Flanigans, he already knew he didn’t need words. “It’s been a long time.”
“Too long.” She set her document down beside her. “You look good.”
“I am.” He nodded, confident. His face looked older in a good way, more mature than before. “I’m coaching and teaching … at Lyle High … halfway to the Ohio border.”
“Yes.” Jenny smiled at the irony. Cody here beside her when she’d just finished an article about having an open door. “Ryan Taylor told us.”
“I thought he might.” He looked uncomfortable for a moment, like maybe he felt guilty for not calling. “I thought I’d come by and talk to Coach … see if he had any advice about summer camp. I’ve never run one before and … well, it’s coming up. I have a lot to learn.”
“He’ll be home soon.” She smiled, hoping to erase any awkwardness he might feel. Especially in light of the situation with him and Bailey. “He’d love to help you.”
“I figured.” Cody relaxed. “I miss him … I miss all of you.” His eyes held an aching that made Jenny feel good. Like the time he’d spent with their family mattered to him. Even if he hadn’t been in touch lately.
“I heard about the car accident … your friend.” She wanted him to know he could talk about his life. How he had moved on. “What’s her name?”
He hesitated, and for a moment he looked across the expanse of their front lawn, the sun on his face. “Cheyenne.” He turned back to Jenny. “She’s doing much better. We … we spend a lot of time together.” Again he looked slightly out of sorts. “I guess you know … I haven’t talked to Bailey since she left.” He turned slightly so he could see her better. “How’s she doing?”
“She loves the show.” Jenny had to be careful. Bailey wouldn’t want her saying too much. If Cody wanted to know about her life, he could text or call her. She’d told Jenny that a number of times. “She’s keeping busy.”
“Her and Brandon?” Cody almost winced, and there was no denying the fact that he didn’t really want to know the answer. “Are they … are they together?”
“I’m not sure they have a label.” Jenny studied him, how right it felt that he was back. “Brandon’s a part of her life.”
“Yes.” Cody set his jaw and nodded. “I’m glad she’s happy.” He stood and took a deep breath. “Well … are the boys out back?”
“They are.” Her heart hurt at the look in Cody’s eyes, the way he so obviously still had feelings for Bailey. But there was nothing she could say to help the situation, no advice or wisdom that would be appropriate. The relationship between Cody and Bailey was something only God and the two of them could figure out. “Come on.” She grabbed her document and together they walked inside. “They’ll be thrilled to see you.”
Connor was first to notice him. He got up from the piano and gave Cody the sort of hug usually reserved for the closest teammates. “It’s been too long …”
“I know.” He nodded toward the piano. “Listen to you, man, … you sound amazing. You going out for American Idol this year, or what?”
Connor laughed. “Actually … yeah. This summer.”
“No way!” Cody gave Connor an enthusiastic pat on his shoulder. “That’s awesome, bro, … you’ll blow ‘em away.”
Jenny watched from a few feet away. She loved this, how with Cody it felt like no time had passed. This was their reward for opening their home and hearts to Cody in the first place. He would always be a part of them — regardless of time passed.
“You gotta keep me posted.” Cody shook his head, his grin reaching easily to his eyes. “You’ll knock it out of the park. Seriously … you sing like that and we’ll be watching you on TV.”
They were halfway down the hall, Jenny tailing the guys and headed toward the kitchen when Ricky spotted Cody. “What?” He shouted the word and jumped up. Ricky seemed to grow taller every day, and now he lumbered up to them, all big feet and long legs. “I can’t believe you’re here!” He threw himself in Cody’s arms and the two hugged and slapped each other’s backs.
“What happened to you? You’re huge!” Cody stood back and studied Ricky. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of passing me up.”
“He’s six-foot-two.” Connor laughed. “Crazy for a thirteen-year-old.”
“Yeah,” Ricky laughed, his expression proud of the fact. “You still have me