Page 32 of About Time You Noticed

Tommy pulled her into a side hug. "Hey, come on. You’re only twenty-five. I’m thirty and don’t have any kids.”

Sarah twisted the end of her sleeve. "Edward hasn’t called me back. No text. Nothing. Has he said anything to you?"

"It's only been a few days. We haven't talked."

“Do you think he will call again? Maybe he’s annoyed about Damien. He did make things pretty awkward."

Tommy slid his palms together in his lap. “Sorry about that. Damien was determined to speak to you with or without me."

Sarah took his hands in both of hers. Round eyes peered at him. "Can you ask him what’s going on—if he’s planning to call? Put me out of my misery. Please, do it for me."

His stomach sank. "You dig this guy, don't you?"

"Well, how will I know how much I like him if I don’t spend time with him? I can’t let go of this opportunity."

Tommy sat on a hand to keep from grabbing her shoulders and pulling her into a hug. You don’t need to worry about missing out. The words burned his tongue, begging to be released.

"Have you read the scripture that says, ‘Don't stir up love before its time?’"

"Yes." She smiled. "But it's ironic coming from you—thirty years old and couldn’t care less.”

"I'm starting to care. All my friends keep asking me why I’ve not settled down."

"Just do me this one favor—ask Edward."

"I think he's annoyed with me for letting Damien interrupt your date. He seems to be avoiding me at school."

"Maybe it’s a sign that he's still interested."

"I’d rather not get involved. I still need to face him five days a week even if things don't work out between you two." He shrugged. "Can you wait until he's ready to call?"

"All right, but if you happen to run into him and get to talking, and he’s not upset, please find out his plans."

"Fine.” He let out a breath. “I can do that."

***

"THANKS FOR FILLING in." Tommy gripped Damien's shoulder. "Not sure if Angus will be over his injury by Saturday. We might need a spare player again."

Damien rubbed a sweat towel over his red face. "I don't know if I’m much help. I’ve let myself go. Too much office work, not enough exercise."

Tommy picked up his water bottle. "Country living brings it all back. The people around here love sports. Saturday sports and potluck lunch on Sundays."

Damien arched his back and stretched out his muscles. "Defeats the purpose of exercise, doesn't it? Audrey's calorie-packed pies."

Tommy laughed. "Yes. Jake's mom cooks the best pie in the county. Don't tell my mom, though. She'll have me on her chopping board."

A whistle blew. Time for the next game. Jake and Ethan stood on the other side of the field with their wives. Damien gestured in the direction Tommy was looking. "Where's Sarah?"

"She doesn't usually come to practice but watches the game on the weekend." Tommy wiped the sweat from his brow. "If you're so interested in her, why aren't you coming to the horse lessons?"

Damien tapped his temple. "Thought you needed a little more alone time with her. Before Edward moves in and sweeps her off her feet."

"But you asked her out to the theater."

Damien chuckled. "I did. All part of the plan, dude."

Tommy shook his head. "Forget your plan. Sarah wants to go out with Edward. She asked me to find out when he’ll ask her out again."

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