Page 29 of The Hard Hitter

Zander

As Daisy plays not so quietly with her dollhouse, her favorite song blaring from the television, I load the dishwasher with our breakfast dishes, my mind going to last night—to Sam. A smile tugs at my mouth as I think about the game we played, how fun and easy she is to be around. There is a part of me that thinks my sister is behind us hooking up. Not that I plan to tell her, or give her the wrong idea about us. No. I’m going to play it cool, and when our month is up, and I’m back on the road, this will all be behind me. Walking away will be easy, Right.

Or maybe not.

Just then my phone pings, and I reach for it, expecting it to be one of the guys or my sister. When I see Sam’s name come up, my heart beats a little faster. I read her text.

My car is gone and some guy gave me keys to a rental, which is currently in my driveway!

I told you I was getting your car fixed.

Zander…I can take care of my own car.

How are you going to bring me pie tonight, if you don’t have wheels?

There is this thing called a bus.

Takes too long. You see, this is all about me. The sooner you get here, the sooner we eat pie.

I plan to pay for the repairs.

With pie, I know. We’ve already established that.

You’re a bully.

And we’ve established that you like that.

You’re impossible.

Another thing you like. TTYL, Sam. 7:05.

Wait. Cherry or apple.

Cherry, Sam. Always cherry.

I watch as three dots appear, but a minute later they disappear. Whatever she was going to say, she decided not to. Perhaps I can get it out of her tonight.

“Daddy, what’s funny?” Daisy asks.

“Nothing’s funny.

“But you’re laughing.”

I nod, realizing that I am laughing and having a hell of a lot of fun with Sam. I haven’t had this kind of fun in…ever. Best enjoy it now while it lasts.

“Ready for the market, kiddo?”

“I want to play with Scotty.”

Th-snotty.

Just then my phone rings, and I swipe my finger across the screen. “Hey Quinn,” I say. “What’s up?”

“Did you get Sam home safely last night?” she asks, and I can hear the smirk in her voice.

“Yeah, I got her home just fine.”

“I gave Todd her number, they didn’t have time to exchange information last night. You don’t think she’ll mind, do you?”

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