Page 131 of Double Play

Linda’s eyes widen as she fumbles with her phone, pressing all kinds of buttons. “Oh no, I think I just committed to a year subscription to Grindr.”

What the hell is happening right now? Less than an hour with Kam and she’s committed to a year of Grindr.

Kam reaches for her phone. “Give it to me.”

In the thirty minutes the kids are outside, Kam removes Grindr, installs Tinder, and they set up Linda’s Tinder account, complete with a picture of her. I think they put Linda’s face on Kam’s body.

As they’re discussing her answers to questions on Tinder, I hear another knock on the door.

I hold my hand up to Linda, who takes a step toward the door. “I’ve got it. I wouldn’t want to pull you away from Tinder.”

I slowly manage my way to the front door and open it, surprised to see Reagan standing there. There’s an attractive blonde woman about her age standing with her. “Reagan? What are you doing here?”

She smiles. “Hey, Layton. This is my sister, Skylar.”

Good lord. The knockout tree didn’t miss anyone in this family. Skylar is stunning and looks more like Reagan than their other sister, Dr. Cooper. Unlike Reagan, Skylar has a sweet, shy appearance.

I hold out my hand. “Hi, I’m Layton Lancaster.”

She smiles as she shakes it in return. “I know. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Skylar Remington.”

I look back at Reagan, wondering why they’re here.

“Arizona mentioned this place and how much it means to you. I wanted to show you a little support.” She and Skylar both lift big bags from the ground next to them. “Here are a few dozen Cougars and Anacondasjerseys along with a few other goodies. I thought you could distribute them to the kids.” She hands me a large, bulky envelope. “And here are season ticket passes for next season for all of the kids as well. You can save them for Christmas if you want.”

I take it in my hand, words momentarily escaping me. “This is really generous of you. Thank you.”

“Our pleasure.”

“Do you want to come in?”

“We’re on our way to our mom’s house for the holiday. All of our kids are in the car.” I look at the street and notice a big car full of kids. There seems to be a lot.

Reagan must notice my look of surprise. “My sister is a breeding machine.” Skylar playfully narrows her eyes at Reagan, but Reagan continues, “We just wanted to drop off everything. Have a happy Thanksgiving.”

“Thank you. You too.”

To say the kids flip out at the jerseys is a complete understatement. I’ll save the season passes for Christmas when both Arizona and I can give them to the kids together.

I’m moved by everyone’s actions, especially Arizona’s in reaching out to so many people on my behalf.

ARIZONA

It’s my first Thanksgiving away from my family. It would have been my first celebrating with Layton. This has been thelongest month of my life. I’m so homesick. I want this photo shoot to be over.

Butch and I hiked today at a beautiful park today. I would have given anything to be there with Layton. It would have been so romantic.

He didn’t take my call this morning. It hurt, but I know he’s struggling with everything right now. I hope a nice Thanksgiving helps him manage the depression he seems to be suffering. I did my best to give him a happy day.

He and I have been up and down over the past few weeks. I don’t know what else I can do. I’m trying, but he’s being so insecure.

I need to be ready for dinner in five minutes, but I have time for a quick call to my mother to wish her a happy Thanksgiving.

I dial her number and she answers. “Arizona! How’s my sweet girl?”

Hearing her voice makes me realize just how sad I am to not be with my family. My voice immediately breaks. “Not great, Mom.”

“Oh no. What’s wrong?”

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