Page 38 of Praising the Pitcher

“I’m good,” I say, smiling as she releases me. She’s one of those people who has the ability to capture everyone’s attention around her. And not because she’s trying to, but she’s just so charismatic.

Which is why both her kids are the exact same way.

“I’m glad to hear it,” she says, but suddenly, her expression grows more serious. “I’ve been so worried about you and Haven since—” She stops, her expression growing pained. “I hate what happened with that troubled boy.” She takes my hands in hers, looking me right in the eyes. “I just wanted to make sure you’ve been okay. In person.” She sighs sadly. “Haven keeps telling me she’s all right and she’s doing fine, but I worry about her. Just like I’ve been worried about you.”

Haven doesn’t say anything, maybe because she doesn’t want to interrupt what I’m going to say back to her mom. She’s right though; her daughter does like to always be fine. I know what that’s like too. Because I’m clearly the same way.

“It was obviously an awful thing,” I say, stopping to force myself to push through. “But I’m okay. I stay busy, so that helps.”

I don’t like to lie to people, but I can’t tell her the truth. The truth being I’ve hated to be at The Nest at all since it happened, and now I’ve resorted to sleeping in her son’s bed because it’s the only time I feel safe. Especially can’t say any of that in front of her daughter who doesn’t know yet but soon will.

I can feel her bullshit reader on, knowing I’m holding back, but I keep my composure and try not to throw her off any more than possible.

“Well, if you ever need anything at all, please know my phone is always on and my door is always open for you, sweetheart.”

“I really appreciate that,” I say honestly. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind too.” When she lifts a brow, giving me a cryptic look, I smile. “I will, I swear.”

I know she genuinely means that because the King family is made up of some of the best people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Each one of them has the biggest heart.

Even Noah. Why else would one of the campus’s most eligible bachelors willingly spend all his spare time with me and not getting sex in return?

Someone else starts talking to Haven, but Anna stays in front of me, wearing a look of true concern on her face.

“You better,” she says softly yet sternly. “Well, I’m going to try to give my husband a congratulatory smoochy smooch.” She winks. “Nice seeing you. I can’t wait for softball season to see you girls dominate again!”

“Counting the days!” I say, grinning as she waves once more and walks away.

None of the work or grind stops in the off season, but when it’s actually time to play? It truly is my favorite time of the year. We may scrimmage in the fall and winter inside, but it’s not the same. And those scrimmages don’t count for anything.

Turning toward me, Haven grabs my arm. “Let’s go wait for the guys to come out. I need to give my man a little smooch. Or a big one.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

I’m caught between cringing and laughing, and I don’t bother telling her that her mother just said the same thing about needing to kiss her dad. Instead, I let her lead us across the aisle and down the stairs.

Haven and her mom are practically the same person, though she gets the competitive side from her dad, I think. I can’t lie though; Haven’s competitiveness is nothing compared to mine. I could ruin a perfectly good bowling night because even though I’m not trying to become a professional bowler, I feel like I should play as if I am and that means winning.

To be honest, it’s probably not a bad thing I’ve been single all these years because I’d be a tough one to be with, for sure. I wonder if Noah is competitive in everyday life …

Why are you even thinking about that, you idiot?

I subtly shake my head at myself, knowing I shouldn’t have him on my mind as much as I do if we’re just friends. Which we are!

My chest tightens the further we get down the bleachers because I know soon, we’re going to have to drop the bomb on her that Noah and I know each other much better than she thinks we do. She knows we’ve been around each other, sure. But she thinks she was around too. And she sure as hell doesn’t know I’ve been sleeping in his bed …

I just hope she doesn’t get pissed and punch me, because truth be told … she’s kinda intimidating. Not on purpose either. She just speaks her mind and says it like it is.

“Let’s wait right here,” Haven says, stopping along the fence. “They’ll be coming over here shortly.”

“Okay,” I murmur, stepping beside her and pressing the front of my body to the fence.

Please don’t be mad. Please don’t be mad. Please … don’t … be … mad.

Friends have never been easy to come by for me, mostly because I’ve always been too busy for them, or my dad didn’t like certain people so he made it impossible for me to see them. With Haven and the other girls living with us in The Nest, I finally feel like I’ve found that sisterhood I’ve always heard people talk about. It’s like we’re all a family, even though we aren’t related.

I hope I’m not messing that up for Noah King.

“Good job, babe!” Haven squeals before being lifted into the air by Dallas as she hugs him tightly, giving him a kiss.

Noah looks at me and pretends to gag, though I’m sure it’s a little weird seeing your best friend kiss your sister. It’s even strange for me, because for so long, Dallas and Haven acted like they couldn’t stand each other—though, just like in my romance books, I could feel the tension between them and had a feeling the distaste was all for show because they were trying to fight their true feelings off.