Page 45 of Give Me a Reason

“What are we doing today?” Paisley asked, and I knew she was working up to ask me about a playdate. Before she could, I said, “There’s this cool event at the baseball stadium. Free food and games.”

Her eyes widened. “Can we invite Ireland?”

“Of course. Should we invite Aria too? She’s her roommate.”

“Yes!”

I smiled, amused at her response because I knew that’s what she’d say. I called Ireland on the way to her house. “What are you up to, sis?”

“Hanging out with my favorite niece, obviously.” Paisley whooped in the background.

I pretended to be offended. “Hey! What about me?”

Ireland sighed. “I guess you can come, too. We need someone to pay for everything. Right, Pais?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then I shouldn’t tell you this is a free event.”

“What are we doing?” Ireland asked.

I described the fun fest as I pulled to the curb in front of her apartment. “We’re coming up.”

“Ah! You’re here already? I’m not ready.”

“Get ready, sis. Paisley waits for no one.” I got out and waited on the curb for Paisley to climb out.

On the way up the stairs to Ireland’s apartment, I wondered if Aria told Ireland what happened between us. She was a private person, so I didn’t think so. But the thought still had my heart picking up the pace in my chest.

I knocked on the door, and Aria opened it.

“Aria,” Paisley called as she entered the apartment. “Are you coming with us?”

Aria’s eyes were a little confused as she looked to me for help.

“We’re taking Ireland to a minor league baseball stadium. There’s no baseball game because it’s out of season, but they’re having food and carnival games. I packed our gloves in case we want to play catch on the field.”

“We can do that?” Paisley asked.

“I think so,” I said to Paisley. And to Aria, I said, “So, what do you say? Want to join us?”

“Um. I was going to—”

I saw Aria searching for an excuse when Paisley said, “Please?”

I smiled because there was no chance Aria could resist her.

Paisley folded her hands together in prayer. “It will be so much fun.”

“Don’t you think you’re laying it on a little thick?” I teased Paisley.

Ireland wandered in. “What are we talking about?”

“Paisley asked Aria to join us,” I said, hugging her.

“You said you didn’t have anything planned today.”

Aria’s shoulders fell. “That’s true.”

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