12
HUDSON
With a solid soundtrack from Live on full blast from the speaker in my car, I drive along the road back to my house. I’m in a good mood because Piper is visiting again. I texted her this morning to ask for any requests for our menu this weekend, as I was heading to the grocery store, and she said she wanted me to surprise her. It made my trip to the store a little harder but by no means impossible.
What has been impossible is controlling the excitement that’s been filling my lungs since the last time I saw her. This is what’s supposed to happen when you want to be with someone, right?
Well, I mean, I know something is different because every time I think of Piper and me escaping the world together, my mind runs to the idea that maybe one day she will be waiting in the second row to watch me coach a game, there to support me as the woman in my life. I would be lying if I said that spending more than a few weekends with Piper hasn’t come up in my mind.
I’m thinking of a longer timeline.
Arriving back to my street and crossing through the security gate, I notice that my neighbor, Spencer, is here talking to his contractor. I haven’t seen him since my son’s wedding.
He nods his head at me in greeting.
Rolling down my window, I quickly call out, “I need to drop some stuff in the fridge but want to grab a drink in five minutes?”
Spencer grins and lifts his sunglasses off his eyes to rest on his short brown hair that has been lightened by the sun. “Deal. Plus, my house is a mess, so your place it is.” A cheeky look spreads on his face before stern lines return on his face when he glances at his contractor.
I laugh to myself as I drive away because clearly construction on his place isn’t going to plan. Spencer is an athlete, focused and strong-willed. The pressure of the team is on his shoulders, as he has the winning arm that the media focuses on at every game. So yeah, he can be a bit… stiff to some.
After I get my car in the garage and unpack the groceries, I grab two bottles of Matchbox beer because that stuff is perfect for a warm summer day. When I head out to the patio, it’s just in time, as Spencer is rounding the corner.
“Lucky me, I get laid-back Spencer. I would hate to be your contractor right now.” I offer him the bottle.
Spencer scoffs a laugh. “I’m going crazy. They are behind schedule yet again and telling me the indoor pool is the issue, and I told them to sort it out, as it’s not negotiable.”
We both sit on a few chairs in the mid-afternoon sun.
“What are you even doing back? It’s baseball season.”
“I have a mini-break between home games and figured I would check on my place since I’m eager to move back in. You know? Avoid the city, humans in particular.”
I chuckle at his humor. “Well, I can understand that and hope the house is ready soon because the noise some days makes me want to egg your house.”
Spencer grins as he takes a sip. “I’m perfect neighbor quality.”
I tip my bottle to him. “That you are.”
“What’s been happening? Heard from Drew?”
I shake my head. “No, he’s on his honeymoon but should be back next week. Thanks again for coming out to his wedding, considering it’s baseball season.”
“No need to thank me, happy to have been there. Any plans this weekend? I can get you seats for my game. Our team PR loves that stuff.”
“Can’t. Have plans.”
He raises his brows. “Plans? You say it with a ridiculous smile. What’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re such a bad liar.”
True. Lying isn’t for me, which is exactly what I’m doing to my niece. However, I feel it is more delaying the truth and allowing the opportunity for this thing between Piper and me to be explored and built. To me, that isn’t lying.
Looking at my watch, I know Piper will be here any moment.
“No fucking way.” Spencer seems entertained.