“Oh,” I say. “Well, in that case.”
And then he’s gone, his laughter echoing in tune with the pound of his shoes on the ramp. A minute later, I watch him jump into the circle of guys. They swallow him up.
Tears press against my eyes, sudden and hot. His joy hurts because I know it’s for baseball. For a sport he’d choose over me every single time. A fierce possessiveness rises in me. Because he may not have a choice. If he can’t miraculously pitch again in the next month, baseball won’t get Garrett Reeves.
But maybe I will.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Brandi’s found my replacement. I knew she was looking for one—I am leaving at the end of May. But I’m still surprised when I get to the bookstore on Saturday morning and meet her in person. Lianne is sixteen with auburn hair, freckles, and bright green eyes. Brandi tells me she’s been part of the teen reading group and she volunteers at an after-school program, so she has lots of experience with kids.
“I know I can learn so much from you,” she says a little shyly.
It’s the right thing to say, but I’m still sad. I don’t like the idea of someone coming in and taking over my group.
My kids.
It’s a stupid reaction—even I know it. They’re not mine and I’m leaving. So I smile and lead Lianne back to the room. But for the whole hour, I’m heavy with a feeling of sadness I can’t shake. I’ve always hated goodbyes. Why should I expect this to be any different?
…
It’s a little past noon when I knock on Garrett’s front door.
We’ve hung out during the week at school, we’ve texted and talked, and though I told him he couldn’t pick us up yesterday, he cruised by while we were walking, offering us candy to climb in. Idiot. We were saved by other drivers yelling at him to get moving.
“So are you guys officially boyfriend-girlfriend?” Mai asked yesterday. When I said no, she tried to pin me down on what exactly we are. “I can ask my mom for some euphemisms,” she offered. “Naked friends. Bed buddies. Private-parts partners.”
“Stop!” I begged, and then we spent the rest of our walk coming up with more. It was fun, laughing about it, but her question has stuck in my head. He’s still training. He spent the morning working with Kyle Masters. What if he had a breakthrough? Then what? He starts down a path I won’t follow. That’s why we can’t be boyfriend-girlfriend. Why this isn’t a date. Why I promised Mom I was only going over for the afternoon. And I didn’t use the word “date.” I said hanging out. I said contest-related. I said doesn’t-mean-anything.
But my heart is pounding now as if it means everything.
Garrett answers the door a second after I ring the bell.
“Hey. I heard your truck.” He’s wearing the blue shirt that does sparkly things to his eyes. “You ready for movie magic?”
“I’m withholding judgment.”
Wild greets me with a loud meow of displeasure and a dismissive swish of her tail.
“Your cat reminds me of you.”
“Regal?”
“Full of herself.”
There’s a laugh from the kitchen. I slap a hand over my mouth.
Garrett grins and heads that way. I follow more slowly. My face, I’m sure, is the flattering color of a Red Hot.
“Mom,” Garrett says. “This is Josie.”
His mom is standing at the counter, filling out what looks like a shopping list. I’d recognize her even if I hadn’t seen pictures. Garrett has her eyes and wide smile.
“Hi.” I give her an embarrassed wave. “Sorry about that.”
“You mean insulting my son?” Her eyes are a lighter blue than Garrett’s and so warm that I like her immediately. “I enjoyed it.”
“Mahammmm!” Garrett says with mock affront.
She pulls him close and gives him a quick peck on his cheek. “What are you two up to?”
“Movie.” He shifts past her to a pantry door. “We got any popcorn?”
“We will when I get home from the grocery store.” She looks my way. “I’ve really been enjoying your broadcasts.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
“Garrett was very lucky to find you.”
“I didn’t find her.” He tosses a new bag of Lays on the counter. “She barged in on me. Practically begged me to take her on as my partner.” He pulls two cans of bubbly water from the fridge. “I thought she was going to cry if I said no.”
My gasp is impressive.
“Save that story for someone who wasn’t listening the day Josie barged in,” his mom says. “Poor Nathan really was out of his element. The job requires someone who loves the game.”
I can’t help shaking my head. “I know the game, but I actually hate it.”
“I’m changing her mind.” Garrett holds out both cans. “Lemon-lime or cherry?”
“He’s failing to change my mind.” I take the cherry.
She gives us an amused look. “I can tell you two agree on just about everything. I’m only sorry I can’t stay for the debate on what movie you’ll watch.”
“No debate.” Garrett pops open his can. “Vision Quest. She’s never seen it.”
“Shocking,” his mom says in a voice so dry, I laugh out loud.
“You mean it isn’t the greatest sports film ever?”
She reaches for an oversize gray purse and pulls it onto her shoulder. “You’ll have to let me know what you think.” She takes the list. “It was nice meeting you, Josie.” She turns to Garrett. “I’ve got a few errands to run before the store. I’ll see you later?”
“Poker tonight at Cooper’s house. We’ll probably get pizzas.”
“Sounds good. Text me if anything changes.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” I say as she disappears through a door into the garage. I turn back to Garrett. “Geranium and mandarin orange.”
“What?”
“Her perfume. Both scents reflect calm and balance.”
“Which she is.” He sniffs, leaning closer to me. “I could make a comment about how good you smell, but I’m not going there. See?” He sticks out his chest.
