Page 86 of Spotlight
He doesn’t quite meet my gaze. I know from previous conversations that he carries a lot of guilt and regrets from the past. His attempts at reconnecting with Knox and Hendrick have been met with a lot of resistance. So much that dad hasn’t made any new attempts in a while.
As I’ve built a relationship with him, it’s ignited a dream in me to have all of us together again. I love my brothers, and I love my dad. I know it’ll never be perfect, but it seems like we’d all be happier if we could figure out how to let go of the past and start fresh.
“Leave it to me,” I say.
“All right, Son.” He places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “If you make it happen, I’ll be there.”
20
OLIVIA
The first regular season game is on a Saturday afternoon at Fletcher stadium. Late March in Arizona is gorgeous. The sun is out, there isn’t a cloud in the sky, but it isn’t unbearable to be outside like it will be by June.
“You’re so jittery,” Ruby comments as the pregame festivities are taking place.
Flynn is standing in the dugout, staring out at the field and looking focused and so damn sexy.
“I had too much coffee this morning.”
“Is that the problem?” she asks with a smirk.
“Go, Hotshot!” Greer yells as Flynn walks out onto the field behind the rest of the team.
Ruby chuckles and then joins in clapping and cheering with my daughter.
The truth is I am a nervous mess. I don’t even know why because when I talked to Flynn this morning, he was calm and collected. I guess it’s knowing how much it means to him. I might not want him to leave Lake City, but I still want him to succeed.
We’ve only been hanging out a short time, but I can see how hard he works. Long days of practice, extra pitching coaching, workouts, therapy, and no doubt there are even more things that I’m not aware of him doing.
And somehow, he still makes time to text me or swing by for a few minutes on his way home or take me and Greer out to dinner or ice cream. We haven’t been out on another date, just the two of us, but I look forward to the little moments. Holding hands, flirty texts, Greer making us laugh, and stealing kisses when she isn’t looking.
“Are his brothers here today?” Ruby asks as the cheers and applause die off and the first batter for the opposing team steps up to the plate.
“Yeah. They’re sitting behind home plate.”
“Why doesn’t your boyfriend get us fancy seats?”
A small laugh slips from my lips. “He isn’t my boyfriend.”
“Oh, I see we’re still in denial. Got it.” She tosses a handful of popcorn in her mouth and turns her gaze to the field.
“We’ve only been on one date.”
“So?”
“We haven’t spent enough time together yet to be that serious. We’re still hanging out and getting to know each other.”
“No.”
“What do you mean, no?” Another laugh bubbles up in my chest.
“You are not the kind of person who dates casually. You’re one and done or all in.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. She isn’t wrong. Before Flynn and before I decided dating was awful and I didn’t want to do it anymore, I went on a lot of first dates. It didn’t take me long to tell if we had chemistry or had things in common. So many of the guys I went out with I could tell within minutes that they either weren’t for me, or they had a life that would never match mine. I don’t hold any judgment for my friends or peers who spend every night going out and want to pick up at a moment’s notice and travel the world, but it makes their lives the opposite of my very structured, stable one.
I work hard to give Greer a life that makes her feel safe and loved, and right now that means less spontaneous adventures and more routine.
One of the things I like about Flynn is he makes everyday activities feel fun and original. He’s steadfast in working toward his goals and maintaining relationships with his family and making time for me, but he reminds me that everything else is just not that serious. It’s why Greer likes him so much too. He plays with her and listens to what she has to say. Nothing is silly or childish. He’ll watch cartoons or play arcade games or play trampoline dodge ball. He’s a good sport in all the ways he’s bent his life to be a part of mine.
