Page 28 of How We Fooled

Can’t make it today.

Whoever she is, she must be hot.

Ben’s response makes me laugh.

If only he knew.

I don’t respond though. I’m not ready to tell them about her yet. I want to keep her to myself before I tell everyone.

I arrive at Liza’s place a few minutes before noon, and I love the fact that she comes outside to greet me. She’s dressed in a white summer dress that looks amazing against her darker skin tone. Add in her hair, curled just enough to look like she put effort in, but wanted to still be casual, and I’m struck with awe by her natural beauty.

I step out of the truck and meet her halfway.

“Hi,” she says, standing with her hands behind her back and on the balls of her feet with an amazing smile gracing her face.

I head straight to her, picking her up a few inches and kissing her hello. “Hey there. Good to see you again.”

“You too. My aunt and uncle already went over there, so we can head straight out.”

I turn around, holding her hand as I do. “Let’s go then.”

I open the passenger door for her, then hop in the driver’s side to start the truck. “Lead the way.”

She gives me directions to Justine and Tucker’s place, which is only a few roads over so we’re there within a few minutes. We enter their home by walking through an open gate that leads to the backyard.

“Hello,” Liza calls out, announcing our arrival.

Multiple people yell out, “Hello!”

I recognize her aunt Heidi, who comes to greet me first. “Eli, it’s so good to see you again. Let me introduce you to everyone.” She points to a woman who I would guess is in her low thirties in age, who’s carrying a bowl full of cut fruit. “This is my daughter, Justine.”

She places the bowl on the table and comes to shake my hand. “It’s good to meet you. This is my husband, Tucker.” She points to the man behind the grill, who waves at me. “And our daughter, Emily, is playing over there with Matthew and his wife, Hannah. I’ve heard you know Matthew.”

Matthew hears his name being said and walks over to join us. “Yeah, good to see you again, Eli.”

We shake hands.

“Yeah, long time no see. How’s the hitting facility going?”

“Good, good. I have practice tonight for a twelve and under team heading to Cooperstown next week. If you’re still around, you should stop by. They’d love to see a guy like you hit a few balls.”

“Yeah, that’d be cool.” I turn to Liza. “Think we can stop by there?”

“Of course,” Liza responds.

“Great. So, I know everyone asks you …” Matthew pauses, his eyebrows lifting slightly. “But have you decided if you’ll declare for the draft or not?”

I shrug. “We’ll see how this summer goes. Then, I’ll have the school year to make my final decision. But”—I glance at Liza again—“I’m thinking baseball is the way to go.”

Matthew places his hand on my arm. “I always hoped you’d choose baseball, but I’m a little biased for the sport.”

“A little?” Tucker joins our conversation, teasing his son and holding his hand out to me. “Tucker Sims,” he says in introduction. “Nice to meet you.”

“Eli Jones,” I reply as we shake. “Nice to meet you too.”

“I would hope a guy your size would go for the draft. God blessed you with something that can’t be taught, no matter how hard Matthew tries to coach you.” Tucker nudges Matthew playfully.

I let out a small laugh. “Yeah, I’ve been told that a time or two before.”

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