Page 113 of Sneak Attack

Across the court from him, Davis, who was Jasper’s partner in a corn hole game against his new friend, Archer and Archer’s dad, Scott, cheered Jasper on.

Eden and I were at a nearby high-top table, hanging out with Nora who was off work on Saturdays, and Archer’s mom, Cassy.

We were seven weeks into the season and on our bye week. Usually, I tried to head to wherever Graham was playing with Georgia, but today I was settling for hanging out at Buckin’ Brews with a handful of my teammates coming out to cheer him on with me. The game wouldn’t start for hours, but we were taking advantage of the comfortable fall-like weather, which meant the humidity dropped making the eight-five degrees bearable and enjoying the food trucks in the parking lot outside the corn hole area.

Word must have gotten out that Davis, Yeets, Cortland, and I were there because the back patio was beyond packed, and Nate had come over earlier to tell me he’d called in a friend for security and to act as a bouncer to keep track of the number of people there. I could feel the curious and excited stares, hear the murmured conversations when I’d walked past to use the restroom or grab a fresh round of drinks. What everyone didn’t know was that if we were hanging out at Buckin’ Brews, none of us minded the attention, or talking to fans. Hell, Davis was more at home being the center of attention than he was avoiding it, and he hadn’t bothered to mute his natural excitement every time one of Jasper’s bags scored them points.

“I know you’re from here,” Cassy said. “So everyone obviously knows you, but do you get recognized a lot? Like when you’re in Nashville or traveling?”

“Yeah, every once in a while, at the mall or something or when I’m out to eat, I canfeelpeople looking at me, but you’d be surprised how few people want to come up and talk to us.”

It happened less than I’d assumed it would being a pro athlete, and it was mostly kids which never bothered me. Adults tended to be more discreet in their recognition, catching a not-so-sly picture to show their friends. I’d been tagged in a few of those on social media, and when I caught them, gave them a quick like, maybe a comment and moved on.

“How are you liking Marysville?” Eden asked.

This was the first time Jasper and Archer hung out and when I’d called to see if Archer wanted to hang out with us at the brewery, thought his parents would not only feel more comfortable being included, but would like to get out and meet people. From what Jasper said, they hadn’t met many people yet and since they lived on several acres, didn’t have neighbors for Archer to play with daily.

She chuckled and spun her glass of beer in her hands. “It’s a lot smaller than Indianapolis, that’s for sure, but it’s peaceful and that’s what we wanted for Archer to grow up with. Besides, we’re hoping with Scott’s job in the city and the lower cost of living here, we can make our real dream of having a small working farm happen over the years.”

“What kind of farm?”

“A small family farm. I’d like to focus on raising goats for FFA kids for showing at fairs, maybe for breeding, and we’ve already ordered our first batch of egg-laying chickens. Scott’s building the coop right now so it’s ready when they get here. It sounds silly, but I always had this dream of working a small-town farmer’s market on the weekends, selling eggs and vegetables and herbs. I’m lucky enough I married a man who thinks my crazy dreams are worth following.”

“Count me in for your first buyer with the eggs. And if you need help, I’m not so great with growing things, but I did do a short time job working with a vet who specializes in large breeds like cattle and horses and some goats. I might be able to help answer questions as you get started.”

“Count me in, too,” Nora said and raised her glass in Cassy’s direction. “For help or research. For buying. Heck, I don’t mind getting my hands dirty either if you want some help planting.”

“That’d be wonderful. Thank you. We’re going to wait and do most of the planting in the spring, but after the chicken coop is done our next step is to build a greenhouse. I’ll take all the help I can get.”

“Dad!”

I turned to Jasper, who was waving both his arms in the air. “What’s up, kiddo?”

“We won! Your turn.”

“Awww…is Mr. Hall too tired? Does he need a nap?”

Jasper laughed as well as the women at the table.

“Don’t know about that, something tells me that kid could go all night,” Nora muttered.

I cringed as the women laughed, especially Eden. “Enough of that.” I pointed at them. “He’s my teammate and like a little brother.” Turning to Eden, I gave her a kiss on her cheek, it was soft and quick, but still enough to set her cheeks burning hot pink. “I’ll be back later.”

“Have fun,” she said.

“What?” Nora asked as I walked away. “Like I’m wrong?”

Another round of laughter echoed from behind me while I shook off the disgusting visual Nora had put in my head.

We threw another few games of bags. Archer and Jasper got sick of it once Sarah showed up for another round of adoption events with her rescue animals. At one point, Nora and Eden and Cassy headed over there and spent time playing with the puppies and enjoying their time in the shade.

Mason Yeets and I kicked Cortland and Scott’s asses, winning the first two games out of three, and eventually Jasper returned to the game area with Archer, ice cream cones magically appearing in their hands from somewhere and Nate following close behind them.

Nate’s forehead carried worried lines and his gaze was skipping back and forth as he herded the kids in our direction.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, heading their way.

Nate and I had taken a few years to get back to talking terms, longer until he liked me again, and while I didn’t consider the guy a good friend, we did spend time together on occasion.

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