Page 15 of Sawyer
“Almost ten now.Grows up too quickly.”
“Does he attend school with Annabelle’s boy?”
That has Hudson looking at me with a quirked eyebrow.
“Been here a week or so and already know the locals?”Hudson teases.
“I had to drop off some papers to her the other day.Saw her two kids.”
“Kevin and Harvey are close.In the same grade at school.Harvey is excited because Kevin is playing baseball for the first time this year.Annabelle no doubt worked her ass off for that to happen.”
Now I want to know more.I don’t make a habit of checking out my clients, and I certainly maintain professionalism when around them.But Annabelle is a beautiful woman, there’s no denying that, and technically, she isn’t my client.Tanner is.She’s a strong woman, and proud too, by the speed at which she grabbed that overdue electricity notice from the folder today.My back teeth grind, knowing the few hundred dollars to pay it is sitting in my wallet.I would probably spend that on drinks in one night in the city, but for her, it pays her electricity for a month.
“She has a hard time out there on her farm?”
“Single mom, working at the school now, but before that, she was really struggling.I assume she’s still playing catch up with bills and things, not to mention trying to get this soap business off the ground with Victoria.No idea how she does it all.I just have Harvey and find it hard to manage everything, but at least I have Mom and Dad here.She lost her parents a while ago, and then when her husband died, it was just her,” Hudson informs me, and my gut feels heavy.I think back to my own childhood and remember how tough it was, my mom working multiple jobs just so Sutton and I could get everything we wanted.I have a newfound sense of appreciation for her and admiration for Annabelle and her kids.
“How did he die?”
“Car accident, apparently.It was about three years ago now.Pretty severe, from what I’ve heard.Gas tank exploded on impact.It was like a war scene, nothing to recover.”I swallow roughly.Shit.
“Did Sawyer tell you he’s going to sponsor the baseball team?”Connor changes the subject, looking at Hudson with a wicked grin, knowing full well I haven’t agreed to anything yet.
“Oh great, you're coming tomorrow?Just bring your checkbook, then.”Hudson grins at me as Connor snorts in laughter.
“Nah, might sleep in,” I joke, really needing another drink already.This baseball game has been mentioned a few times now, and while I don’t mind sponsoring kids’ baseball, knowing Annabelle and her sons will be there tomorrow has me a little more intrigued.
“You need to come.It’s game day for the kids.Down at the fields behind the school.We’re playing Williamstown.They’ll be hard to beat but it should be fun.”
I sigh before looking at the ceiling.How has my life taken a right turn?
“Fine.I’ll do it.How much is it and what time?”I feel a small amount of pride at helping the local community building in my chest as all three men start laughing.
“Team naming rights are a cool thousand dollars… Just give your check to Bob; he manages all that,” Hudson tells me, and I’m surprised it’s so cheap, but I don’t ask questions.
“Who’s Bob?”I ask, not wanting to turn up and hand over a check to the wrong person.
“Runs the hardware store in town.He’s sitting over there in the blue overalls.”Tanner tips his glass to the side, and I look over, seeing an older guy with a glass of whiskey, chatting with others.
“Of course he does…” This small town is starting to sound more like some sort of secret society, where everyone knows everyone.
“Starts at nine,” Hudson continues.“I’ll be there.Harvey and the kids need to get there about half an hour before game time.”
“Don’t worry, Rochelle will be open, and the coffee will be hot,” Connor offers.
“Another round, gents?”Tanner stands, a small smile of satisfaction on his face.
“Just get the bottle,” I murmur, and he laughs.
“Good to have you here, Sawyer.”
“Good to be here.”It wasn’t my plan, and I still prefer the city, but if I’m going to be here on a semipermanent basis, I should at least try to enjoy it.
8
Annabelle
When I pull up to the school parking lot, Kevin is out of the car before it even comes to a stop.
