Page 92 of Mom Ball

“No.” I grab a bag of to-go boxes and push them forward on the countertop. “We’re eating Big Butts.”

“Yes,” Timothy cheers.

I pull plates from the cabinet near my head.

“Can I help with anything?” Brooke asks.

“You can fix some drinks. I have tea, Mountain Dew, and stuff in the refrigerator.”

She opens it and laughs. “And stuff?” She holds up a bottle of Starbucks vanilla Frappuccino.

“I thought that might do until I can take you out for real coffee.”

A smile covers her entire face. My chest catches as she opens the lid and takes a big sip. I love making her happy.

“Mama is addicted to caffeine.” Timothy shakes his head.

I chuckle. “You’ll understand why when you get older.”

Brooke sighs and sets the bottle on the counter. It’s already a third gone. She pours Timothy and me tea and moves the drinks to the table. I hand him three plates and forks to carry while I take the food.

I choke back the emotions of how much this feels like a family. Brooke and I may be reunited, but I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Timothy adds another layer to us, and I can’t assume his dad will be fine with me having them over like this.

Even if he isn’t in his life now, he may resurface when he finds out Brooke is with me. She said Timothy doesn’t know him, but she also said she hasn’t been with anyone since him. I’ve seen enough to know how guys get jealous and territorial.

I unbag the boxes and open them in the center of the table. Then I get some tongs and big forks and spoons so we can fill our plates. Timothy asks the blessing, and we start eating.

I’m at the head of the table beside both of them. Although I can’t get carried away, it does feel nice to have them here. Most nights I eat in front of the TV or with Mom.

“Timothy, since we’re all here, I need to ask you something important.”

“Yes, sir.” He sits up straighter and wipes macaroni from his mouth.

“Your mom and I had a lot of fun on our date last night. With your permission, I’d like to ask her to be my girlfriend.”

His face stretches like he’s seen a ghost. Not quite the reaction I’d hoped for. Is that a bad thing?

“Are you kidding?”

“I wasn’t, but if it’s not okay with you, I might be.”

I glance at Brooke. She’s all smiles, enjoying her potatoes. Maybe it isn’t so bad.

“That’s awesome.” Timothy’s face normalizes. “Can I tell everyone at school tomorrow my mama is dating the starting pitcher for the Braves?”

I cock my head. “I may not say ‘starting,’ but the rest is accurate.” I started three games late last season before my injury.

“Starting or not, it doesn’t matter.” Brooke pats my hand. “Playing or not, it doesn’t matter.”

“I’m glad you think so.” I wink at her, then take a sip of my tea. “Timothy, what if I didn’t play baseball?”

“What do you mean?” He scrunches his eyebrows with confusion.

“If I weren’t in the MLB, could I still date your mom?”

“Yeah, but it wouldn’t be as cool.”

I laugh, and they join me. I watch Brooke for a hint of how she feels about me playing ball. All she has to do is say the word and I’ll retire.

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