I laugh because that sounds exactly like Foster. “He would say something like that, wouldn’t he?”
She nods. “He said you listen. That you want human connections that listeners can relate to.”
My throat tightens, and we stop at the curb.
“You know,” she says quietly, “the people who give others room to be honest usually don’t always give themselves the same grace.”
I swallow. I’m starting to wonder if Maren should be doing this and not me.
We cross the street, and my gaze snags on Foster leaning against the brick wall of the building, head buried in his phone.
Maren follows my gaze and smiles. “He asked me because he believes in what you’re building with this podcast.”
As I’m about to respond, Foster glances up and smiles. It just about kills me. Maybe because so few people get it.
“Shit, are you Maren Hale? Wife of the Gold Glove winner Eli Hale?” he jokes.
Maren walks right into Foster’s arms, and they hug tightly. “That’s Eli Hale, husband of the amazing Maren Hale, you’re talking about.”
They both laugh, and although I have no reason to feel it, my chest stings with jealousy.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Foster
* * *
I glance over Maren’s shoulder as she squeezes me, catching Callie shuffling her feet and staring anywhere but in our direction.
No one would think I’m a hugger, and they’d be right. I’m not a hugger, but I’ve grown used to people like Maren who are, so I didn’t think much of it when she walked toward me. From the day Eli introduced me to Maren, I’ve witnessed her hug almost everyone she encounters.
I step back and shove my hands in my pockets. “How’d it go?”
She looks over her shoulder at Callie, who is finally joining us, then back at me, putting her hand on my arm. “She’s great. Don’t fuck this up.”
“She’s Hayes Carlisle’s little sister.”
Maren rolls her eyes, but her smirk says she’s not buying my act. I’m sure Callie didn’t tell her that she’s carrying my baby, and I know it’s bad to hope that maybe Callie told her something about me that made Maren think there’s something between us. It’s stupid, since we have no future. At least not the romantic kind. I’m not telling anyone until I tell Hayes. Eli’s great, I’ve known him since the farm league, and he’ll be one of the first people I call after the news is out.
“You’re back.” Callie gives me an unsteady smile.
It feels too good to see her again after our last away stint. My gaze soaks her in as if she’s a mirage in the desert.
“About fifteen minutes ago.”
Maren’s head volleys between us, and I can admit, we look really awkward. Like we slept together last night and haven’t seen each other since. But Callie and I aren’t used to interacting with each other in front of other people like we do behind the condo door.
“I’m Lex.” The brunette with the camera slides out from next to Callie, hand extended. “Her right-hand gal.”
“Oh sorry. Foster, this is Lex. She films for me and helps me with all the tech stuff.” Callie motions between us.
“Where were you the other night?” I ask with humor.
Callie narrows her eyes at me because she called me while I was on the road because the internet went down. I tried to walk her through unplugging, replugging, what light should turn on, etc. In all truth, I was surprised, with Callie’s age, how hard it was for her to figure it out. But at least our first time having to work on something together went smoothly, and no one lost their temper. It gave me hope for our future.
“Oh, she tried me first.” Lex laughs.
