Page 51 of Mom Ball

And I’ll be dead alive if he doesn’t give me that grin again.

I lower my head to hide the blushing and listen to my son recount yesterday’s disastrous practice game. He finally stops to catch a breath, giving Nate a chance to respond.

“Hey, my mom has lunch with her book club today, and I’m starving. Would the two of y’all want to go with me to Mary’s?”

Not the response I expected.

“Yes.” Timothy beams.

“I guess it’s fine. I didn’t have any grand plans other than maybe grilling burgers.” I lift my head slowly to Nate staring at me.

That does not help with the blushing!

“Why don’t we go ahead and get a good seat before the Methodists take all the booths?” he suggests.

“Okay, we’ll meet you there.”

“Mama.” Timothy whizzes around to me. “Can I ride with Nate?”

“It would actually make sense for you both to ride with me. Save on parking.”

“Great,” Timothy answers for us.

“Great,” I whisper under my breath.

The only upside to the three of us leaving church together—in the same vehicle—is that most everyone has left already.

Apparently not Mrs. Maudy. She adjusts her glasses and smiles widely at us in the sunlight. I smile back, but keep walking. The guys didn’t notice her, so I think we’re safe.

“Brooke!”

Don’t look, it’s a trap.

“Oh, Brooke!”

“Mama, someone’s calling you.”

I clear my throat and speed up, but Timothy stops. “Mrs. Maudy needs you.”

I tilt my head to check, but I’m certain she doesn’t need anything aside from a good scratch on her gossip itch.

“Good to see you two together, hon!”

That makes us all turn her way. She waves wildly, then give us two thumbs-up. I groan and Nate chuckles.

“Have a nice afternoon.” He waves back.

I make a beeline for his truck, more embarrassed than ever. Nate smiles as if he’s enjoying this, although he does unlock his truck so I can find refuge. He and Timothy climb in a few minutes later.

“You must be really hungry, Mama, to run like that.”

I laugh off Timothy’s comment and stare out the window. It doesn’t take long to get to Mary’s, but he fills the silence by discussing the game.

“Anyway, I need to work on my speed and not tripping. Could you help me with that?”

“Yeah, buddy.” Nate parks the truck and unlocks the doors.

Paul and Ms. Dot are on the other side of my window, waving and smiling. Actually, Paul nods since he’s loaded down with to-go plates.

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