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That’s when I see the sadness lining her eyes. Up to now,I’ve been chewing my lip, hanging on their every word, trying to figure out who this woman is. Now I feel like I have a little hint.
“Miss Gina!” Dylan cries, running to her and giving her a big hug. “You brought a surprise!”
“It’s high time Olivia came home for a visit.” Miss Gina pats Dylan’s arm, but a twinkle is in her eye.
I’ve known this old lady long enough to know she’s up to something as well.
“They’re starting if you ladies want to join us.” Zane walks over to take my hand, then hesitates. “Liv, wow—it’s been a minute.”
He hugs her briefly before stepping back to me.
“Zane Bradford, handsome as always.”
“And Miss G, glad you’re back safe.” He leans down to hug her, and her blind eyes close as she squeezes then rubs his shoulder. “Yep, it worked.”
“What are you talking about?” Dylan loops her other arm in Miss Gina’s.
“Your brother is very relaxed.” She holds out her hand to me. “I hope the guest cottage had something to do with it.”
“What guest cottage?” I tease, reaching for his hand. “I think she’s onto us.”
Zane pulls me closer to his side. “I hope you don’t have a policy against people who work for you being in love.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Miss Gina smiles, her eyes fluttering to heaven. “I only want to be surrounded by love.”
“Well, you came to the right place!” Dylan takes her hand. “Let’s get to the tournament!”
“I miss this place.” Olivia looks wistfully after the two of them as they go.
“It’s pretty special.” I give her a friendly smile.
27
Zane
Gloria stands in the center of the pool room directing the kids where to go. They’re all pretty rules-oriented anyway, so they’re happy to follow her organization.
All of the kids earn money for the ranch by playing, but she has them segregated by age to start. The winners will advance to playing each other until a sole champion emerges.
The longest part of the night will be weeding out the beginners. Still, it’s nice to see all the parents here cheering on their kids. I know a handful, since I’m only there in the early mornings.
“Ben had so much fun playing with Eddie!” Alice Maxwell touches my arm. “Thanks for putting them together. I almost wish Ben were going to Newhope next year.”
“I’m sure you could put in for a variance if he’s not happy at Barnwell.” I watch the small boy moving around the table with more confidence than I’ve ever seen.
Ben is a lot like Eddie. They thrive on structure and accomplishment, and they learn new skills quickly. I do my best notto be angry at a society that would deem them “different” simply because they don’t react to stimuli in a “normal” way. These young men have a lot of potential.
They’ve also started dressing alike in jeans and T-shirts with long-sleeve shirts on top.
After an hour, the tables have condensed. Weaker players have been eliminated, and we have two tables going. At one Eddie Nashville is up against a sixteen-year-old kid I don’t know well.
His parents are so nice, I almost feel bad hoping their son loses.
Ben is playing a little girl, who I have to say is killer. Kimmie is enthralled, waving her stuffed turtle over her head and cheering for “pool girlies” in a way that makes me wonder how Jack will ever get her to sleep tonight.
I’ve had my eye on Olivia and Rachel chatting nonstop. It’s curious seeing Liv back in town, but they’re hitting it off, talking about Birmingham.
Considering all the shit he’s given me, I couldn’t resist snapping a photo and sending it to my brother.
