Page 81 of Stolen Bases

I am happy. I’m finally living. There is someone out there who wants me.

Locking the door, I pull up Cam’s messages and send him a new one.

Itty Bitty:Thank you so much for the new stethoscope. I love it.

I’m about to shove my phone in my pocket when it buzzes in my hand. My heart skips a beat, and the butterflies soar.

Big Guy:You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it. I was afraid you were going to be mad at me.

Itty Bitty:Why would I be mad at you?

Big Guy:Because you told me not to buy you stuff.

I sigh at his text. I did tell him that, but something like this is different. I will use a stethoscope every day. Bonus, I’ll be carrying a little piece of him with me when we can’t be together. That thought gives me a warm high.

Itty Bitty:I did. But this was sweet. And practical.

Itty Bitty:Wait? How much was this?

Big Guy:Look at that… I gotta go. I’ll be home in a few days. I can’t wait to see you on our dinner date.

Itty Bitty:Avoider.

Big Guy:;)

Grinning at my phone like a loon, I’m startled out of my Cam bubble when my mom knocks on the door. “Dinner’s ready, Lia.”

“Be right out,” I shout. Sticking my phone in my back pocket, I flush the toilet, wash my hands, and take a deepbreath before opening the door. I’m prepared to find my mom standing in the hallway waiting for me.

“Are you okay?” She inspects me from head to toe before putting the back of her hand on my forehead, taking my temperature.

Circling her wrist with my fingers, I pry her hand away. “I’m fine, Mamma.”

My assurance doesn’t stop her from fussing.

“I promise.”

“Fine.” She drops her hands to her waist. With one hip popped, she stares me down with her charcoal-gray eyes. She didn’t buy my “friend” story for one second either.

I force myself to stand tall against her superhuman mom vision. I don’t enjoy keeping the truth from her—it hurts me to my core. We don’t keep things from each other, but this is different. I need more time to figure out what Cam and I are. Time to figure out my feelings.

I almost crack and tell her what’s going on when she sighs, giving in.

“Let’s go eat.”

“Thank you.” I don’t have to tell her why; she understands.

A soft smile lifts her lips. “You’re welcome. I’m here when you’re ready to talk.”

“I know.” Draping my arm over her shoulders, I kiss her cheek. “I love you.”

Guiding us back to the chaos ensuing in the kitchen, she wraps her arm around my waist. “I love you too,mia bella.”

Zia Rose winks at me as we take our seats at the table.

These women are incapable of missing a thing when it comes to their girls. I wouldn’t want it any other way. But times are changing, and it’s time I gain some space.

I wink back at her as she plates the eggplant.

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