“I’ll be fine. I’m just going to nap.”
“I’ll come back after the game.”
“It’s going to be Grand Central Station in here.”
“Your favorite,” I tease, leaning in and placing a kiss on his cheek.
He smiles up at me, cupping my face in his hand. “I’ll see you after the game,” he says with a yawn.
“Okay,” I say. “I’ll see you.”
I shut the door behind me and run my hand over the spot where he just held my face. Then I drive to the ball field. This game matters to Mia. She’s so excited to be in the playoffs. I tear my thoughts away from Greyson so I can focus on the Llamacorns.
The stands are full when I arrive for the game. People are waving poster board signs, cowbells and pompoms. I take my seat between Mom and Avery. Then I notice Jonathan on the other side of Mom.
“He insisted on coming,” Mom says. “You share a TV with a man and next thing you know, they think they can come to your granddaughter’s games.”
Avery leans over. “How are you holding up?”
“Okay. Greyson’s set up on his couch. He’s watching the game through FaceTime.”
“I didn’t ask about him,” she nudges my knee with hers. “I asked about you.”
“Give me a few days to get back to you. Okay?”
She wraps her arm around my shoulders and pulls me into a hug.
The game proves to be a good distraction. I wear out my vocal cords shouting, “Go Llamacorns!” and we win in the sixth and final inning with Mia hitting the winning home run and sending another runner home from second.
The girls gather around the cell phone being used to FaceTime Greyson and shout, “We won!”
Avery tells me, “I’ll take Mia to Greyson’s and catch up with you there. Then she and I will find something to do so you’re free to stay or leave.”
I just nod, thanking her. Then I give Mia another congratulatory hug and say goodbye to Mom and Jonathan.
Greyson’s driveway is full of cars and trucks when I pull in. Some I recognize. Others I don’t. I knock, but no one answers. Voices spill onto the porch. I open the door and step into the living room teeming with people.
Greyson turns his head and sees me. “Help,” he mouths quietly.
I giggle softly, making my way through the crowd to his spot on the couch.
“What can I do for you?” I ask him.
“Set off the smoke detectors?”
I laugh.
Dustin walks over. “Man, you have more people in here than were at my last gig.”
Greyson grumbles something about it being too people-y.
He glances around the room and his eyes soften.
Mia and Avery show up about a half-hour after I do.
Everyone congratulates Mia on her win. She sits on the coffee table facing Greyson.
“We’re going to the championships, Coach G!” she says to Greyson. “You’ll be there, won’t you?”
