Page 10 of Quintessentially

“Just like the good ole days.”

He punches my arm. “Not everyone can hit it out of the park.”

Before Cory turns to leave, another man I should recognize joins us near the door. “Shit, Dax, is that really you?”

Cory leans in. “Dax, you remember Ricky.”

I offer my hand. “Hey, it’s been a while.”

After we shake, Ricky nudges Cory. “If Dax is in town, I say we make him an honorary teammate and let him play with us tonight. We can show those assholes from Trevor our secret weapon.”

“Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve hit a ball or worn a glove?” I ask.

“I guarantee you won’t make us worse,” Ricky jokes. “Besides, the guys will be glad to see you.”

“So?” Cory asks.

I shrug. “Do you have an extra glove?”

“He’s in,” Ricky announces loudly to a large round table near the back of the restaurant.

One of the sets of eyes that meets mine are those of Justin Sheers. He has the same color hair as his sister—or as I remember. Nevertheless, I don’t understand why he’s looking at me the way he is.

Standing as tall as my six feet-plus will allow, I walk back to the table of men who I’d first met as boys. It’s a bit of a surprise that these individuals have stayed so close over the years. The kids I went to school with in the suburbs of Chicago have all moved on to here or there. Even those who still live close have their own lives, ones that rarely intersect with one another’s.

“Hi.”

“Good to see you,” comes from most present, along with the obligatory condolences for Grandma Ruth.

“So you’re going to play ball tonight?” Mick Reynolds asks as he finishes his coffee.

Before I can answer, Justin stands. “Might want to figure out your time zone first, Richards. I thought expensive watches knew better.”

I lift my wrist. “I left the expensive one in the safe, and you’re right. I’m not sure why my phone didn’t make the time change.”

“Staying at Miss Ruth’s house?” Mick asks.

“No, my folks have been working to ready it for sale. I spent the night over in Washington.”

“If you need a key,” Mick offers, “Kandace has one.”

The sound of her name makes the small hairs on my neck stand to attention.

“Forget about Kandace,” Justin says, coming closer to me. “I’m sure someone else has a key. If you need one, I’ll call around or I can get the one from her.”

I lift my hands as his approach becomes too close. “I’ve got a key. I just thought it would be better not to mess up the hard work of the contractors.”

“Forget about Kandace anyway.”

I shake my head. “Whoa, Sheers. I’m here for Quintessential Treasures. That’s all.”

Justin stands tall, inflating his chest. “From what I hear, you just need to sign the paperwork. Ruth and John planned out the rest.”

Mick comes closer and slaps my back. “Hate to interrupt this friendly reunion, but we all need to head out. See you tonight.”

“Yeah, see you tonight.”

The table with chairs that held eight people moments ago is now surrounded by empty seats.

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