Page 42 of The Double Play

I run a hand over my beard.Miss Hazelseems to do a lot that I don’t. How does she keep up with all of this? I love my daughter with all that I have, but I can’t imagine creating this whole world of magic and fun for June every day, all day. I’d need a nap before noon.

It occurs to me just how often Hazel must have stayed late to tuck June in enough to have a routine. I hadn’t noticed at the time it was happening. It felt normal to pick up around the house while Hazel braided June’s hair and tucked her in. My shoulders droop. I’ve been taking advantage of her and treating her poorly on top of that. Shame beats down on me like a hot July sun.

“I’m not very good at making up stories like her, so how about we pick out a book for tonight?” I suggest, sounding as defeated as I feel.

I’m searching the shelves for something that would make her forget about Hazel being absent, when I hear a sniffle. I turn around and see tears trickling down June’s face.

“I want Miss Hazel,” she cries.

I cross the room and sit on the bed then draw her into my lap.

“I know you do, June. She should be back soon.” I rub her back as she cries.

“I–” she hiccups, “miss her.”

“Me too,” I say, then freeze.Do I?Is that what I’m feeling right now? I put aside the notion to focus on June. “What if I turn on a movie instead of story time? You can watch it until you fall asleep,” I offer.

She pulls back and looks up at me with watery eyes. “I’d like that.”

I kiss her forehead. “What movie do you want to watch?”

“Tangled. It’s Miss Hazel’s favorite and I can tell her I watched it when she comes back.”

“That sounds like a good plan.”

I lay her back in between her stuffed animals and pull the covers up over her. She grabs theI Heart NYCteddy bear she bought with Hazel during their scavenger hunt and squeezes it to her chest.

I turn the movie on and she immediately looks happier. Seeing that she’s settled for now, I head to the living room. I definitely need the distraction of video games and nonsensical conversation right about now.

I grab my headset and log on. The guys already have a party going, so I join it and I’m immediately bombarded.

“E.T.! Long time no talk. How’s life treating you?” Shaw asks.

“Yeah, how’s June doing?” Miles adds.

“Saw the little moment with Hazel on SportsCenter. Have you finally given up denying your feelings?” Jason’s teasing tone grates on my nerves.

I scowl at the screen even though they can’t see me.

“I’m fine, June’s fine, there are no feelings for Hazel.”

All of that is a lie. Every single word. I hate lying, but I don’t need them meddling right now. I texted my mom a similar answer when she tried to call me earlier. I knew if she heard my voice, she’d be able to tell I was lying. I can’t take her scolding me on top of everything else.

“Who’s Hazel?” Shaw asks.

Jason has apparently appointed himself to be my spokesperson tonight. “She’s June’s nanny. Also, the woman Emmett is in love with.”

“I’m not in love with her,” I growl.

“All this denial makes me think Jason is closer to the truth than you are,” Shaw says.

I clench the controller in my hands. “The only way to deny something is todeny it.You’re making assumptions built on nothing.”

“I have plenty of evidence for my claims,” Jason says, sounding smug.

“I thought you said you’d leave this alone,” I grumble.

“That was before you came on here with something clearly bothering you.”

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