Page 86 of Mom Ball

How he still has energy is beyond me. I take a quick shower and change into my pajamas, even though it’s still daylight. Then I dry my hair and grab a book I read when I actually get a lunch break at the hospital.

I’m halfway to my favorite chair when I hear voices outside. One is Timothy’s and the other is an adult. My overprotectiveness kicks into gear, and I burst onto the porch.

“Oh hi, Nate.”

He smiles. “Hey.”

“Are you two going to work on something?” Seems odd since the kids just played five games, but I’ve never understood baseball.

“No, I’m here to get you.”

I open my mouth, then pause and stare at my fuzzy pink pants. “For what?”

He steps toward me and cocks his jaw into a half smile that makes my stomach swirl.

“I talked to your mom earlier, and she agreed Timothy could come to her house for a while.”

“For?”

“Our date?”

“Date?” My eyes widen. So many questions I don’t have time to process.

“You agreed to go out with me sometime, remember?”

“I—”

He lifts his hands. “Don’t worry, I asked Timothy’s permission before I talked to anyone else.”

I glance at Timothy. “So you knew about this?”

He nods and laughs.

“Then why did you let me put on pajamas?”

“So you’d be surprised.”

“Mission accomplished.” I scoff.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep him company while you change.” Nate sits on the porch steps beside Timothy.

I frown, then look to Nate, then back at Timothy. Both stare blankly as if they’re waiting on me.

“Okay?”

I rush inside and throw on jeans and a cute shirt. Nobody said where we’re going or what we’re doing. I don’t have time to fix my hair, so I pull it back and slap on a little makeup. Then I slip on some cute, casual shoes and hurry outside.

“Beautiful.” Nate smiles.

“Well, I guess I’m off to Granny and Smith’s.” Timothy comes toward me and whispers, “It’s okay with me if he kisses you.”

“Timothy!” My face flushes. He’s never said anything like that to me. “I’m not sure I like you thinking about kissing.”

“Don’t worry, Mama. I’m not kissing people, but you’re plenty old enough to.”

I point toward my parents’ house. “Go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He laughs and runs to their backyard.

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