Page 47 of The Best Kind of Bad

Seems like that particular cousin is always causing us problems. That’s the thing about small towns. You either live with the bullshit or kindle up a lifelong feud. There is no in between.

“Fucking Ben Pierson.”

Skyler laughs. “Fucking Ben.”

31.

Marnie

I do not feel comfortable being here.

Sure, I changed my clothes. I might have had Dusty in mind when I picked out the super short black shorts and tank top.

And yes, I might have put a little extra effort into my hair.

But that was for Dusty. I want to see him.

I want him to like what he sees.

But I don’t have any interest in mingling with his friends.

What’s the point? I’m not sticking around.

I wouldn’t have even known about his beer league if Sienna hadn’t begged me to drive her. I was confused about why Sienna would want to watch her older brother play baseball until I saw who was rounding the bases.

We pull up just in time to watch Trinity get tagged out by one of Dusty’s friends. Sienna’s unbuckling her seatbelt before I can even throw the car in park. “Thanks for the ride, Marnie.”

And then she’s gone, scampering off to join her friends. Leaving me alone in a surprisingly robust crowd of strangers.

I slowly climb out of my car, wondering how starved for entertainment these small-town people must be if they’ll gather like this for a casual ball game.

I’ve never really seen one like this. Dad and I used to go to the Salt Dog games back before he got sick. I loved the booming music, the popcorn. The ridiculous mascot.

This is different. No uniforms. No announcer. Just a bunch of farm boys, like overgrown kids, playing a sport they love.

Dusty and Sienna are literally the only people I recognize, and they are very much out of reach. I look over my shoulder, staring at the street, wondering if it’s too late to turn around.

“You’re Marnie Novak, right?”

I turn back to see a pair of curvy girls grinning at me. One’s a redhead, the other’s a blonde, but they wear matching smiles. There’s a distinctly mischievous look on their faces that makes me instantly wary.

“Marnie Black. My mom was a Novak, though.”

“I’m Andy.” The blonde walks forward, offering me her hand. “That’s Erin. She’s married to Josh.”

“Nice to meet you.” I say, wondering who in the hell Josh is.

Erin is wearing a vintage polka-dotted dress. Andy has on a flowy skirt and a high-necked tank top. I’m feeling slightly underdressed, but this is a baseball game. I figured everyone would be in cut-offs and t-shirts.

Erin laughs. “Not everyone in the state of Nebraska knows who Josh is, Andy.”

Andy grins. “Right.”

“Oh, wait.” I tilt my head. “Andy… Are you the bird lady?”

Erin hoots with laughter. “I guess you’re the famous one.”

Andy wraps her hand around my arm and leads me towards the bleachers. “You pegged me. I work for the Songbird Foundation.” She gestures for me to sit on a peeling wooden bench. She points out a tall beast of a man with a short beard. “That’s my boyfriend, Bo. He’s best buds with Dusty. And so is Josh, Erin’s husband.” She points out the dark-eyed heartbreaker waiting on first base. “And then there’s Skyler. We haven’t found him a woman yet. He’s the last man standing.”

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