Page 78 of In the Works

As I looked around the room, a knock came from the door. “Delivery,” a nurse smiled.

In her hands, a huge bouquet of flowers was delicately arranged. My eyebrows lifted. “Who even knows you’re here?”

The nurse lowered the flowers into Zoey’s reach, letting her pluck the card from the foliage. On thick card stock, Zoey read the note aloud: “Zoey, hope you’re recovering well and your baby is safe and sound. Thanks for letting me take your sister out. Here’s to better luck next time. - V.B.”

I sucked my lips into my mouth, letting my teeth rest on them.

“Well, that’s thoughtful.” Robin turned to look at me.

Tucking the card back into place, Zoey asked the nurse to set the flowers on the table across the room.

Once the nurse left, a heavy silence fell over the room.

After a second, I caved. “Sorry I wasn’t here.”

“Sar, don’t apologize. You have a right to not be attached to the family by the hip.” Zoey shook her head, taking a sip of the ice water by her bed.

“I know.” I nodded. It was only partially true. My conscious brain knew I had every right to have a life outside of New Winford. But deep down, I doubted it. My kids were young and still needed their mom. Hell, in emergencies, there were still only a few people to call.

My eyes wandered to the flowers on the table behind me. They were incredible. For such short notice, it was hard to believe Victoria was able to get a bouquet like that at nearly midnight.

“What are you thinking?” Zoey pushed me.

Scoffing, I rolled my eyes. “I feel like I should want to be more detached. To have something outside of this.”

Robin reached from her chair to mine. “But you don’t.”

“I’m starting to think I’m pretty happy where I am.” I bite my lip.

The feeling had been bubbling in my mind for some time. Maybe I didn’t need a helicopter to sweep me off of my feet. Maybe all I needed was what waited for me back in the lobby.

Zoey waggled her eyebrows as she giggled. “I think that might be your answer.”

38

BRI

My mouth stretchedinto a yawn as I pulled my glove out of my bag. I hadn’t gotten much sleep after my night in the hospital with the gaggle of Greenwoods.

And now, I needed to get my body back online before we started a softball game.

From behind me, Cleo slapped my back. “You look like a bag of shit.”

I shook my head. “I’m starting to think you don’t knowhowto be nice.”

Wrapping a rough arm around my shoulder, Cleo giggled. “You know I’m fucking with you. But in all seriousness, why are you so wiped?”

“I was at the hospital with Sarah’s family last night.” I rubbed the back of my neck.

Cleo’s forehead wrinkled. “Seriously?”

Nodding, I grabbed my glove and headed out to the outfield. I hadn’t arrived early enough to warm up, so the small stretches I managed in the dugout would have to do.

Cleo and I walked in stride to our positions.

“What were you doing there?” Cleo raised their voice across the field, not willing to relent on their gossip.

Rolling my eyes, I shrugged. “Robin asked me to come help with Sarah’s kids while we waited for her to get there.”

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