Page 29 of Mom Ball

He disappears into his truck. I kick the ground awkwardly, afraid of what he’ll bring out.

“Is he okay?” Mom asks.

“I don’t know. He was with Misty for a while, so that might’ve gotten to him.”

“No, that man.” She nods toward the clearing.

I follow her gaze to Bubba lying on the ground with his cap over his eyes.

“I think he will be.”

Jeffrey returns with a shirt in his hand.

“If you don’t mind, Nate, I’d like you to sign this jersey for me.” He whips open the jersey. It looks vintage. I haven’t seen anyone with that style since I was a kid, and I certainly didn’t wear it. I’m already skeptical when he shows me the back.

“Uh, that’s not even my number.” I raise my brows as I notice “Jones.” “And it’s got Chipper’s name.”

“Yeah.” Jeffrey tosses it over his shoulder. “I know, but I promised a signed Braves jersey for my kids’ travel-ball raffle.”

“I could get you one with my name and number if you give me a few days.”

“No offense, son, but Chipper’s way more famous than you.” He pats my shoulder.

“Well, thanks for moving my mom’s home. Be careful backing out.” I turn to go back in the house.

“Wait, so you ain’t gonna sign it?”

I sigh and turn around. Jeffrey is holding a Sharpie he somehow pulled out of thin air. Or maybe his butt. Who knows with this weirdo.

Shaking off the butt hypothesis, I grab the pen and scribble my name right beside Chipper’s. That should show him.

“Thanks.”

“Mm-hmm.” I force a pleasant face. “Mom, let’s go inside so they can get out safely, then we can come work on your place.”

“Sounds good.” She smiles at Jeffrey. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, ma’am.”

Jeffrey heads to his truck. He stops by Bubba and kicks him in the side. Mom and I both wince as Bubba moans and comes to life.

“Bless his heart,” she mumbles to me.

“Looks like they’ve done this before.”

Mom shakes her head. “I’m adding them to my prayer list.”

“Please do.”

CHAPTER 7

Brooke

My phone vibrates for the fourth time. I silenced it after two calls, but Morgan won’t stop. I would turn it off completely, but then I might miss something from a doctor or nurse.

I finish the X-ray on a kid’s ankle, trying my best to ignore whatever Morgan wants. Actually, I’m almost certain I know what she wants, which is more reason to avoid my phone.

Unlike her and Maribelle, I have contacted zero people this week concerning baseball. Unless you count taking Timothy to Nate’s house for one more practice.

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