Page 6 of Play Like a Girl

Penny

My brother’sdriveway was already full of cars when Kenny and I arrived. We’d originally planned on coming over right after the game but ended up stopping at Kenny’s house for a not-so-quick quickie. After all, we need to use our time wisely while I’m here. Once I leave, we won’t see each other for another month when Kenny comes down to Florida for three nights.

Jeremy and Lexi each greeted me with a hug as I walked through the gate and into the backyard. I spent a lot of time with both of them last year, which was definitely another perk of not being on the road.

“We’re going in the pool,” Jeremy said. “Do you want to come?”

“I’m going to say hi to everyone and have something to eat first.”

“Okay,” they both said, then ran toward the pool and executed side-by-side cannonballs.

I walked over toward the table where “the wives” were sitting. Kenny followed me instead of heading up the steps to the deck where Dale and the other guys are. He’s still not totally comfortable hanging out with them socially, but at least it’s not as awkward as it was when we first got together.

I leaned down and kissed Sabrina’s cheek.

“Oh my gosh, he looks so sweet,” I said, looking down at Gavin asleep in her arms.

“I know.” She glanced down at her son and smiled. “I love watching him sleep.” Looking back up at me, she added with a chuckle, “Plus it’s kind of nice getting to hang out with these ladies instead of chasing him around.”

“Barb, you look great,” I said to Cal Chase’s wife. “How are you feeling?”

“The morning sickness has finally gone away so I’m feeling good.”

“How’s business?”

“So good we had to hire an assistant.” She patted her baby bump. “Especially with this little one coming in a few months.”

She and Dan McMullen’s cousin Jeff manage investments and finances, mostly for athletes. It’s not surprising they’re doing well. They’re both super knowledgeable and have great personalities, not to mention a pipeline of clients.

“All the food is up in the kitchen,” Karen said. “I can run and make plates for you.”

“No, we’ll go up. I have to say hi to the guys anyway.”

“Just stay upwind. They have cigars up there,” Hannah said with a wrinkled nose.

I looked over my shoulder at Kenny and he smiled. He does like a good cigar and I know my brother and his friends wouldn’t have anything but the best.

Taking his hand, I led him along the sidewalk and up the steps to the deck where Dale, Jack, Dan, and Cal were sprawled on lounge chairs puffing away. They collectively shouted our names and I held up my hand, motioning for them to stay seated. Based on the beer bottles littering the tables, I’m guessing they’re all feeling pretty good.

I gave Jack and Dan each a kiss on the cheek as I walked by then leaned down to hug Cal.

“Hey, how come he gets a hug and we don’t?” Jack asked.

I kissed Cal on the cheek and stood.

“Because I see you guys more often than I see him.”

He and Dan looked at each other and shrugged then took a drink.

“I better get a hug,” Dale said as I approached him.

“Always.”

Holding out my arms, I leaned down, careful to keep my body on his right side to avoid the bruise I assume is on his ribs from the fastball that beaned him in the game earlier. As I straightened, he glanced over my shoulder at Kenny, who was having a conversation with Cal.

“Everything okay?”

“Settle down big brother, we’re fine.” I patted his shoulder and straightened. “I’m gonna go grab something to eat. I’m starving.”

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