Page 17 of Strike Zone

I send my oldest brother Ford a quick message while I wait outside The Round Table—the campus sandwich shop—for Wren and Charlie to show up. It took a few days, but Wren came through.

Today’s lunch will be our first date. Even though we’re going dutch and Wren will be here, it still counts in my book. We’re out in public and eating together. I’ve never been on a date before, but it sounds like one to me.

Unfortunately, I need Wren here as my wingwoman to help break the ice and get Charlie to be more receptive to my charm. I’ve kind of gotten used to having her around. In fact, the only thing that’s going right for me this week is beating Wren in her silly word of the day game we’ve started.

Messing with her perfect routines brings me more joy than it should. The last few days I’ve been texting her non-stop, following her around on her weekly shopping trips, and overall being a pest to her. It has become my new favorite hobby.

My mama would not be happy with me always teasing Wren, but she can take it. She gives as good as she gets.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

FORD

Nothing to worry about. A few broken fence posts on the north pasture.

ME

If you need me to drive out there, I will.

Don’t keep me in the dark on this kind of stuff.

I should be there.

FORD

You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.

ME

Fine.

Tell Lenny her favorite uncle loves her and will come see her soon.

FORD

You aren’t her favorite but I’ll tell her you said hi.

ME

Ouch.

This is why I need to come home.

Remind her why I should be the favorite.

“Harassing someone else for a change?” The sound of Wren’s voice has me grinding my molars and grinning simultaneously.

“Jealous?” I pocket my phone. I will deal with Ford later. I trust him to call me if he needs me. He’s ten years older and took over managing the farm the best he could when my dad couldn’t anymore.

“Yes. Am I that obvious?” she asks with a roll of her eyes.

“You look good by the way. It’s nice to see you in a color that doesn’t wash you out completely.” I grin back at her.

“That’s what I told her. The blue brings out her eyes,” Charlie adds, complimenting her friend.

Wearing something in a color other than beige was the first thing I asked Wren to do in order to have fun and live a little. It’s still her usual getup—a blouse and dress pants—but Charlie’s right. Wren’s eyes seem to shine brighter today behind her glasses.

“You look good, too, Charlie.” I take a moment to toss her a full dimpled grin and a wink. I might as well start laying the groundwork for this date if I want it to lead anywhere.

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