Page 89 of Mom Ball

“Here we go.” I set everything out and open the lasagna. “You still like the edge pieces?”

“Yeah.” She smiles sweetly. “I can’t believe you remember that.”

“I remember everything.” I wink.

She dips her head. Whoops.

“I didn’t mean—”

“I know, it’s okay.” She lifts her eyes shyly, then stares ahead at the field.

I clear my throat. Best change the subject to something less personal. “Did y’all ever come out here after I moved to Atlanta?”

She shrugs. “I think some of them did, but not me.”

“We both moved off pretty soon after that last night here.”

“Yeah.” She turns to me and smiles.

I scoop her some lasagna and slide the plate beside her. Then I fix my plate and sit just far enough to fit the food between us. We both reach for a bite at the same time, almost bumping hands.

“Sorry.” I pull my plate back a few inches. “I bet you don’t miss eating next to a clumsy lefty.”

“Timothy’s left-handed.”

“True.” I smile. “I’m glad. The world needs more left-handed players. I could teach him all kinds of pitching techniques to screw with batters.”

She chews slowly and swallows.

“He doesn’t have to be a pitcher. He’s great at first base.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not that.” Her voice is shaky. “What happens when you go home?”

“I’ll probably watch some TV and make myself unpack more.” I fork a big bite of lasagna.

“I mean to Atlanta.”

“I know.” I stab my fork in a bite and turn to Brooke. “I’m thinking of not going back.”

“What?” Her eyes widen.

“Yeah.” I palm the back of my neck and sigh. “I wanted to talk to you about that. Where I go all depends.”

“On your shoulder and arm.”

I swallow some food and stretch out my pitching arm. “It did, but the team doctor should clear me any day now.”

“So you’re going to play?”

“Maybe.”

“Why wouldn’t you?” She tilts her head in confusion.

I drop my fork and touch her face. “There are more important things than playing ball.”

“I agree,” she whispers against my palm.

“I don’t want to pressure you, Brooke, but I could see a future here, living in Apple Cart with you.” I slide my hand away slowly.

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