“You would be good friends if given the chance.”
“Maybe I’ll sit with her at the game. If she’s not worried about Gunner, then I don’t guess we should be.”
The idea of Riley sitting with Willa made me laugh. Gunner’s reaction to that would be priceless, but I also knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t upset Willa. He loved her more than he loved Rhett.
“You think that’s funny?” she asked.
“No, I think it’s awesome,” I assured her.
She took another bite of pizza, then set her plate down. “That’s the best pizza I’ve ever had.”
She meant more than that. I could see it in her eyes. It was being here with me that made it the best pizza. I agreed with her completely.
The Lawton Bunch Isn’t So Tight Anymore
CHAPTER 37
RILEY
I was anxious most of the day. I kept my phone close to me all morning and waited on a call from Brady. I knew he would face Gunner today, and I was worried about him. He didn’t need that right now.
It had rained all day, so when Bryony woke up from her nap there would be no playtime. I gave her crayons and a coloring book and let her color beside me while I worked on my schoolwork. I used my extra time to get ahead, and when Mother came into the room to remind me of Bryony’s afternoon snack I realized how much time had passed. School was over and still no call or text from Brady.
When I’d gotten Bryony to her high chair and given her some applesauce, I turned to ask Mom to watch her for me for just an hour. I was going to take the car and go to meet Brady after practice. I needed to know he was okay.
Maybe it was because she was a mother or because I was easy to read, but the moment she turned around she said, “Go on. I’ve got her. You’ve been working all day and need a break. Tell Brady I said hello.”
I walked over to her and hugged her tightly. “Thank you.”
She held me against her. “Of course. It’s what mothers are for. I love you, and I like seeing you live a little. Does my heart good.”
“I love you too,” I told her.
“Wuv you too!” Bryony called from her high chair, and we both smiled and turned to see her grinning at us with applesauce all over her face.
“Mom will be thrilled she’s eating applesauce if she comes in here and sees this.”
I laughed and agreed.
“She’s going to ask you to get some chocolate from Miller’s to take to Mrs. Bertha for tea tomorrow. Just nod your head and go on. She’s been on that line of thinking for an hour now.”
“Who’s Mrs. Bertha?” I asked, thinking that sounded new.
“A neighbor we had when I was in elementary school. She moved away by the time I was twelve. Mom used to have tea with her every Sunday.”
“Tomorrow is Thursday.”
Mom let out a soft laugh. “Don’t tell her that, either.”
Life with Grandmamma sure was interesting.
I headed for the living room, and sure enough, there she sat with her afghan over her legs watching television. “If you’re going out, get me some of that dark chocolate from Miller’s. Told your momma, but she still ain’t gone. They’re gonna close soon. I can’t go to Bertha’s empty-handed tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I replied and headed out the door.
“Don’t forget to let Thomas back inside,” she called out behind me.
Not sure how I was going to manage letting a cat that had been dead so long it was dust now back in the house, but I replied with another “Yes, ma’am.”
I rarely drove the Mustang. Bryony liked for us to walk and wasn’t a big fan of the car seat. So it was nice to get behind the wheel and drive in silence. I loved my family and my life. I was thankful for it. But a day dealing with a grandmother with Alzheimer’s, a toddler, and schoolwork was mentally draining. This was normally my way of getting away for an hour and regrouping and relaxing. However, today I was tense and nervous.
It wasn’t like Brady had promised to call me or text me today. He had kissed me before we’d gone back to the truck last night, and we had taken our time with it. Then it had been the short drive home and a good night. No promises or plans.
Still, I was worried about him.
It was time for practice to be over, and I didn’t want Gunner to spot me in the parking lot, so I found a spot far enough away that I wouldn’t be obvious but I could still seem them.
Gunner’s truck was the closest to the field house, so he’d get to his truck first and be gone. Which worked out well for me. I watched the guys all leaving and only saw West as he climbed in his truck and left. Still no Brady or Gunner, and I began to get nervous. Surely West wouldn’t have left if he thought there had been a problem.