on attending the festival until Brody pleaded his case. Apparently, Austin never did things like that because he thought they were stupid. I shouldn’t have been surprised by that, but after Brody confided in me, I was determined to make it an experience for him. The only thing that topped it was running into Abby.
She’d looked beautiful in her dress and heels but also exhausted. I’d wanted to ease the tension in her shoulders. I'd wanted to be the one to make her feel better.
By the end of the evening, she’d visibly relaxed. Her shoulders were lower, her face less pinched. I was pleased I’d been able to do that for her.
I sensed Abby just wanted to grab Hunter and head home to bed. But I hated that she’d missed the festival and family time.
I saw the concern in Brooke’s face for Abby. She thought she worked too hard. She tried to ease her burden when she could, but Abby was hardheaded about accepting help.
I hoped she’d at least take me up on my offer to look over her business’s financial records. I was good at looking for the money. I’d find a way for her to make a part-time if not full-time assistant possible. There were always other things she could do to bring in income, too. Was she selling any of her photographs online, or did she just take portraits? Did she advertise? Was she solely relying on Gia’s wedding planning business to drum up clients?
I wanted to swoop in and make things better, but I knew she’d hate that. I’d have to be subtle and give suggestions in a way that made her think it was her idea.
Brody and Abby were opening my life to other people and experiences. I’d been so afraid to connect with people before, but now, it seemed easier.
Later that afternoon at practice, Hunter was one of the first kids to arrive, eager to start his bullpen with Brody. I told them to warm up while I finished in the field. Only Abby was setting up her camp chair on the other side of the fence.
When more kids arrived, I directed them to warm up in the outfield with my assistant coaches. I was grateful the other parents had stepped up.
I went through base running, stealing, and fielding today since we’d already gone to the batting cages early in the week. I was already starting to schedule a few scrimmages for the kids to get a better idea of how real games would go. They were still learning, but I was eager to see what they could do.
At the end of practice, the assistant coaches hung around to help me clean up. I was raking the field but acutely aware that Hunter was hanging around the dugout. Abby stood near the dugout.
Everyone else was gone.
“Are you still coming over for dinner?” Abby asked, her voice hesitant.
I smiled. “I’ve been looking forward to this home-cooked meal all week.”
She blushed. “I’m not that great of a cook. Don’t get too excited.”
“I’m sure whatever you make will be delicious. I’m looking forward to good company.” The boys would most likely play wiffle ball in the field, giving me some alone time with Abby.
“We’d better get going, so I can get it ready,” Abby told Hunter.
“When are you coming over?” Hunter asked Brody.
“I don’t know.” Brody looked to me to answer.
“I’d like to take a shower. Want to text me your address? We can come over in an hour.” I said to Abby.
Her cheeks were a deeper pink, her gaze looking anywhere but at me.
Was she flustered? Was she thinking about me in the shower?
“That works,” she finally said, before reminding Hunter they needed to go.
We headed to the cars together. Ours were the last in the lot. “See you soon,” I said to Abby as she got in.
With taking care of Brody, my life wasn’t exactly my own. I had to do what was best for him. But I couldn’t stop myself from wanting her. From wanting more.
