Page 26 of Until Delilah

“Games will never be the same after your parents leave,” November giggles at my side.

I have to agree with her. If I could get my parents to move, I would, but my mom’s love for the ocean will keep me from asking. I know if I ask more than once, she’d move to be closer to us, and I can’t ask that of her no matter how much I want her here.

My mom looks around me to Max’s grandmother, November. “We’ll come as often as we can. I don’t want to miss more than I have to.”

“Where do you live?” November asks.

“In California.” She chews on her bottom lip for a few seconds, and then her eyes light up. “Maybe we can find a place to rent for the season, or… if this is where you’re planning to settle down.” Her eyes dart to mine. “We could buy a place here, and then we’ll have a place to stay when we visit. I’m sure you’ll want help when the baby comes.”

I feel my cheeks heat as all eyes go from my very beautiful, blue-haired mom, who seems to have everyone’s attention to my still flat stomach.

My eyes narrow only enough for my mom to notice. I don’t appreciate her putting me in this position. She’s pretty much asking me if I want to stay here because of Max, but how can I give her an answer when we haven’t even kissed yet. There have been a couple of instances where we came close, only to be interrupted by Beck or my parents. It’s nearly impossible for us to get a moment of alone time. “That’s the plan. I would love for you to stay here. Maybe you could rent your place out when you’re not here.”

My dad turns around and looks down at us with a smile. “Are we moving?”

Lacing her fingers with his, she pulls him down to sit next to her. “Not quite, but what if we got a place here since Delilah is planning on staying?”

He scoots closer to my mom and holds her hands as he nods. “It’s not a bad idea. A good investment for sure.”

“Perfect.” My mom claps. “We can start looking tomorrow. Then maybe we can get Ava here for the next game. I know she’s been missing you.”

I laugh. Growing up, I never thought I’d miss my baby sister, but I can truly say I’ve missed her. She’s the total opposite of me. Ava is smart, tall, sandy blonde hair, and put together. She’s in her last semester of college and I know when she’s unleashed on the world, she’s going to do great things.

“You do know there’s a game next weekend. There’s games every weekend.”

Leaning in, she whispers, “We better find a place then because I doubt Max wants us cramping his style for long.”

Even with her whispering, two moms turn around and narrow their eyes our way before they lean into each other. “It seems big city living has changed Max Black.”

“Who knows what’s going on in that house of his?” the other whispers back.

I narrow my eyes at them, but say nothing because, what can I say?

My mom rolls her eyes at them. “Don’t listen to them. They want what they can’t have. Remember what we talked about yesterday?”

I don’t have a chance to answer her because the crowd goes wild. Beck was on second base, but now he’s rounding third and coming in to score with Trey hot on his heels.

Everyone around me jumps up and starts yelling, and it makes me feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. I want to be around people who will support me and Beck, even if it is little things like him scoring for his team.

* * *

I sitat the table sipping on a Sprite after becoming nauseous at the end of the game. All I wanted to do was go inside and lay down, but the team was so excited after their big win, I couldn’t deny everyone coming over and having pizza.

My dad scoots in beside me at the table and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Are you okay, baby girl?”

“I’m fine, just feeling a little nauseous.” I tip my cup to him. “I’m hoping this will help settle my stomach.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “Beck was great today. The whole team really, but Max is right, he definitely has talent. With Max as his coach, I have no doubt Beck is going to be one of the best players there is one day.”

I rest my head on his shoulder. “I think you're biased.”

“Maybe, but I can also spot talent, and he has it. Not to change the subject, but while I’ve got you alone. What do you really think about your mom and me getting a place here?”

Pulling away, I place my hand on top of his. “I would love nothing more than to see you both more. I can’t expect you and mom to give up your beautiful house with the beach and water, but I’ll take what I can get with both of you.”

My dad smirks down at me. “You don’t miss the beach?”

“I do, but I find the beauty here too. I like the change of seasons.”

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