Page 159 of Curveball

“What would you think if I were to move out here too? Not here in this house, but here in Philly.”

“I’d love that. Did things work out with Reagan Daulton?”

I know she and Mom spoke about her coming on staff for the Anacondas.

“Yes, but I told her I wanted to talk to you before making the commitment.”

“Obviously I want you as the pitching coach.”

She smiles. “You do?”

“Of course, Mom.”

“Okay. I’ll need to find another job as well. Coaching the Anacondas won’t be enough. I wish it was, I love coaching more than anything, but perhaps I can find another teaching job to make ends meet. Tell me if it’s too much. I don’t want to be overbearing and intrusive in your life.”

I grab her hand. “You’re fine. I’m more than happy to have you here. You’re the best coach I’ve ever had. And you’ll get to be near Kaya. If you’re not living with us, where will you plan to live?”

She bites her lip nervously again. “That’s the thing. Dutton asked me to move in with him.”

I’m in shock. “Really?”

Her eyes light up with excitement. “Yes. It’s just so unexpected. He’s unexpected. I know he feels the same. He’s barely dated since his wife passed. But we’ve discussed it, and we want to give it a go. I’m fifty years old and have never lived with a man in my entire life. I don’t know if this old dog can learn new tricks.”

I hadn’t considered that fact. She deserves this. I rub her arm. “I think it’s great. I’m truly happy for you. I didn’t realize you two were so serious.”

She fixes her hair nervously. These are unchartered waters for her. “We had this instant connection when I was here last year. I haven’t felt something like that since…since…”

“My father.”

She nods. “Yes, your father. And then I did something I’venever done. I talked. Every single day when I was back in California, Dutton and I spoke on the phone for hours.”

I wrack my brain. I suppose I was out of it those months I lived with her back in Cali, but I do remember her on the phone in her room at night. It’s also just now occurring to me that she didn’t bring any men home during my time with her.

“What about that guy from the grocery store you went out with a few weeks ago?”

She sighs. “I was freaked out about Dutton, so I agreed to that date. Five minutes into it, I realized my mistake and took an Uber to Dutton’s house. I don’t know how to do this, Ripley. I’ve never let myself feel, not since your father.”

“Well, if he makes you happy, why the fuck not?”

She smiles and slowly nods. “You’re right. Why the fuck not? He does make me happy.”

“When are you thinking of moving? No rush. It’s nice having you here.”

“We’ll wait until after this season. You and Quincy need me for Kaya.”

“I don’t want to hold you back.”

She waves her hand dismissively. “You’re not. It’s for the best. I want to make sure we’re truly solid before I take a big step like this. You know it’s a big deal for me.”

“Yes, I do.”

After Mom goes upstairsto shower, Kaya is wildly amused in her bouncy seat while I begin aimlessly surfing the internet on my iPad. I usually look at TMZ or one of the other gossip sites because they love to photograph Arizona and Layton. It used to be bullshit stories and innuendo, but nowthat they’re married, that nonsense has died down. It’s just photos of them out and about. They’re huge stars who happen to be incredibly beautiful. The camera loves them.

I’m flipping through when a familiar figure flashes on the screen. It’s definitely Quincy. Even though his face is covered with a hat, I’d know his body anywhere. I click on it to see him with his hands on the arms of an attractive blonde woman. One with a perfect body, a lot different than mine. The caption reads,Quincy Abbott and Unknown Woman Seen at Upscale Philly Hotel.

This must be an old picture, but as I zoom in, I realize that he’s wearing the clothes he wore last night. My mom mentioning him not being at Screwballs suddenly hits me.

Tears fill my eyes. Can this be true?

---