Page 43 of Home Field Advantage
My head has been a mess of thoughts for the last week after learning that the one woman I can’t stop thinking about is Sage’s teacher. Not that I was going to try to pursue anything, as my time in Bluestone Lakes has an expiration date. But it’s hard to deny her effect on me after the last few times I was around her.
I’ve spent the last few days trying to steer my thoughts in another direction and letting myself be consumed by the one thing that has never let me down.
I couldn’t stop thinking about saying yes to coaching the kids.
Even with every doubt, every question, there has been a constant tug in my gut telling me that Ishouldbe doing something about this.
So I met with the school secretary, who was enthusiastic about something starting in the town again for the kids. The roadblock isn’t the money involved for equipment and other things, because I have that. Iwantit to go toward this. The issue was that the season would just be starting before I leave here to return to San Francisco. Meaning, someone would need to take over after the first game of the season.
Even with that, I still said we need to do it.
Me leaving would be a problem for a later day.
“Dallas Westbrook,” Nan announces. “Took ya long enough. Let’s play ball.”
“Maybe we should introduce him to everyone first, Nan,” Griffin says to her, before greeting me with a handshake. “Good to see you again. I know you’ve met Tucker.”
“Duh. I’m his biggest fan,” Tucker announces proudly. “And we’re best friends now.”
Griffin shakes his head, then gestures to Blair on his left. “You’ve met Blair.” I nod, and then he gestures to the woman next to her. “And this is my sister, Lily.”
“Well, I’ve heardall about you, but seeing you in person is…wow.” She shakes her head, eyes wide.
“Lily,” Griffin warns.
I’m not sure what to make of her comment.
How has she heard about me, and from whom?
If I had to take a guess, it would be between Tucker and Nan.
“Sorry. Yes.” Lily blushes, extending her hand in greeting. “I’m Lily. I own the bakery in town. And I actually met Sage the morning you guys got here.”
“Oh yes, you did!” Sage beams. “Now I want some of your special sugar.”
“Well…” Lily walks to the bench, picking up a white bag. “I didn’t know if you would be here or not, but I brought this with mejustin case.”
“I love you so much,” Sage shrieks, reaching into the bag and pulling out a giant chocolate chip cookie.
That’s the thing about kids. You can weasel your way into their hearts with just about any kind gesture.
I’m smiling at the interaction, but it falls quickly when realization smacks me in the face. Nan said Sage’s teacher’s sister owns the bakery. Lily is Poppy’s sister. Which means, Griffin is Poppy’s brother. Which means…
“Wait. Are you my teacher’s sister?” Sage asks the question in my head.
“Is your teacher Miss Barlow?”
“Yep. I love her sooo much.”
Lily laughs. “Yep. She’s my sister. You must be the new girl in her class. She talks about you all the time.”
Poppy talks about my daughter?
Is Poppy who Lily heard about me from?
“Did you know she likes puzzles just like me?” Sage asks Lily.
Lily nods. “Shelovesthem.”
