Page 10 of The Double Play

“I’m sure she’s loved growing up with her grandma next door. And when you come back, you’ll be able to share all the stories you gathered.”

She smiles at me. “You have a good heart, Hazel. I think you’ll be just what they need.”

They?I shake off the odd word choice.

“I know I have big shoes to fill, but I’ll take care of June.”

Her smile grows. “I know you will. Now, prepare yourself for chaos.”

She opens the door and I can’t help but gasp. In the center of the room is a four-poster bed complete with lavender canopy linens. The bed is made, with at least a dozen stuffed animals carefully arranged on top of the ornate floral duvet. There is a small living area in front of a faux fireplace. On top of the coffee table is a tea set that looks like real china. On the far wall is a window seat featuring more stuffed animals, and next to that is a tall bookshelf that’s currentlyopento reveal a colorful playroom. Is there anything more magical than a secret room behind a bookshelf?

This five-year-old little girl has my dream bedroom. Except instead of a playroom with a rock wall, I’d have a hobby room to store my crochet supplies and play my favorite cozy video games.

“She’s spoiled, isn’t she?” Bonnie laughs.

Deeply loved, is more like it. I suppose I haven’t spent much time around June, but she doesn’t seem like a spoiled brat. And I’ve met my fair share of those taking the twins to play dates at other rich kids’ houses.

“Is it weird that I wish I lived here?” I ask.

“Not at all,” Bonnie says, her smile turning mischievous, though I can’t pinpoint why.

“Grandma, look at me!” June yells.

She’s hanging upside down by her legs from a set of monkey bars. I’d be worried if said bars weren’t suspended above a pink and purple foam pit.

“Wow! Good job, little Junebug. You’re so strong!”

June flips down into the foam pit as if she’s done so many times before. I look around the room as she climbs out. There’s a rock climbing wall, a large treasure chest overflowing with toys, a karaoke machine, and a host of pretend household items ranging from a kitchen to a washing machine. There’s even a June-sized grocery checkout with miniature plastic food on the belt.

“Miss Hazel, did you see me do my trick?” June asks after she’s on her feet again.

“I did! It was amazing. You should be in the circus.”

She grins wide. “Can you do any tricks? Maybe we can be in the circus together!”

I tap my chin as I pretend to think about it. “Hmmm, I think I have one or two tricks up my sleeve.”

As a former college gymnast, I have more than one or two, but this area isn’t big enough to show off the extent of my skills. A handstand with only one hand will have to do for now. I tuck my shirt in to prepare for being upside down.

“Would this get me a spot in the circus?” I ask before propelling myself up onto my hands. Since the Lawson girls were taking gymnastics, it hasn’t been all that long since I’ve done this. They liked seeing me do tricks, and I loved helping them do their own.

“Wow!” June gasps.

I slowly lift up one of my hands, wiggling my fingers at her. She giggles and claps her hands. I’m considering falling into a backbend when a large figure enters the room. From my angle, I see his white sneakers first, then his muscular build, and finally, a stern face. Heat floods my cheeks as I quickly push myself back up to standing.

“Ms. Hazel can do circus tricks!” June announces to her father, her voice full of awe.

“I see that.” Emmett’s dark brown eyes land on me for another weighted moment before transferring to his mom. “Dad called. He says you’re starving him.”

Bonnie rolls her eyes. “That man is so dramatic.” She bends down and scoops June up for a hug. “Be good, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Her eyes lift up to me. “And I’ll see you as well.”

I nod and smile, trying not to focus on the fact that my new boss just walked in on me doing a handstand. Thank the Lord my shirt didn’t fall down. I’d have to move states with Mikayla after all.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ll walk out with you so I don’t get lost,” I say.

“Bye, Ms. Hazel!” June says as she begins trying to do a handstand herself. Hopefully Emmett doesn’t hate me for showing it to her.

“Bye, June,” I say, giving her a genuine smile.

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