Page 122 of Passed Ball

Vivi's eyes go wide and the camera shakes as she grabs something out of the picture and hurls at her friend.

"That was our secret," she whispers-shouts, no longer talking to me.

"I'm never getting rid of that nickname, am I?"

Vivi settles back into the crook of her arm, an easy smirk curving her mouth. "Afraid not."

Holland finishes the bottle and I pull it from her slack mouth, propping her my shoulder, watching Vivi practically melt when she sees her propped against my shoulder so I can burp her.

"She's so perfect," Vivi whispers.

"She is, but I've got to get her back to bed," I say, not wanting to hang up even though I need to.

Like she feels the same Vivi says, "We're going to watch your game tomorrow. Can I call you after?"

"I'd be mad if you didn't. Sweet dreams--"

"You guys are giving me a toothache," Harlowe interrupts.

"Night, Harlowe." I chuckle.

Vivi yawns, this one deeper than the last. Like she's fighting sleep now. "Give her a kiss for me. I hope she lets you sleep until morning now."

We hang up and I put Holland back down for the night.

The four month sleep regression has been a bitch, but talking to Vivi makes the exhaustion I know I'll be feeling tomorrow a little less daunting. Seeing her was exactly what I needed. She didn't say much about the conversation with her mom, but what she gave me told me everything.

She found what she was looking for in California.

Chapter 52

Vivienne

After that middle of the night phone call I slept hard enough that Harlowe had to wake me to say goodbye.

When we get downstairs, Levi is already making coffee. All my brothers have their own places on the property, but they still meet my dad here every morning before work.

Harlowe pours herself a coffee for the road and I follow her out to Phantom, my feet dragging the whole way, not ready to say goodbye. I'd much rather she stay until I'm done facing my brothers.

"You can do this, babe."

"I know. And even if I can't . . . I think I have to."

She loads her suitcase up, slams the door shut, and turns to face me where I'm leaning against her truck. "You do."

"Okay. I got this."

"Call me later and let me know how it goes."

"I will. Text me when you make it back." The drive back to Timberline Peak is almost thirteen hours and I always worry about her when she makes the drive alone. But if anyone can handle it, it's Harlowe.

I hug her tight and when I let her go she pulls herself up into the driver's seat with ease.

"Show-off."

"Next year I'll bring you a step stool."

I flip her off and turn back towards the house in time to see my dad and three brothers heading out to the vines. The twins are probably both still hungover and will join them later.

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