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But with Derek on third base, I couldn’t afford any distractions. Every parent on the bleachers was on the edge of their metal seat, ready to see how the next play would turn out.

As we watched the pitcher wind up, a woman in loose but well-fitted jeans, a baggy t-shirt, and a black baseball cap approached the fence. She intertwined her fingers with the chainlink and watched the pitch.

The ball hurtled toward the batter who swung with all his might. Smashing the ball into the outfield, the kid took off toward first as Derek watched the ball arch in the sky. Once he knew it was going far enough out, he sprinted toward home.

“Go, baby!” I hollered as he hustled down the baseline. Jason clapped with pride as his players rounded the bases. Before the outfielder could hurl the ball to home plate, Derek sprinted across it.

The bleachers erupted with excitement as the team scored.

Once the excitement died down, Robin’s eyes followed my gaze to the mysterious woman. Her face scrunched up as she nudged Zoey and nodded toward them.

“Is that…?” Zoey tilted her head.

“Who?” I turned to Robin.

Widening her eyes, Robin scoffed. “Yeah it is.”

Pressing, I gestured for more information. “Who?”

“That’s Cat Collins.”

I rolled my eyes. “Am I supposed to know who that is?”

With an exaggerated groan, Robin lowered her voice to a whisper. “She’s a pro softball player from New Winford.”

Zoey turned to me and nodded. “She got injured last season and then kind of…”

“Spiraled into a crazy alcohol-fueled bender.” Robin shook her head. “No one’s seen her for months. I think everyone assumed she was done with softball forever.”

My eyebrows lifted with surprise. I felt like I knew everyone in town but somehow, I’d missed this bit of town gossip entirely. It was certainly strange but New Winford seemed to be a hotbed for people looking for an escape.

Zoey sighed as she met Robin’s gaze. “I wonder if Cleo knows.”

Shrugging, Robin tried to turn her attention back to the game as Zoey pulled out her phone.

I looked onto the field, my foot shaking as I tried to remind myself that I had as much time as I needed. Even if I wanted an answer sooner rather than later.

28

BRI

I tossedthe picnic basket into the back of the truck, next to the rolled up blanket and my hiking bag. With a slam, I closed up the bed and waltzed inside to do a final check of the house. I didn’t want to miss anything for mine and Sarah’s first real date.

When I pushed open the side door, Oakkie meowed at me from the counter.

“I know, sweetie. I’ll be back soon. Lock down the fort for me.” I gave him a pet under his soft chin. A gentle purr rumbled against my hand as I said goodbye to my companion.

Locking the door behind me, I checked my pockets for my phone and my wallet.

I hopped into my truck and sent Sarah a text that I was on my way. Once I hit send, I took a deep breath and tried to settle my nerves. It felt silly to be nervous to spend time with her. But it was an actualdate.

I turned the key in the ignition and pulled my car out of the driveway, barreling down the mountain toward New Winford. My stomach turned as the truck gained speed on the downward slope. It felt just like my heart felt: a hunk of metal hurtlingtoward the woman I loved and hoping I wouldn’t need to pull the brakes.

Knowing I was about to spin myself out, I tried to enjoy the August scenery instead. It was one of the last few weeks that would feel like true Summer. Once the month rolled on, the leaves would start to crisp and the wind would start to blow cooler.

By the time I’d settled my breathing, my truck was pulling onto Sarah’s street and into her freshly paved driveway.

When I put the car in park, I checked my hair in the visor mirror and made sure it was laying nicely in the ponytail.