Forty-Five
Callie
* * *
I’m already outside Webber Field when my phone vibrates in my purse.
Leighton: Running late but I’m coming…in case you see Hayes.
I’ll let him know if he comes to the fence line.
Thanks. I messaged him but he’s probably warming up the pitchers.
No problem. Take your time.
I stop at the vendor and get a pretzel with cheese and a water before going to my seat. Usually, Leighton is already here when I arrive. My parents are on vacation, promising to be back for my twenty-week appointment and then staying in town until I deliver. I let them know they don’t need to do that, but I was told not to argue.
Staring at the four empty seats around me, I quickly grow bored. Isn’t that always my problem? I don’t love being alone.
Then I realize the manager’s daughter is sitting in front of me with her daughter, who looks to be about seven years old. Being Hayes’s sister and now the baby momma of Foster’s kid, I should probably introduce myself. Plus, they’re all alone as well.
I tap her on the shoulder. She looks over her shoulder and smiles instantly. She’s dressed casually, but wealthy casual. Her clothes are higher-end, and her designer purse is a glaring “I have money” sign.
“Hi. I’m Callie Carlisle. Hayes’s sister.”
Her little girl looks up from her coloring book at me.
“Hi.” She stands to face me and holds out her hand. “Penelope Ripley, and this is Hazel.” She puts her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Say hello.”
“Hi.” Hazel waves and goes back to her drawing. She has golden-blonde hair like her mom’s, long and straight, and a matching complexion with porcelain skin and peachy cheeks.
“This is our first time sitting here,” Penelope says. “We’re usually up in a suite, but Hazel said she wanted to be with the fans.”
I smile. “It’s a little rowdier down here.”
She laughs. “I only really don’t like it because the fans sometimes say bad things about my dad, and I’ve been known to go alpha daughter, unable to bite my tongue.” She tilts her head toward Hazel. “I’m trying to be a good role model.”
“I hear you. One time I almost got physical with a woman who was saying stuff about Hayes. But now I let Leighton fight those battles. She’s his fiancée and should be here shortly.”
Her head rocks back. “I know Leighton already. We’ve met. Another reason why Hazel wanted to sit down here. They have children, right?”
I nod. “She’ll love Monroe. She likes to color too.” I aim it more at Hazel, but she looks at her mom.
“We just moved here. It hasn’t been easy,” Penelope says. “I always thought friendships just kind of happened when you’re young and that it was when you were older that they got harder.” She looks onto the field, and I assume she’s looking for her dad.
“So sorry I’m late!” Leighton rushes down the stairs with three bags hanging off her arms.
“No Lake?” I ask, seeing only Monroe and Lincoln in tow.
“She’s too cool for the game today.” She rolls her eyes and plops down next to me. “Oh, Penelope! Coming down with the common folk?” Leighton laughs and gets back up and hugs her.
“Thought we’d lower our standards and see what it’s all about down here.” Her smile says she’s joking, and Leighton laughs.
“I’m kidding. Monroe, you remember Hazel.” Leighton drops her bags and pulls out Monroe’s coloring stuff.
The two little girls say hello, then look away from each other.
Penelope and Leighton share a look that says what do we do to get them to talk to each other?
