Page 128 of Lilly

"You can stay and talk if you'd like." I walk over to the couch and sit down. When he doesn't move, I say, "I'm sure the French literature can wait."

He takes a seat, his back straight, head held high. It's clear he's been trained in proper posture, and I'm sure Katherine scolds him if he dare slouches even the slightest bit.

"What should we talk about?" I ask, wanting him to lead the conversation. It's probably the only time he's ever been allowed to.

He thinks for a moment. "Lilly said you help your son run his company. She said they sell sports equipment?"

"That's correct. We jointly own the company but Garret runs the day-to-day operations. I'm more of a consultant."

"So you both like sports?"

"We do, especially Garret. Owning that company is his dream job."

"Have you ever taken him to a game?"

"Yes. Many times. Football. Baseball. Basketball. We go to games all the time. Sometimes we take my grandchildren, although Miles and Ethan are too young to sit still for that long."

Conner frowns, his shoulders drooping ever so slightly. He wishes that were him, but instead he's forced to go to the opera and the ballet.

"When you come visit us," I say, "we'll take you to a game."

"Really?" He seems shocked that I would even suggest it.

It's sad that at the age of 12, this boy who loves sports has never even been to a game. His father should've taken him. Work is no excuse. Even when I was working all the time, I still took Garret to a game now and then.

"We'll plan on it," I say. "And perhaps the next time I'm in town, we could go to one here."

"I won't be here," he says sadly. "I'll be leaving for school in a few weeks."

The disappointment in his voice pains me. I get my phone out and see if there are any afternoon baseball games. There's a Yankees game at two.

"How about today?" I ask. "Would you like to go to a baseball game?"

That shocked expression appears again, along with a glint of happiness in his eyes, but then it vanishes. "Thank you for offering, Mr. Kensington, but I'm not allowed to go."

"If I could convince your mother to allow it, would you go?"

"Yes!" He jumps up from the couch, then quickly sits down. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay to be excited. You don't have to hide it."

Katherine appears again, sighing. "I have had it with that committee. They are wasting my time with their incompetence." She stands by the couch. "Pearce, why are you still here? And Conner, why aren't you doing your studies?"

I stand up. "Conner and I have decided to go to a baseball game this afternoon."

I wait for her to fight me about it, but instead she slowly smiles. "How nice of you to offer. What time are you leaving?"

Conner stares at her. "I...I can go?"

"As long as you complete your studies."

"I will. I promise."

"Go to your room and get ready."

He races off down the hall.

"I'm surprised you're agreeing to this," I say.

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