Page 73 of Stick Play

He steps up to the grocery bags and peeks in. “What the…you got fake meat.”

“It’s plant-based, not fake.”

“You been talking to my son or something.”

“He called when I was at the grocery store, but this was my idea.” He looks like he’s about to protest. “Trust me, Grant. You’re going to like it.”

He takes Zoe’s hand, grumbling about everyone trying to ruin his life, as they head down the stairs, and I grin. As much as he grouches, he likes that we all care about his health.

I move to the window and watch Grant get her into the back seat and buckle her in. Wow, she lets him buckle her in and if I dared to try, she’d throw a fit. Snatching up my bags of groceries, I take them to the kitchen, and begin unpacking. For the next little bit, I work on making a dough, and getting it chilled before dinner, then I make up dips for snacks tonight, and do a bit of tidying around the place.

By the time I finish, Grant and Zoe come barreling back into the house, bringing the chill of the outdoors with them.

“Mommy, that was so much fun. I got to use tools and turn screws, and everything.” When I reach them at the door, I laugh at the grease stains on her face, and I grab my phone to take a picture of her and Grant. I send it off to Ash. Not that I expect to hear from him. I’m sure they’re all getting into game mode, but it will give him something to laugh about after the game.

“You’re not putting that up on social media, are you?”

“No, I don’t really use social media.”

“It’s garbage. Nothing good about it.”

“I totally agree.” A hard quiver goes through me as I remember the things Liza falsely said about Ash. Who does something like that to get ahead in life? “The pizza dough is chilling. Why don’t you go ahead and get started on making dinner, and I’m going to take this chicken nugget to the bath.”

“I’m on it.”

Grant gets out of his winter clothes, and hangs them in the closet like he now lives here and it makes me chuckle. Honestly, I like having him around.

“Mommy,” Zoe begins, and as I take her to the bath and get it going with warm water and bubbles, as she strips down, I listen to her talk nonstop about her time at the shop and some guy named Dodge that she met. I’m not sure if she’s actually talking about a car or one of the mechanics, but she’s pretty intrigued by it all and I can’t help but think opening her up to seeing new things is a good idea. I know I certainly can’t teach her anything about cars, and her own father isn’t about to bring her into his world and teach her anything about medicine or psychiatry. “I’ve never been to a garage, you know.”

“Oh, I know.” I try not to laugh as she blinks up at me. She takes the washcloth from me as I try to wash her face.

“I can do it.” As I watch her, my throat squeezes tight. She’s growing up so darn fast. What is this place going to be like when she goes off to college? I can’t even imagine the quietness or the loneliness. Maybe I should have another baby, or two.

Whoa, where did that thought come from?

I finish getting Zoe washed up and into her pajamas. By the time I’m done combing out her wet hair, there’s a knock on the door, and Zoe darts down the hall and pulls it open.

“Hey, Zoe.” Callie glances up at me when she sees me coming. “Gina.” I smile at her, and she continues, “You don’t mind me joining you guys for pizza and the game, do you?” I note she’s in Ash’s jersey.

“No, of course not. Come on in.”

She steps in and I shut out the coldness behind her. She breathes in deeply. “Something smells good.”

“Grandpa is making pizza,” Zoe blurts out and darts to the kitchen.

Callie arches a brow. “Grandpa. Is there something I should know? I mean, last time we talked?—”

“No. No.” I am not about to tell Callie anything about my sex life or relationship with Ash. “It’s just something she calls him. No relationship.”

She lets loose a relieved breath. “Thank God.” I really don’t know why she’s thanking God. From what I can see she doesn’t have a relationship with Ash. “Did you see the pictures of us on social media.” A light laugh rumbles in her throat. “Who wore it best? Hilarious.”

“Yeah, hilarious.”

“It’s not even like you ‘wore’ him.” She does air quotes around that word and I guess she considers the fact that she jumped on him and wrapped her legs around his back, meant she ‘wore’ him. “Oh, I mentioned it to Grant earlier. Mom and Grandma are going to play bingo if you’re interested.”

Good, God. I’m not that much older than her.

“No, I want to watch the game.” Why do I suddenly feel like putting on my jersey, like I’m in competition with Callie? I really am far too mature for that. Maybe I should go play bingo. “Come on in. Can I get you anything to drink? Wine? Beer? Soda?”

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