Page 27

“Another time,” he somberly whispered, before turning back to the house. His little shoulders were caved beneath the weight of southern manners, and the burden of his mother’s grief.

“Grab momma’s purse, baby. Get to it, hurry on up. You got the boys waiting,” I called, before clamping my lips together.

It didn’t stop my chin from quivering. Only the uncertain weight of Mr. Henshaw’s hand did that.

“Thank you,” I humbly whispered.

His fingers curled over my shoulder in a reassuring little hug of sorts, “What are friends for, right?”

I heaved a sigh that almost turned into a sob.

“Listen, you get yourself a bath. I know you’ve had a rough few days, the guys told me what happened.”

I groaned, embarrassment washing over me.

“You could just have a nice bath, and take yourself a minute before you put supper on for the boy. I should have him back about that time, yeah?”

The door slammed again, causing me to flinch much the way Cole had earlier.

“I-I, uhm…”

“Just say yes,” he whispered, causing me to confront his unwavering gaze. “Let someone do a kind thing for you, you deserve it.”

I looked away, intent on keeping my tears at bay while I briefly nodded my consent.

“Here, momma. I got your purse, it’s okay, though. I’m gonna carry it for you,” Oakland enthusiastically tried to butter me up.

“No, it’s okay. Baby, you’re going to go to the game with Mr…”

“Cole,” Mr. Henshaw inserted.

“Uh, yes, Cole. You’ll go with Mr… Uh, Cole, and Momma will have dinner when you come back.”

He handed the purse over, confused, but eager to get to the other boys, he thankfully didn’t question things.

Chapter Nine

The Price of the Game

C.C.

Mark threw up his hands like he’d been waiting forever for me to show up.

“What are you doing, get the kid in there, would ya?” he bitched, waving toward the dugout.

“Yes, Sir!” Oakland chirped, scrambling that way.

Mark looked surprised by how fast the boy hustled.

“Damn, I thought you were pulling my leg for a minute.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing,” Mark cleared his throat, drawing me along with him toward the abundant shade of a nearby tree. “Listen, I need you to get on board with this thing, alright? It isn’t even that noisy.”

It took me a moment to realize he was on about the vote again.

“You did your count. It’s done.” I sniffed, trying to step away from him.