Page 17 of Double Play

“I’m good.”

“You’re more than good, sweetie. I saw pictures of you online this morning in a fancy dress, out with Layton Lancaster. You looked stunning, and he’sveryhandsome.”

Shit. I don’t want to lie to her, but I also don’t think she’d care for the truth. I think I’ll be purposefully vague.

“Yes, we went to a party together last night. The group who bought the Cougars also owns the Anacondas. They set it up for us to attend together asfriends.”

“I see. Did I mention that he’s handsome?”

I let out a laugh. “You did, and he is. But like I said, we’re just friends.”

“Hmm. Maybe that will change in due time. How’s life in Philly?”

“So far, so good. I honestly haven’t done much. Besideslast night, I’ve mostly just had practice. And we’re still unpacking, though Ripley got a lot done yesterday.”

She giggles. “I guess Ripley is still a clean freak?”

“Most definitely. She practically picks up my clothes as soon as I drop them on the floor.”

“Some things never change. How is that wonderful girl? I haven’t seen her in ages.”

“She’s great. I’m so happy to be with her again. It feels very full circle.”

“It is. I love that you two are together again. The dynamic duo reunited. I ran into her mother at the market last week.”

“How is she?”

“Single and ready to mingle, like always.” Ripley’s mom raised her alone and constantly had an active dating life. Ripley used to be embarrassed about it but then it became the source of many laughs.

“I hope she makes it out for a game or two.”

“She plans to. Have you seen your brother? I know the team was traveling this week.”

“Not yet. We’re having brunch this morning though. Do you guys think you’ll make it out for any of our games? Now that we’re playing in the same city, it should be easier for you.”

“We’d really like to. We’re aiming for later in the season. It’s so hot and sticky in Philly in the summer. We’ll come in the fall when the weather turns.”

I try to mask my disappointment. “I understand. How’s Dad?”

“In his woodshop, building God knows what now.” I smile. My dad lives for carpentry. He’s made custom furniture since he was a boy, taking over the business from his father after a short stint playing professional baseball. They run a small boutique in our hometown that is always overflowing with inventory. Not because they don’t make sales, butbecause my father works twenty-four hours a day creating things. Neither of them, particularly my father, ever made it to many games because they’re open seven days a week and don’t trust anyone else to run things.

“Tell him I said hello. I hope to see you soon. I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“I need to head out. I’ll talk to you in a few days?”

“Okay, sweetie.” She’s quiet for a brief moment. “Arizona?”

“Yes.”

“Find your smile again, sweet girl. Nothing that happened is your fault and everything happens for a reason.”

I bite back the tears. “I’m trying, Mom. I really am. I hope that one day I can view it that way.”

“You will. I promise.”

I’m headedto brunch with Quincy. I need to talk to him before he sees anything online about Layton and me.

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