Page 9

9

GEORGIA

A gainst my better judgment, I watched the game. I mean, how could I not? It took me by surprise to find myself jumping around my living room, fist-pumping the air when Cade hit that grand slam. It was pretty surreal to see the man I once loved and made love to, the father of my child, playing for a major league team and killing it. He looked so sexy in his uniform. Holy cow! When he was at bat, his trousers hugged his solid thighs like a glove. Watching him felt almost R-rated.

His pure joy in the post-game interview left me teary-eyed. I know this has been a dream of his since he was a child. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him in that royal blue uniform. It made his baby blues pop, and dang if it didn’t make my stomach flip-flop like a teenager’s. I’m sure I’m not the only one. He’ll have the ladies hounding him like dogs after a squirrel!

Auggie watched the game with me until he fell asleep on the couch with Jasper sprawled out beside him. I waited for a commercial break to tuck him into bed because I couldn’t miss a second of the game.

Now I’m so restless I don’t know what to do with myself. I guess I could work on that sweater I’m knitting for Auggie. I pull out my knitting needles and the gray panel I’m working on and sit down on my recliner to knit my worries away. Won’t be long before we’ll be needing sweaters. The ring of my cell phone startles me and my heart lurches when I see Cade’s number light up the screen. I hesitate before answering.

“Hello,” I say, the breathiness of my voice betraying me again.

“Did you watch?”

I’m tempted to lie but the joy in his voice hoodwinks me into telling the truth. “Yes. Congratulations.”

“That grand slam was for you,” he says.

“Surely not,” I protest, flustered.

“Yep, I promise. I thought of you right before I stepped up to the plate.”

“Snake charmer.”

“Just being honest. I can’t wait for you to bring August to a game. Did you cheer me on?”

“I mean I have to root for the home team, it’s only right.”

“Sounds logical except for the fact that you told me you don’t watch baseball anymore. Change of heart?”

“Better than studying. Great way to procrastinate.”

“What are you studying? Are you going to school?”

I could kick myself. I’ve already said too much. “Business Administration. Mostly on-line courses.”

“Huh. Doesn’t sound like you. I would have thought graphic design or art history… something like that. You were always pretty artsy.”

“I’m hoping to open a coffee shop so I need business skills.”

“Now that sounds more like you,” he says.

“I figure if I’m my own boss I’ll still get to prioritize being a mom.”

“Georgia, you do know that you don’t ever have to worry about money again, right? I’ll buy you a coffee shop. I just signed a five-year, fourteen-million-dollar a year contract with incentives. That’s more than I know what to do with. Endorsement deals could follow. Nike is already sniffing around. I can provide for my son and his mother.”

I’m glad he can’t see my jaw drop. I’m shocked. Nobody in my stratosphere makes that kind of money. Suddenly I feel dirt-poor. I’ve never measured myself or anyone else by money and I’m not going to start now! I just need to silence that small pesky voice telling me I’m not good enough and that I’m down on my luck by comparison. I don’t want my child growing up thinking like that. He’s not going to be spoiled rotten or thinking he’s better or worse than anyone else.

“We are doing just fine, but thank you very kindly,” I say stubbornly.

“Sorry. It doesn’t work that way. You can be as stubborn as you like, but don’t you think August deserves some of the perks that will come from my support?”

“A college fund would suffice.”

“That too.”

“Listen, Cade, it’s very generous of you to offer but we don’t need money. I live in a trailer parked right on my parents’ property, so all I pay for are utilities. I have free child care. Ava and Mama watch Auggie for me and Daddy too, when he’s free. I make good money on tips most nights.”

“I didn’t call to argue about it.”

“Well, why did you call?”

“Wanted to hear your voice and see if you caught our big win. One step closer to the playoffs.”

“I’d think you’d be off celebrating or something,” I say.

“Got another game tomorrow. Need my beauty sleep. I’m already back in my hotel room.”

I hear a male voice in the background and he says to someone, “Alright already. Dean says hi.”

“Is that the centerfielder?” I ask.

“One and the same.”

“Tell him hi and that was an awesome save in the third.”

“She says hi and to tell you that you don’t hold a candle to the left fielder.”

I hear male laughter and, “Yeah, right.”

“Well, I guess you boys best be gettin’ your sleep. Good luck with the rest of your series.”

“You’ll be watching, I hope.”

“I have a shift at the restaurant tomorrow night but maybe Sunday’s game.”

I hear him sigh. “I guess that’ll have to do. Can’t wait to meet August but I’m nervous as hell. What if he hates me?”

“That will not be a problem. Trust me.”

“I do,” he says quietly. “See ya Monday, Georgia.”

“Yes.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“Thank you, Cade. Night.”

I disconnect and bury my face in my palms. Mama would have a hissy fit if she knew Cade was flirting with me. She doesn’t want Cade back in our lives. She’d sooner tear him limb from limb with a tongue lashin’ for even thinking he had a right to sweet talk me. He won’t stand a chance against Mama.

I step outside to let Jasper do his business before bed and he runs straight out to the wooded border to pee. I sit on the top stoop next to my potted herbs and breathe in the fragrant basil almost smothered by the Gardenia and Jasmine shrubs next to my mobile. I’m lulled by the crickets and tree frogs serenading me. The moon is almost full, casting a glow over the yard. I see lights on at my parents’ house so I’m guessing they’re probably up watching TV. It’s peaceful here. We live on five acres, most of it wooded, sandwiched between farmland. Our closest neighbor is nearly a mile down the road.

As peaceful as it is, I’m feeling restless… like I want to crawl out of my skin and I hate it. It’s like I’m waiting for something. I was doing so good before Cade Jennings showed back up in my life. Why did he have to go and ruin everything? There will be no use arguing with him about child support. He’s as stubborn as a mule. I don’t let that good-natured charm fool me. And I can be just as stubborn. He’s going to have to abide by my rules. That’s all there is to it. I sigh deeply, then stand up and whistle for Jasper. He comes a running and we go inside and head to bed. It’s been a long day.