She picks up her drink, acting innocent. “Who, me?”
Evan holds up his hands to prove he’s innocent. “I swear I had no idea she was doing it either. I honestly thought I was just getting a haircut.”
“So, what, you researched me, then called me to talk? Was that like an interview?” I laugh out loud, realizing now that it totally was.
“Tell her how many you called,” Evan shouts out.
I place my hand on my hip and turn to Evan, who’s sitting next to me. “I thought you said you didn’t know.”
“I didn’t! But when she kept asking me about you, I knew she was up to something.” He pauses with a slight smirk. “Then you showed up at batting practice.”
“Like it was meant to be!” Samantha chimes in, making us all laugh.
I narrow my eyes at her. “How many did you call?”
She brings her beer to her lips as she says, “Seven.”
I slap my hand on the table dramatically. “You called seven hairstylists before you called me?”
She nods with a cheesy grin. “I told you I was taking this very seriously. I know my brother. His schedule is crazy, and for years, the only consistent thing in his life was him getting his hair cut every two weeks. I figured at least he’d have a friend to talk to, if nothing else.”
Evan picks up his beer and holds it out to his sister. “You did good, sis.”
“Thank you,” she responds with a firm nod of her head, clinking her drink with his, making my face flush even more.
We spend the rest of the night laughing and having a great time. Evan gets up to play a few rounds with the boys—three against one, of course. He’s so good with these kids, but the best part is seeing how he genuinely has just as much fun as they do.
Samantha leans over to me. “This is the real Evan—or Uncky, as my boys call him. They absolutely adore him.”
“I can tell. It’s too bad you guys live so far away.”
“Yeah, but it makes these moments that much more special.”
“Well, I can tell Nolan is in heaven, and it’s kind of nice to enjoy just hanging out again.” I smile her way.
She raises her glass to mine. “Amen to that.”
We clink and drink while we watch our boys climb all over Evan as he playfully acts like he’s falling to the ground and they are overtaking him.
As the night winds down, we gather our things and head out to our cars.
I give Samantha, Mike, and John all big hugs. “It was so nice to see you all again.”
“I’m bummed you guys live so far away,” Samantha says with a pout. “Mike, we might have to move now,” she says over her shoulder.
“Not a chance in hell,” Mike replies without a second thought, making us all laugh.
I get Nolan tucked in his seat.
“Bye.” He waves to everyone, leaning down so he can still see them as Samantha and the rest of her crew head toward their cars.
Once we’re out of view from Nolan completely, Evan leans in and gives me a quick kiss. “Good night.”
“Good night. Good luck tomorrow.”
He holds my hand as he walks away, only letting go when he’s too far. “Thank you.”
I climb in the car and look at Nolan in the mirror. “Did you have fun?”
