Page 39 of Wicked Love

“I’m so excited you're here, Becca,” she says. “Did Janice show you around?”

“Yes,” Becca says. “I love it.”

“Excellent. We’ll have to see what you love the most around here. I’m going to be working with volleyball today. Would you like to try that?”

“Yes,” Becca says emphatically.

Poppy laughs. “Perfect. Let’s go. We’re about to start.” She turns and looks at me over her shoulder. “If you'd like to leave Becca here, you can. I can keep her busy for a fewhours. I heard about your dad,” she adds. “I’m sorry he's not doing well.”

“Thank you,” I say. My mouth parts and I’m uncertain about what to do. I surprise myself by saying, “It would actually be great if I didn't have to take Becca to the hospital today. I had planned on staying, but if you're sure she'd be okay here, I can come pick her up whenever you say.”

“That would be fine. I could also drop her off at your house if that would be more convenient for you.” She holds up her hand and shakes her head. “Forget I said that, I was thinking we were thef-word,” she mouths the last part.

I frown, trying to get what she’s saying.

She holds up her hand around her mouth and whispers, “Friends.”

I chuckle despite how awkward this is. “We started over, remember?” I say, somewhat grumpily. “But you don't have to go to that trouble, really, I'll come back for her.”

“It's no trouble at all. Let me help. I'm sure you can use the time.”

I nod finally. “You know what? I could. My mom needs me to run a few errands for her. It would help a lot.”

“Consider it done,” she says.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll just need you to sign a few things with Janice before you go. And I believe you know how to reach me. Here, I’ll give you another card if you tossed the other one.”

I smirk. “No, I still have your card.”

She lifts her eyebrows. “Okay, cool. Well, I'll text when I'm on my way or just let me know when it’s a good time to bring her back. We'll think of tons of fun things to do until then.”

“Thank you, Poppy.”

“You’re welcome, Bowie.”

We share a long look. I repeat the plan to Becca and tell her bye, but she is already walking away.

“I see how it is,” I say. “Hey, my girl, hug me before you go.”

Becca giggles and turns back to hug me. Poppy’s smiling as she watches us, and then Martha and I watch them walk away.

CHAPTER TWELVE

FILLING THE GAPS

POPPY

I lead Becca into the gym, where the kids are already warming up. We walk over to Angela, who’s tossing the volleyball back and forth in her hands.

“Becca, this is Angela. She’s one of the coaches here. Angela, this is Becca. She’s joining us today.”

“Hi, Becca,” Angela says. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Hi,” Becca says, shyer than she is with me.

“Do you like volleyball?”Angela asks.

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