Page 21 of Big Pitch Energy

“Because I've spent my entire life being dragged around the world by my dad's military career. New base, new school, new friends every few years. I hated it.”

The familiar knot of anxiety formed in my stomach and I focused on my breathing to calm it.

Ava’s expression softened.

“And you finally have roots here.”

I nodded.

“I built a life in Starlight Shores. My studio, my house, this community…it’s all I’ve ever wanted. And Sam’s life is not this. He moves with the season. He lives out of suitcases and in hotel rooms. What if being with him means I have to give this up?”

“Hope,” Ava said gently, “you're getting way ahead of yourself. It's one date.”

“I know, I’m overthinking.” I rubbed my temples. “It just feels so big already.”

“That’s usually a sign of something worth exploring.” She reached over and squeezed my hand. “You’re allowed to enjoy this. See where it goes.”

Ava’s known me long enough to know when I’ve hit my limit. She didn’t push, didn’t ask anything else, just gave me a soft smile and let it go. Without saying a word, we shifted gears, our silent agreement hanging in the air as she grabbed the remote and started flipping through options. The Sam conversation was over for now, and it was time to lose ourselves in a movie instead.

I kept my eyes on the screen, but inside me, everything buzzed. Hope, fear, want, and beneath it all, the quiet thrill of maybe.

Chapter Six

Sam

I checkedmy reflection in the dresser mirror before heading out. My hair is in order, my beard freshly trimmed, and my khakis and blue button-down are wrinkle free for the moment, thanks to Mom. I slipped my feet into brown loafers and headed downstairs.

Mom was sitting on the couch, a book in her hands. She wasn’t really reading it, more like using it as an excuse to look casual. When she saw me, her mouth curled into a small smile.

She rested the book in her lap.

“You look nice.”

“Thanks,” I said. “And thanks for ironing.”

I can handle an iron, but she offered, and I’m not stupid enough to say no to that.

“You’re welcome,” she said. “I miss doing little things for you.”

“You’ve done so much for me, Mom. More than I can ever repay.”

I walked over, leaned down, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. As I straightened she smiled at me, eyes glistening. We’ve had that conversation more than once. Usually every time I want to give her something. But she worked and sacrificed to get me where I am. Now that I’ve got the means, of course I’m going to take care of her. Why wouldn’t I?

“I’m glad you’re going out with Hope.”

“It’s just dinner, Mom.”

“Dinner can be the start of a lot of things.”

She gave me a knowing look, the kind only a mom can pull off—gentle, hopeful, and just a little smug.

“Have a good night.”

“You too,” she said. “And don’t worry about getting home early.”

I chuckled and headed out the door. As I climbed behind the wheel of my truck, the scent of the bouquet I bought for Hope surrounded me. Lavender, soft and sweet, mixed with the invigorating smell of eucalyptus. It reminded me of her Reiki room, calm, fresh, and kind of peaceful, just like her.

Starlight Shores isn’t big, so even though Hope lives clear across town, I pulled up in front of her place in under ten minutes.

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