Page 35 of The Way Love Heals

She shook her head. “Zaina’s grandfather had to be rushed to the hospital, and things aren’t looking good. They live over two hours away, and AJ doesn’t want to go with them. I’m going to go get him and find us something to do for the day to keep his mind clear. He loves Zaina’s family, so I know this will bother him.”

“Mind if I tag along?”

“Really?” Her voice perked up a little, and I chuckled.

“Yes, really. Sounds like AJ and I both need a day to clear our minds. I know being with you will be the perfect remedy for both of us.” Brittish strutted over to me with her lips puckered. I firmly kissed them and smirked. “Is that a yes?”

“It’s a hell yes.” She giggled. “Do you want me to come back and get you, or are you coming with me?”

“Do you think it’ll be better to come back? I’m not sure how AJ will feel seeing me in the car with you, and I don’t want to upset him any more than he already is.”

“Oh, he’ll be fine either way. It’s just something he’ll need to accept, but thank you for thinking of him in that way.”

“Of course. Let me go get ready. I’ll be quick.”

I pecked her lips and went to my room to change my clothes. I’d already handled my morning hygiene, so it took me no time to get ready. The boys had the next four days off to rest and recuperate for our next tournament, so it was the perfect time to get closer to AJ off the field.

Once I was dressed in a Camden Cove baseball T-shirt, basketball shorts, and shoes to match, I put on my jewelry and cologne before grabbing what I needed and meeting Brittish back up front. We decided to take my truck, so I put Zaina’s address into my GPS and headed that way.

They lived about twenty minutes away from me. Asher was putting their luggage into their car when we pulled up. I stayed in the truck while Brittish got out to get AJ. She talked to Asher for a moment until AJ and Zaina came out the door. It was obvious Zaina had been crying, and AJ was close to her side, holding her hand. When she saw my truck, she gave a half smile and waved. AJ’s brows met in the middle, and he stopped in his tracks. He said something to Zaina, and whatever she said in return had him moving again.

I watched them all love on one another before Brittish led AJ over to my truck. Hopping out, I helped her with his bags and helped them inside. We pulled out the driveway, and surprisingly, AJ was the first to speak up.

“I’m hungry.”

Brittish snickered. “When aren’t you hungry? What do you want to eat?”

“French toast and a ham and cheese omelet.”

“So, you want to go to Dave’s?”

“Please.”

Brittish glanced over at me. She didn’t need to ask because I was on the same page as AJ. I’d been up too long and hadn’t had anything to eat, so I was ready to get down.

Clearing my throat, I quizzed, “Are you enjoying your off time from baseball, AJ?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been resting and playing my game, but my dad has been doing some field drills with me when he gets off work.”

“That’s good. Even when you’re off, it’s good to put in work, but make sure you don’t overdo it. Resting is just as vital.”

“I’m not. He usually gives me a choice on whether I want to work or not. Most of the time, I do. We were taking the day off today to rest.”

“Good.”

AJ scooted up in the seat with both his arms resting on ours. He looked back and forth between me and Brittish. When she gave him a look, he quickly sat back and put his seat belt on.

“So, Mama . . .”

“Yes, Son?”

“Are you and Coach still just friends? Because this seems like more.” He observed.

Brittish lowly snickered before turning around to face him. “How would you feel if I told you we were more than friends?”

“It would be a little weird to me. He’s my coach.”

“I understand that, but him being my boyfriend won’t change anything about him being your coach. Our relationship is separate from that.”