Page 90 of Curveball

I close the door as she walks in and notices Arizona, immediately embracing her. “Ahh. I’m so happy you two are together again. It warms my heart.” Mom steps back. “But you’re not framing her rise ball like I taught you. Lift your body a drop more to create the illusion that it’s landing in the middle of your chest.”

Arizona smiles widely. “Yes, Coach June. Anything for you.”

I playfully swat her arm. “Mom, leave her alone. She’s the best player in the league.”

Mom waves her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. You’re both stars. Best battery in the history of the game. Reunited just in time to train for the Olympics. I’m so proud of you both.”

Just then, our door flies open, and Kam is standing there with a huge smile. She jumps up and down with her hands in the air. “Mama June! Mama June!”

Mom laughs and holds her arms open. “Honey Boo Boo!”

They both laugh at the pop culture reference they’ve been using for a decade and hug.

Kam looks her up and down. “Fucking hell, June, I hope I’m half as hot as you when I grow up.”

Mom shakes her head. “You don’t have to worry…you’ll never grow up.”

Kam laughs. “That’s true.”

Mom looks behind her at the door. “Where’s Chickadee?”

Kam raises an eyebrow. “Allegedly babysitting, but I think she’s really just fucking the father. He’s closer to your age than ours.”

“Is he hot?”

Kam nods. “Yep.”

“Good for Bailey.” She turns to me. “I hope you’re getting laid too.”

Kam starts giggling, but I simply roll my eyes.

Arizona answers, “I think she is, but she won’t talk about it.”

Mom lifts an eyebrow. “Interesting.” She gives me a look suggesting we’ll discuss this later. “Where should I put my bags?”

Arizona answers, “In my room. I’ll stay at my boyfriend’s place while you’re visiting. I put fresh sheets on for you this morning.”

Mom smirks. “Thank you. Ah, yes, your boyfriend. I’ve seen your photos all over with that hunk of man meat. I’ve pinched the princess to his handsome face on more than one occasion.”

Kam and Arizona start laughing hysterically. I shake my head. “You’ve been here for less than three minutes and you’re already discussing your masturbation habits. That’s a record, even for you, Mom.”

She straightens her shoulders. “I have a rep to protect.”

I grab one of her bags. “Let’s get you settled.”

Arizona kisses Mom’s cheek. “It’s good to have you here, June. I’m going to drop my stuff at Layton’s. I’ll see you guys at the ballpark.”

We’re all heading to a Cougars game tonight.

Kam shakes her head. “What she’s really doing is blowing him before his game. That seems to be their M.O.”

Arizona simply winks as she leaves, followed shortly thereafter by Kam, leaving Mom and me alone.

After she gets settled in, we sit on the sofa. She rubs my leg. “Tell me what’s going on with you.”

I shrug. “Same old. Obviously, the team is doing great.”

“You guys will win the whole thing, I have no doubt. You have a much better team behind you than you did in Houston.”

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