Page 97 of Comeback
Our foursome falls into more appropriate conversation while the patio fills with more of our teammates. Brogan and I continually check the game and group chat. Between the game, the texting, and kissing Sabrina every chance I get, I’m barely aware of anyone else at the party.
When both our phones buzz at the same time, I let him check it while I keep the video of Flynn up. It’s the top of the fifth. He’s been unhittable, but this current batter is the best in the league and it’s a full count. Flynn winds up for the pitch and I hold my breath as he fires another fast ball and strikes out the best batter in the league. He’s fucking incredible.
“What’s it say?” I ask when I can finally pry my gaze away from the game.
Brogan glances up from his phone and stares at me a beat. I can tell instantly from his expression something is up.
“Knox ran into your dad.”
My jaw tightens. I’m not all that surprised, but it still sours the mood.
“Do you think Flynn is funding his trips?” Brogan asks.
“Probably.” I don’t know what Dad’s been doing for money. At one time he drove a truck, but that can’t be the case if he’s following Flynn around to games.
“Flynn’s smart and Knox is keeping an eye on him.” Brogan gives me what I think is meant to be a reassuring smile but thinking about him has my mood plummeting and fuck that. I’m out with my girl. He doesn’t get to ruin this. I’ll talk with Knox and with Flynn later.
Coach steps outside, bringing the rest of the party with him. He makes a quick speech, thanking us for coming and telling us to enjoy the food, then invites us all to check out the items in the silent auction.
There are tables on one side of the yard filled with items to bid on. Sabrina drags me by each one. I’m only half-looking, lost in my thoughts.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yeah. Great.” I blink a few times and stare at the spa day package in front of me.
I wave my hand toward it to see if she’s interested, and Sabrina shakes her head.
“I’d rather have the Holland jersey back there.”
“I’ll get you one of those for free.” I sign my name at the bottom of the spa package anyway. The charity is a good one. They’re local and support at-risk youth so I don’t really care if I win. I’m just happy to support them.
When we’re done looking, Sabrina and I wander over to a quiet spot in the yard.
“What’s going on in that handsome skull of yours?” she asks, lacing her fingers behind my neck.
“Sorry. I guess I’m not a very good date tonight.”
“It’s not that. I can just tell something is wrong.”
I blow out a breath, already feeling better. There is something about Sabrina and her ability to read me so well that puts me at ease.
“My dad being at the game tonight got to me,” I admit. “He’s been following Flynn around for the last couple of years, going to all his games and…”
“You wish he had done that for you?”
“No,” I say automatically. “Maybe. I’m not sure. The thing is, he didn’t. Not for me or Hendrick or Knox. Then a couple of years ago he decided he wanted to be there for us like nothing had happened. The rest of us made it clear we weren’t interested, but Flynn let him back into his life.”
Sabrina says nothing, but her stare remains on me as she listens.
“If I’m honest, I didn’t think it would last this long.” Just like all the times before, I figured Dad would cut out after a month or two. “Flynn has so much going for him right now. I don’t want to see our dad take advantage of him.”
“I am so sorry. I don’t know all the details, but I can’t imagine what it was like for you. Then or now.”
“I had my mom and my brothers growing up. I didn’t really feel his loss. Not the same way that the others did.” Hendrick and Knox filled that role for me after Mom died, and I accepted that some people weren’t meant to be parents. Or I thought I’d accepted it. I hate that he still gets under my skin.
“Wanna know a secret?”
She doesn’t miss a beat. “I want to know everything about you.”
