Page 69 of Spotlight
“You step a little too far inside as you release the ball.”
I nod, thinking. “Wayne thinks I’m not sinking in enough on my back hip.”
“You should listen to him. He’s a good coach.”
“Something tells me you are too.”
Before I can ask him more questions, and I absolutely want to, Earl heads for the door. “You’re a smart pitcher with a great arm. Trust your instincts out there Saturday and I like our chances against any batter.”
“Thanks, Earl.”
* * *
By the time I get to my apartment later that evening, I still haven’t heard from Olivia. Archer texted to invite me over, but I’m not sure if I’m feeling up to it.
I pull a beer from the fridge and look around the empty space. The cactus that Olivia gave me sits on the kitchen counter.
I check my phone again in case I missed her text, but still nothing. Hopefully she got some rest today and Greer is feeling better.
Taking my drink and the cactus with me to the living room, I set the plant on the coffee table in front of me and then down another long swig of the beer. I haven’t spent a lot of time in my apartment so there still isn’t a lot of furniture or décor. I wonder if Olivia knew how much my place needed some life in it when she gave me this cactus. Maybe she really was just trying to call me a prick.
My phone vibrates and I swipe to unlock it so fast.
Olivia
We’re good. Thanks for checking on us. No strep, thank goodness. Hope you weren’t too tired today.
Instead of texting her, I record an audio message. “Hey. I’m glad to hear from you. I’m home now. I survived the day, although I did spend a lot of it wondering how you were. Need anything? I can bring food or medicine or anything you need.”
I drink my beer and tap my thumb against the side of the phone while I wait for a reply. My lips pull into a smile when a new audio message comes through.
I click play and her teasing, sweet voice hits me in the gut. “I am good on food and medicine but thank you. We’re taking it easy tonight. Greer’s fever came back for a bit today, so she is staying home from school again tomorrow and is currently working her way through all her favorite movies while I’m organizing the pantry. Sexy, right?” She laughs. “Greer says thank you for the stuffed animal by the way. She hasn’t put it down since I gave it to her.”
I quickly reply, “Everything you do is sexy. Want some help?”
Another laugh starts her message. “You want to come over and organize my pantry?”
“I want to see you again. The activity doesn’t matter.”
“I’d like to see you too, but if you come over, Greer’s going to get excited, and she really needs to rest.”
Her being such a thoughtful mom is so fucking hot. But damn, I really want to see her.
16
OLIVIA
Greer stays home from school on Thursday and Friday, which means so do I. I manage to find people to cover me at the Lilac Lounge, and Ruby helps Gigi at the bookstore. By Saturday, my house has never been cleaner. It’s fueled from boredom and sexual tension. Once Greer started feeling better, my brain switched from obsessing over taking care of her to thinking about Flynn.
We’ve been sending voice messages back and forth for two days. I don’t want to admit how many times I’ve played each one. His voice, deep, playful, teasing has been the soundtrack to my manic deep-cleaning. And I can’t stop smiling.
“Morning.” His voice is raspy with sleep. “How are my girls this morning?”
He sent that fifteen minutes ago and I’m on replay number four. Okay, fine, fourteen.
“Morning,” I chirp in reply. “Good. We’re finally leaving the apartment today. Good luck at the game. Sorry we won’t make it.”
The Mustangs play this afternoon. Flynn is pitching, and Sabrina and all his brothers are attending. I hoped to take Greer, but I don’t think she’s quite up for that yet.
