Page 19 of Run the Play
“Yeah, man, I know, but fuck, she’s calling me every day asking what I think about the nursery, and names, and if I remember her appointments. While I appreciate the effort to keep me involved, a simple text message, even a long one, would suffice.” He tugs off his ballcap and runs his fingers through his hair.
“It could be worse, Sinclair. You could be fighting to be a part of your kid’s life,” Knox tells him. “At least you know you get to see your kid and be involved. There are worse things.”
“I know.” Baker sighs. “It’s just not how I expected to become a dad. She’s been over-the-top nice about all of it, and even her boyfriend is chill, and that’s a complete mind fuck. Your girl is pregnant with another man’s baby, and you’re just fine with that?”
“That’s a tough pill to swallow. I mean, if I met a woman who was pregnant and we hit it off, I can’t see me shying away just because she’s having a baby. Same with a single mom. However, I admit, them being on a break, and then getting back together, and her being pregnant is not something I’ve heard of before.”
“Must be true love,” I say with a laugh.
“Come on. Let’s all head back to my place. The pool table was delivered, and I installed the projection screen in the basement media room. It’s going to be great for tape.”
“So you copied my house. Damn, Beckett, I knew you loved me, but this is getting out of control. First, you married my sister. Then you bought a house in my neighborhood. Now you’re making your house look like mine? Does my sister know you have an infatuation with her brother?” I ask, barely holding my smile.
“Fuck off.” Knox laughs, pushing at my shoulder. “Come on. The wife and her friends are still out shopping. We’ll order some food or something. What else do you have to do?”
“Food you say? I’m in.” Grabbing my clubs, I take off at a fast-paced walk toward my truck, with my friends’ laughter trailing behind me.
“I’ll admit, this is pretty sweet,” I tell Knox. He’s just finished showing us the media room and the recreation area in the basement.
“Thanks, Corie helped,” he says, beaming a smile.
If it wasn’t my little sister who was making him a love-sick fool, I’d give him shit.
“What are you feeding me?” I ask.
“I could definitely eat,” Reid speaks up just as Knox’s phone rings.
“Hey, babe,” he answers.
I pretend to gag, sticking my finger down my throat, and he rolls his eyes while Reid laughs. Baker, he’s too lost in his baby-mama drama, and let’s be honest, Foster is broody on the best of days.
“Do you mind bringing home extra of whatever you all decide to stop and get?”
“Lots of it, little sister!” I call out.
“I’m starving, baby Reynolds!” Reid shouts.
“Corie Beckett,” Knox corrects him.
“I’m starving, Mrs. Beckett!” Reid corrects, even louder this time. Knox nods his approval, his face lighting up with a smile. My boy is completely gone for my little sister. It’s still weird to see, but I genuinely am happy for them.
Knox listens to Corie on the other end of the line and chuckles. “Thanks, Corie girl. Love you. Be safe,” he says, ending the call. “My wife is on her way home. They’re picking up dinner.”
Reaching into my back pocket, I pull out my wallet. “How much do you need?”
“I don’t know what she’s getting, but it doesn’t matter. Dinner’s on me tonight.”
“I knew we kept you around for a reason,” Baker teases.
“Daddy Sinclair, you have a kid to send to college. Time to start saving the pennies,” I tease him.
“I’ve got some time before that happens,” Baker says.
I’m glad to see that he’s able to joke about his situation. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? Sure, it might be sour, but with time, you’ll learn how to sweeten it up.
“Have you heard anything else about Conner Johnson?” Foster asks.
“No. He’s been lying low. I can’t see how clients are still signing with him.”
