“Someone get Reap some tissues,” I say, always more comfortable with humor than feelings, but I’m not sure he could have described it better.
It’s just this thing I can’t put my finger on.Like there should’ve been some big moment or flash of lightning that told me she’s the one.Instead, it was more like a slow storm on the horizon moving in over the days and weeks.And sure, seeing her with Tanner is… indescribable, but it’s just us, together.We fit.
“So cut the mom search,” Hayes says.
“That affects Tanner.”
“How?His mother didn’t want him.I mean, if she hasn’t come back for him by now…” Foster’s voice is knowing.
“Foster,” Decker says with a sigh.
Foster raises his hand.“I get it, and I’m in a good place with Mom now, but I also understand what it’s like to feel unwanted.Why search out a woman who left him at a bar?”
“She probably thought he had money to take care of him,” Hayes says, always the softer one.“But I kind of agree.”
“Me too,” Decker says.I must give him a look because he continues.“What?You’re surprised?Hazel’s dad hasn’t wanted her since day one.I’d never allow that piece of shit to try and come into her life.I’mher dad.”
The more they talk about it, the more I think maybe I should let this search die.
“Maybe you’re right,” I say to no one in particular.
“We’re always right.”Foster stands and throws away the chip bag and drink.
“Let’s go.We can talk more at the restaurant,” Hayes says.“I’m starving.Arguing with Lake makes me hungry.”We all stand, but Hayes stops in front of the door and points at Decker.“Clean up your shit.”
Foster smiles at me.“See?I grew up without a mom, and I clean up my shit.He had our mom, and he’s a slob.”
Once we’re all in the hallway, we see the DICs about to walk in the elevator.
“One more week, and then you’ll be taking us to dinner.”I love egging them on about our monthly bet over which three of us can tag as many bases.We’ve beaten them every month this year so far.
“And this time, I’m coming,” Foster says.
“We’re not paying for you, Reap,” Drew says.
“You owe me after you almost blew the Colorado game when you let that ball get past you in the eighth and two runs scored on your error.”
Drew says nothing, but his jaw flexes.
I pull out my phone and text Hadley.
I think I’m gonna let it be.
What?
The whole mom search.Why do I care?
The three dots appear and disappear before her response comes in.
Okay, if you’re sure…
And then a video comes in.
Hadley is showing Tanner my picture and repeating dada over and over.And then Tanner repeats dada.Or at least I think he does.It sounds like it.
So damn cute, this little man
The guys are right.He doesn’t need a mom because if this thing goes all the way with Hadley, she’s his mom, which scares the hell out of me… because I want that more than I wanted to be the number one draft pick my year.
