Page 18 of Force Play

“You guys can pick. You’re the ones giving up your day to help me.”

“How about pizza?” Mia suggests. “It’s not moving without pizza and beer.”

“Can’t go wrong with that,” Poppy agrees, pulling out her phone to order, her eyes sliding to me, silently asking if I’m okay.

I’m not, but I give her a weak smile anyway.

“Poppy was saying you were going to reach out to nonprofits soon to see what needs they had for volunteer coordination and staffing programs. Dean is on the board for Double Play. He could put you in touch with the right person,” Mia offers.

“That would be amazing.”

By the time the afternoon rolls around, the living room is packed and the girls need to head back to the hotel to get ready for the game tonight.

“You’re sure you don’t want to come tonight?” Poppy asks once more.

“I think our girl is ready for a nap.” Mia tugs on her future sister-in-law’s arm. “And she probably wants some alone time after having us in her space all day.”

“I’m wiped. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you all. Thank you for being here,” I say, walking them to the door.

“Enjoy the time with your dad and drive safe.” Poppy holds me tight, like she knows I’m seconds away from unraveling and her arms can piece me back together.

With the door shuts and the apartment is quiet for the first time since this morning, I look around at everything we accomplished.

I’m really doing this. Moving across the country with no job, no prospects, and leaving behind the only healthy relationship I’ve let myself have in years. For the first time since I quit, doubt creeps in. My eyes snag on the box of photos that Poppy and I looked through earlier.

Would my mom be proud of me? I think she would. Like I told the girls, I know what organizations I want to work with; free women’s health clinics and cancer charities, for my mom. And places like GSA and the Pride Foundation, for me. Just like that, the doubt disappears, replaced by the determination that’s gotten me this far in life, and a sense of purpose that is carrying me forward. Grabbing my running shoes, I lace them up and snag my keys, the trail calling out to me. Soon I’ll replace the paved urban trail that hugs Lake Michigan with the dirt that always seems to ground me.

Bingo Bitches Do It Batter

Janet:

I met an adorable single mom at the supermarket

tonight. Are you over that mysterious dating slump yet?

Dom:

I seriously regret drinking Lark’s homemade moonshine and confiding in you all.

Lark:

Don’t tell lies, it’s unbecoming.

You got several lovely dates out of that confession.

Dom:

I no longer need help with the matter.

Lark:

So you’re out of the slump. Was it my Mallory?

Are you going to start calling me Gigi?

I’ll set an extra plate at Thanksgiving for you.

Stephanie:

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