Page 83 of Cross Check Hearts

I hesitate, debating whether I should be honest. But I know she’s going to see right through any excuse I make up anyway, so there’s no point. “Fine, I am. But it’s only because it would make me feel so much better to have you closer to me. You know, just in case anything happens.”

The loaded words hang between us for several moments before my mother sighs. “That’s sweet of you, and I appreciate it, but I don’t know. I’m settled here in San Diego. My life is here. I’m not sure I want to leave.”

“I understand. Maybe now isn’t a good time,” I say, deciding to drop it for now. If there’s one thing I know about my mom, it’s that she doesn’t take well to the hard sell. But now that the seed has been planted, I’m sure she’ll at least think about it, and maybe that will be enough to change her mind.

“So what else is new? Have you made any friends yet?” my mother asks, changing the subject.

“I’ve gone out for drinks a few times with the guys on the team, but that’s about it.”

I’d love to tell her about Hannah, but now probably isn’t the best time for that either because I know she’ll have a million questions that I won’t be able to give her answers for.

“Well, it takes time. But I’m sure you’ll find your people eventually. You always do.”

“Where do you think I get it from?” I ask, straightening and reaching for my helmet. “Anyway, I’d better head home. Is everything okay out there?”

“Everything is fine. You don’t need to worry.”

“That’s what I like to hear. I’m gonna let you go, but think about what I said, okay?”

“I will.”

“Promise?”

My mother sighs, laughing softly. “Yes, I promise.”

“Good. Goodnight, Mom.Je t’aime.”

“Je t’aime plus. Goodnight.”

I hang up the phone, shove my cell into my pocket, and tug on my helmet. My bike’s engine roars to life as I turn the key, and I peel out of the player parking lot, heading back toward my condo.

The ride goes by fast, and I grab my bag from the compartment on my bike after parking in the designated spot outside my place. As I shove my keys into my back pocket, my phone vibrates, and I pull it out and swipe the screen to see that I missed an email while I was riding home. I tap to open it while I fumble with my keys to unlock the front door and flip the lights on inside.

It’s a message from Bear River High School, asking me to confirm whether I’m interested in giving a speech to their students.

I toss my stuff on the couch, staring down at the phone as I hesitate for a second. But a beat later, I tap to reply and agree to give the speech. As soon as I’ve sent it, my fingers move on their own, switching over to my text thread with Hannah and starting to type out a new message.

ME: Just confirmed with the school to give that speech.

The message flips over to “read” almost immediately, and I see her typing a response.

HANNAH: That’s great! I think the kids will love it, and it’ll be good for you too. I’m glad you decided to give in.

ME: That’s not the only big news. My mom might be coming to town soon too.

HANNAH: Oh wow, that IS big news! I’d still like to meet her if she comes.

ME: Definitely, I want her to meet you too.

The conversation stalls for a few minutes, so I take the time to put my things away and change into a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt for bed. When I come back to my phone, there’s a new text from Hannah waiting.

HANNAH: You were amazing tonight. I wanted to kiss you so badly after the game. I owe you a proper celebration for that win… and I promise it’ll be worth the wait. *winking emoji*

My body instantly responds to her words, and I’m grinning like an idiot as I type back.

ME: I like the sound of that. And thanks. Turns out, it’s pretty easy to play my best when there’s someone in the crowd who I really wanted to impress. *heart emoji*

HANNAH: Mission accomplished. Sweet dreams, hotshot.

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