Page 7 of In Your Dreams

“Well, if it helps at all, I’m really glad you’re home,” he says.

His expression is one of peace and sincerity. I know he means exactly what he says. That’s the guy he’s always been.

“Thank you,” I say. “And despite the circumstances, I’m glad I’m home too.”

And for once, I feel like I mean it.

CHAPTER SIX

PARKER

Last night was a good time, despite the envy I felt for every person Poppy talked to when she wasn’t talking to me. That sounds a little stalkerish now that I think about it, but I just wanted to keep talking to her. I wanted to keep making her smile. I wanted to hear one more laugh pass her lips. God, maybe that is stalkerish.

I watched her talk to Kelly Ann and the others, then go to the bar and talk to Wade. She kept running her hand over her hair, and I remember she used to do that in class when she’d get a little nervous. It would be before a test or on a day we all had to stand and give presentations in front of everyone. And just like back then, all I could think about was my desire to calm her down, to still her somehow.

“Hey, Romeo,” Tom says. “Stop daydreaming about hearts and rainbows and get over here.”

Dammit, Tom. “I’m coming, you jackass.”

“Careful,” he says. “Kids will be showing up any minute. Any last cusses you need to get out of your system?”

How do you tell someone in a nice way that they’re the main reason you feel like cussing? I don’t think there is one, so I sigh and say, “No, Tom. I’m all done.”You wrinkled old bastard.

I would never actually call Tom that. He’s a good man. He likes to see how high he can make my blood pressure rise, but I think he means it in the best way.

A few moments later, the first of the cars containing parents and little leaguers pulls into the gravel parking lot and after that it’s like dominoes. One after another file in and I start to sweat over the number of boys showing up. It’s a lot. I don’t know how my roster will ever handle this but I’m prepared for chaos.

Finally, I see her. She’s tucked into the middle of the pack, her hand on a boy’s shoulder as she guides him toward the bleachers I’m standing in front of.

Poppy is wearing high waisted jeans shorts and a white top. She’s got her hair pulled back into a ponytail with little tendrils falling out in the front and sunglasses on. She’s a vision. And she must feel me staring at her because she suddenly looks my way and starts waving.

She changes directions, steering toward me, her son at her side.

“Hi,” she says. “Wow, there’s a lot of boys here.”

“Hi, I say. “Yeah, quite the turn out.”

“This is Aiden,” she says. “I just wanted to introduce you.”

She turns toward her son, pointing at me. “Aiden, this is my friend Parker. We went to school together.”

“Hi, Aiden,” I say, offering my hand to him. “It’s good to meet you.”

“Hi,” he says, taking my hand.

I can tell he’s a shy one. It probably takes him a little while to come out of his shell but I’m prepared for that. If I know one thing, it’s that in order to even be considered for a shot at taking Poppy on a date, I’ve got to win over Aiden. If he doesn’t like me, this whole thing goes to shit.

“Why don’t you join the boys over there?” I say, gesturing to the group.

Aiden nods, adjusting the strap of his gym bag on his shoulder and walks toward them. I know he doesn’t have any friends here yet so hopefully this will make it easier. Teams are good for that. Kids bond and those bonds can run pretty deep.

I turn my attention to Poppy, her motherly gaze recognizable even from behind the shades. I know she’s watching him with equal parts concern and pride. I’m not a parent myself but I’ve worked with them long enough to knowhow to read them and what they’re thinking. And maybe I’m especially in tune because I really want to be a parent someday.

“He’s a shy kid sometimes, but when he opens up, he can be a real clown,” she says.

“I’m sure he’s a great kid,” I say. “He’s yours afterall.”

Poppy makes eye contact with me, her lips curling into a smile. God, that smile.

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