Page 9 of Defending A Promise
“I’m doing overtime tonight and they’re looking for more volunteers. Interested?” Jax loves his overtime, and he should now that he owns that boat.
“Nah, man. I’m good. I might stop by Hooplas tonight.” I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the bottom of my t-shirt.
“Ya sure? Time and a half.”
“No. I’m good. Thanks for letting me know, though.”
“Alright. I’ll let the captain know. See ya Monday.”
“Bye.” I hang up the phone and look at the little bit of yard I have left to mow and seriously contemplate letting it just grow wild, but decide that if I don’t do it now, I’ll regret it later when the mower won’t go through the thick, long grass.
After finishing the lawn, I jump in the pool to cool off and it feels amazing. Bella has refused to come outside because it’s too hot for her, and rightfully so. She’s a dark gray color and I don’t want her out in this sun and heat. Sometimes, though, I think she’s part cat.
I jump in the shower and make some lunch for both of us as my phone rings again. This time, I can see that it’s Trevor.
“Yo. What’s up Doc?”
“Yeah. Like that never gets old,” he replies deadpan.
I laugh at him. I’ve been answering his calls like this since he graduated med school. “What’s up, man?”
“Well, I happen to have a rare Saturday night off and have no idea what to do with myself. Got any plans?”
“Well, that sounds sad. What do you have in mind?”
“Nothing too crazy. I’ve got shift in the morning, but maybe play some pool at Hooplas?”
“Yeah. That sounds good. I was heading in that direction in about an hour already. I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good.”
“See ya.” He hangs up and I set the phone down. Bella sees that and stretches as she gets off the couch.
“Sorry, girl. Maybe next time you can go with me. Eat your lunch.”
She wanders over to her bowl, sniffs the food in it, looks at me, and then walks away. Apparently, she is part cat.
Chapter 5
Riley
Our kickball game was fun this morning, but we suck at it. We lost ten to zero. It’s great that it doesn’t seem to matter to anyone that we suck so bad – we’re all out just having fun and hanging out with other women. Someone even suggested a girls’ weekend when the season is over. Still – it would be nice if we could at least make a run or two.
When I get out of the shower and change, I find my parents running around collecting the last-minute things for the trip they’re leaving on in an hour.
“Do we have our passports? I don’t want to get stuck outside of the country and not be able to get back in,” my father yells from across the house.
“I’ve got them in my purse,” Mom answers back.
Nicholas is running and playing in the backyard as me and Mom watch him from the dining room table – in the air conditioning.
Out of habit, I check my phone to see if any messages have come in and to my relief, there’s nothing. I can feel Mom watching me and I’m ready when she finally asks.
“Are you sure you and Nicholas will be okay while we’re gone? We can postpone the trip.”
I place my hand over hers as I put my phone face down on the table. “Mom, we’re going to be fine. There have been no messages or threats since we’ve moved back. I’m sure he’s finally figured it out and moved on. Besides, Nicholas and I have plans while you’re gone.”
“You know I’m going to worry. You need to answer the phone every time I call you – promise?”
