Running Home (Warm Springs Trilogy Book 2)

by Christina Kirby

  “Well, stop thinking and come on.” She planted one of her hands on her hip. “I didn’t drive all day for you to take your sweet time.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I hear ya.” He climbed down out of his truck and up the steps where he scooped her into a rib-crushing hug. Spinning her around until she let out a familiar squeal.

  “That’s more like it.” Avery released him and then crossed her arms over her chest while she studied him, making no attempt to mask what she was doing. “You look terrible.”

  “So I’ve heard.” He shrugged. “I haven’t slept much this week.”

  “I’d say you can have my room at Honey’s, but there’s no way that’s happening. I’m the broke college student and you’re the millionaire.” She poked him in the chest with a finger. “I’d say you can afford the hotel better than I can.”

  Remembering the fight they’d had about him paying her college tuition, he held back from commenting further. Some buttons were not worth pushing when it came to his strong-willed sister. “Have you already been by Honey’s?”

  “Heck yeah. Stopped over there first and had some freshly made fried green tomatoes.” Avery made a loud smacking sound. “Beats cafeteria food every time.”

  His mouth watered at the same time his stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten lunch. He’d been too distracted by his own wallowing. “Come sit with me in the café while I get something, then you should come out to the ball fields with me later. Some of the guys from around here have a rec league. I’m thinking about giving it a go.”

  With hands tucked firmly into pockets, she followed him inside. “Sounds good to me. I haven’t seen you play in a while. Or, maybe they’ll let me play, too.”

  “I don’t know if this town’s ready for two Hamiltons.”

  “They better be. I’m moving back after graduation next year.”

  Adam stopped in the middle of the hallway. “You are?”

  “Yeah.” She kept walking. “I haven’t really made up my mind yet about where I want to work. I figured if I come back here, I’ll at least have a place to stay while I figure things out.”

  “What happened to getting a job at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta?” He tried to keep his tone neutral. The two of them had a father, and not only was Adam not that man, Adam was the last person who needed to lecture Avery about her choice of careers seeing as how his had just ended at the ripe old age of thirty-two.

  “I’m over the city. I’m ready for a change.”

  “Uh-oh.”

  “Why did you say ‘uh-oh’ like that?” Avery’s voice took on a slight edge.

  He laughed as he took a seat at one of the two-seater tables and opened a menu. “The last time you said you were ready for a change you started dating that guy who drove a motorcycle and had tattoos all over his arms. I still don’t think mom’s gotten over it.”

  She slouched down in the chair opposite his and waved her hand. “Please, Tony wasn’t that bad.”

  Adam closed his menu and leaned across the table. “He got arrested for public intoxication and stealing, then nearly got you thrown in jail along with him.”

  “Okay, but in his defense, he was having a bad day.”

  “What? Someone spell one of his tattoos wrong?”

  Avery threw her rolled up silverware at him, which he caught, making them both laugh.

  “Avery Hamilton,” Betsy said, catching them both by surprise. “How are you, sweetie?”

  Listening while Betsy and Avery caught up, he felt happier than he had in a week. He was glad Avery was moving back to town. Having his kid sister around made it feel like someone was on his side. Even with their large age difference, they’d always been close. And, she was the one person aside from his grandmother who knew the whole story about when he’d left.

  “What about these?” Jenny held up a lacy purple thong and shook it at Ann.

  “For Sam? Nah. You maybe.” Ann smirked when Jenny’s mouth fell open in fake shock.

  “Why, Ann, I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I’m sure you don’t.” Ann gave her a knowing look over her shoulder. “Seriously, though, you should point out a few things you like. It won’t be long and we’ll be in here shopping for your lingerie shower.”

  Jenny’s smile faltered and her left hand tightened on the silk robe she was inspecting. Her gaze traveled over her ring finger and lingered there. What would it be like to wear James’ ring? Her chest tightened, but not with excitement, it felt more like a warning. Like being married to him would bring on some sort of sentence she didn’t want to serve.

  “Don’t tell me James isn’t into flashy undies that are barely there?”

  “He’s a man. Don’t be silly.” Jenny’s tone was playful, but her hands were damp. When she released the robe, the fabric was wrinkled. She tried to smooth it away, but just like the uneasiness that had settled inside her, the wrinkles wouldn’t fade.

  Ann continued to flip through the pile of floral panties, either oblivious to her discomfort or choosing not to press her about it. Either way, Jenny appreciated it. She didn’t want to dissect her relationship while they were supposed to be out having a fun afternoon.

  “How about this instead?” Ann held up a hanger and spun it around.

  The pair of panties had a matching bra, a little more coverage, and the flowers would appeal to Sam. “I like that set. Good find.”

  Ann held onto what she had and continued down the line. “Do you think we should get something practical, too? You know, a cute set of jammies?”

  “Ooh, how about that one?” Jenny pointed to a silk emerald chemise and shorts hanging on a display. “The color will look perfect with her skin and her eyes.”

  Ann crossed over to where the short shorts and sexy top were hanging and ran a finger over the material. “I thought we were going for practical?”

  Jenny laughed. “Not too practical. Leave that for the church ladies.”

  “I don’t know. Some of those old birds will surprise you.” Ann grabbed the outfit from where it was hanging and added it to her pile. “Do you remember when I had my shower?”

  “Oh, that’s right,” Jenny’s eyes widened. “Jake’s grandmother gave you that feather thing.”

  “Yeah.” Ann’s face turned a little pink at the memory. “I’ve never been so embarrassed.”

  “But, did it fit? I always wondered.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” Ann stepped toward the tables where sweet smelling lotions and body washes sat in rows and started sniffing at them. “After I told Jake who the getup was from, he didn’t seem too eager to see me in it.”

  Jenny laughed again and pushed thoughts of her uncertain future aside. “So, are we still thinking a day at the lake in lieu of a proper bachelorette party?”

  “If by proper, you mean a day at the lake with just us three girls relaxing, as opposed to a loud club with strippers, then yes. I’d say stick with the lake. Sam doesn’t strike me as the kind of girl who’d really appreciate strippers.”

  “You’re probably right.” Jenny set a combination pack of bubble bath, body wash, and lotion onto the counter next to the PJs and lingerie they’d chosen and pulled out her credit card.

  “Okay, I’ll set it up. We can even rent one of the cabins over there for the night.” Ann pulled a few bills out of her wallet and handed them to Jenny for her half of the gift. “Oh, this is going to be great. It’ll be my first night away from the baby and we can all get some much needed and well deserved R and R.”

  “I like the sound of that, but I do want to get my hands on Peter. His cheeks are delicious and it’s been too long since I’ve gotten to love on him.”

  “He’ll be at the game with me tonight. You could come.”

  Jenny pulled her phone out of her bag after she
signed the receipt and checked her calendar. James was out of town again. “I’m supposed to hook up with Sam at some point to go over the final checklist. She’s got it all under control, but I think she wants a second set of eyes. Might be even better to have three sets.”

  “Okay, great. I’ll call her and tell her to bring her stuff. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Ann started to walk to her car when a sudden thought occurred to Jenny. “Hey, Ann?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Adam’s not going to be there, is he?” Jenny felt silly as soon as the words were out of her mouth. To make matters worse, she wasn’t sure what she wanted Ann to say. No, would be the wise choice, but she hadn’t seen Adam in a week and it annoyed her to realize she missed him.

  “I don’t think so. I know Jake was hoping he’d play, but so far he hasn’t.”

  Jenny nodded, but Ann being Ann seemed to catch something in her voice that concerned her.

  “Is everything okay with you two? You haven’t mentioned him.”

  “Everything’s fine. In fact, I haven’t seen him.”

  Ann shifted the bag she was holding onto her arm and then with one hand on her hip, turned her head to the side. “I thought you were helping him find a house?”

  “I was. I am.” Jenny sighed. “I found him one. The closing is set for next week so we’re all finished.”

  “That was fast.” Ann took a step toward her. “Which is a good thing, right?”

  Jenny tucked her hair behind her ears. “It is good. He needs a house.”

  “Then why do you seem so sad all of a sudden?” When Jenny stalled, Ann’s gaze bored holes into her until her resolve cracked. The way only best friends can do. “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know.” Jenny struggled to find the words when the truth was, she didn’t know exactly what her problem was. She should’ve been elated, but she wasn’t. “I guess I just thought everything would go back to normal, but it hasn’t. I find myself looking for him when I’m out. I mean, it’s a small town. It makes sense that we would run into each other.” Jenny glanced at a crowd of girls leaving the mall. “And then I’m disappointed when I don’t see him.” Slightly embarrassed by her confession, she waited for Ann to tell her she was being an idiot.

  “Well, he was your friend for a long time. It makes sense that you might’ve enjoyed getting to spend time with him again.”

  Jenny’s heart lifted. Maybe Ann was right. Maybe what she was feeling was perfectly natural. “You think so?”

  “Sure. It could also mean that you’re in danger of falling right back in love with him or that maybe you never stopped loving him, but that can’t be it because you’re with James.” Ann waited for Jenny to say something and when she didn’t right away, Ann prompted her. “Right?”

  “Oh, right. Of course. I’m with James.” Jenny wasn’t sure if she was trying to prove it to herself or Ann, but either way she added, “And, we’re happy. Couldn’t be any happier. We’re even going away together after the wedding. It’s going to be great.”

  “Definitely, great.”

  Ann and Jenny’s eyes remained locked for an extra moment and they both nodded, but Jenny could’ve sworn she saw something that looked vaguely like pity cross her friend’s face. It was only there for an instant and then it was gone.

  “Okay, then. Well, I’ll see you tonight?”

  “Yes, I’ll be there.” And, she vowed to not be disappointed if Adam wasn’t anywhere in sight.

  Chapter 11

  Adam bounced the bat on the end of his cleat, a pregame ritual leftover from high school, while he watched the kids on the field play their final inning. The air was cool and chatter from the family members watching in the stands served as background noise. It was a nice night to get out and take a break from all the nothingness in his life.

  A blur of white and yellow jogged past him as the next kid, who turned out to be Jake’s son, Alex, stepped up to bat. Adam stopped bouncing his own bat and leaned against the fence. The kid had a good stance. As the pitcher let the ball fly, Adam held his breath and watched Alex swing a moment too late. “Come on, Alex. You got it,” Adam said too quiet for anyone else to hear.

  The catcher tossed the ball back to the pitcher and Alex stepped into the box, ready to take his next shot at a hit. Adrenaline hummed through Adam as he watched, the anticipation of the pitch always a trigger. He studied the pitcher as the boy twisted his fingers around the ball. The leather and stitches so familiar to Adam he could almost feel it in his own hand. He had to admit the kid had some potential, but right now he was rooting for Alex.

  “Let’s go, Alex,” Jake called from the bleachers. “Wait for a good one.”

  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the pitcher released the ball. It flew through the air faster than most kids his age could manage, and again, Alex swung an instant too late.

  Debating over whether or not he should step in, Adam flinched as Alex hung his head, his eyes hidden by his hat. “Screw it,” he mumbled and stepped through the gate. “Hey, Alex.”

  He jogged over to where the boy was standing, disappointment evident in the way his shoulders sagged. “Kid’s tough, huh?”

  Alex cast a glance toward the pitcher without raising his head. “Yeah. I can never get a hit when we play these guys.”

  “Want me to let you in on a little secret?”

  Alex raised his head and nodded, his eyes no longer sad. Adam bent over and whispered in his ear hoping against hope, his advice would help. The last thing he wanted to do was let the kid down. When he finished, he tapped the bill of his hat and jogged back over to his place by the fence, but not before Jake and Ann caught his eye from the stands. He offered Jake a thumbs up and then crossed his fingers as Alex stepped back up to the plate. If it worked, he’d be a hero. If it didn’t, Ann would kill him and make Jake dig his grave for raising their little boy’s hopes.

  The ball flew through the air for the third time. Everything went silent. Even the bugs seemed to be waiting with bated breath. Alex kept his feet planted and swung out at the perfect moment. As he made contact with the ball, the crack that sounded seemed to be the switch for the sound. The crowd of parents jumped to their feet and erupted in cheers.

  Adam clapped as loudly as the rest of them as his breath left him in a rush. Even if Alex’s team didn’t win, he at least learned something which might help him later. And, he’d go home knowing he’d helped his team. Alex rounded the final base and headed for home plate, smiling so wide, his white teeth stood out like a beacon from his dirty face.

  “Thanks, Mr. H,” he called.

  “No problem, Alex. Don’t forget what I told you.” Adam winked.

  “Never.” Alex stepped into the area where the rest of his teammates were waiting their turn and was swarmed.

  “Thanks for that,” Ann said. “It was good of you to help him.”

  Adam turned to face Ann who’d come to stand beside him. “It was nothing.”

  “Not to Alex it wasn’t. And, not to me, either.” Ann offered him a smile and then took Peter from Jake when he approached.

  “Hey, Adam,” Jake said, “you’ll have to tell me what you said out there. I bet Alex won’t sleep at all tonight.”

  Ann laughed as Peter grabbed for her hair with a wet-looking hand. “You’re probably right.”

  “I’d love to tell you, but it’s just between us serious players.” Adam reached out and hit Jake’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “I guess it’s about to be our turn.”

  “Yeah, I’m going to go change and grab my bag.” Jake turned his attention to Ann. “You still planning on staying?”

  “As long as this little guy can hang, I’m going to try.”

  “If you have to go, I’ll just see you back at the house.” Jake pecked Ann on
the lips and Adam turned his head.

  There was something about watching them now that was different from when they were kids. When they’d been young, he would’ve teased them or whistled at least, but watching them as a family killed the urge. He was well aware he was the intruder and they were the single unit, bound by blood and memories. Once again, he was on the outside.

  “Hey, Ann. This guy bugging you?” Spencer slapped Adam on the back. “You made it out.”

  Adam shrugged. “Well, I figured you Malloys could use the help.”

  “Oh boy.” Ann rolled her eyes. “On that note, I’m going to take the little guy to get some food and find Sam.” Peter perked up and started pointing toward the concession stand. He’d clearly heard something he liked.

  “She’s up there,” Spencer said nodding toward the stands, “but watch out. She’s got the notebook.”

  Ann laughed and waved to both of them as she left.

  Adam looked at Spencer with a raised eyebrow. “The notebook? Isn’t that a movie or something?”

  After draping an arm over Adam’s shoulders, Spencer steered him toward the field. “The wedding notebook.” When Adam looked at him with one eyebrow raised, Spencer shook his head. “Don’t ask.”

  “No problem.”

  The stadium lights blazed as Jenny pulled up to the ball field and parked between a minivan and a diesel truck. Dressed for a night outside in a baseball T-shirt, denim shorts, and a baseball hat with her hair pulled through in a ponytail, Jenny closed her door and headed over to find Sam. She didn’t have to look hard to see her sitting on the top row, a large notebook sitting beside her and Ann on the other side. They were focused on the baby and didn’t see Jenny until she was standing beside them.