Page 118 of Passed Ball

"Really?" Her voice drips with sarcasm. "AndI'mthe bold one. How do you know that?"

I shrug, giving her a grin. "Because some things just work out. When the right person shows up, it doesn't matter how or why. It just . . . happens. You just know."

Tenley's smirk turns saccharine. "You'd have screwed it up if it weren't for me, Big Red."

I shake my head. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet," she says, handing me Holland so I can say goodbye, "here we are. Don't forget to name your second kid after me."

I kiss my daughter and hand her back to Tenley, grabbing my bag with a sigh. Swallowing my pride, I glance over my shoulder. "Have you heard from her?"

"Only a few texts and a picture of her and Harlowe wine stomping," Tenley replies casually.

I nod. "I got that one too." She looked happy, her thrown back in joy as Harlowe clung to her. I hope she's feeling as good as she looked.

Tenley pauses, studying me as I head for the door. "Are you worried about her?"

"Honestly? Yeah. She's been stressed."

"It's like that every year when we go home," Tenley says, leaning against the doorframe. "But you're right--this year is different, and I can't figure out why. I should have gone with her."

It's not my place to tell her the things Vivi shared in private with me, but I can see this is eating at her so I stop, turning back to face her. "That would have stressed her out even more. Knowing you're here, handling your classes and helping with Holland, that's what she needs from you. She's got Harlowe to lean on out there."

Tenley nods reluctantly, her expression softening. "Yeah . . . I know. Hot and smart. Good for you."

"Jesus," I groan, exasperated. "You can't say that shit to me, Ten."

She laughs, and it's a touch evil, but I can tell she's trying to take my mind off the day ahead. "But it's so much fun seeing you squirm."

"Whatever. See you later."

"Good luck today. Everything is going to be okay." She lifts my daughter's tiny hand, forcing a wave.

She's a fucking weirdo, but we're lucky to have her. Knowing that Holland is surrounded by people that love her is more than I could have ever hoped for.

And I'm extra thankful for that today because when I arrive at the courthouse twenty minutes later to find that Kristy failed to show, it's a crushing blow. Part of me hoped she would at least acknowledge Holland today.

As if on cue, a text from Vivi lights up my screen.

Vivienne:

I wish I could be there with you today.

I'm thinking of both you and Holland.

Please let me know how it goes.

Xavier:

She didn't show. I don't know what to think. Can I call you when

we're done here?

Vivi:

Please.

I need to hear your voice and know you're okay.

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