anything welcoming. He takes the power stance with his arms crossed. “I am.”
Deep breaths. I can do this. It’s fine. I’m just one of the parents. “That’s so great. I mean, thank you for taking the time. Jacob, that one over there,” I say, pointing toward my son who is doing what I assume is a reenactment of his almost catch, “he’s my son. I was working late so I missed the meeting earlier. I wanted to introduce myself. But, I suppose you know who I am.”
Owen scoffs. “Yeah, I think I do. I didn’t realize your son was on this team.”
“Yeah. Small world, right?”
“I guess.” Could this be any more awkward? “I’m sure one of the other parents can fill you in. An email will be going out to the parents next week with more information.”
He hasn’t moved, but his tone tells me I’ve been dismissed. Just as he steps to turn his back to me, Connor walks up to us.
“Hey.”
Owen and I both turn to Connor. I’m not sure what his expression is, but mine is a forced smile that falls quickly when I realize if they’re both coaches it is probably because they’re friends.
“You weren’t here earlier. Everything okay?”
“Oh. Yeah. Work went to crap and we were there late. I should—”
“Owen, did you tell Lis about the extra practice?”
We’re standing in the middle of a baseball field where people are milling around. Children are running and playing and yet, I have no doubt you could hear a pin drop on this grass. Like Brian has done, Owen looks from Connor to me and then back.
“Lis?”
“Yeah. Jacob’s mom. Speaking of, I assume PDA is a no-go?”
Shaking my head, I turn my attention to Owen. Dread overwhelms me at what he may say. Will he laugh? Tell Connor what a horrible person I am? Kick my son off his team?
“PDA?” His question is directed to me. Gone is the obvious disdain for me and in its place is utter confusion.
“Yeah, you know, public displays of affection. Something you and Minnie are known to do from time to time. Why are you being weird?” Connor’s confusion matches Owen’s as he steps next to me and places his hand on my lower back. It isn’t a huge gesture but serves its purpose and is appreciated.
“The two of you are dating?”
Owen’s arms cross over his chest, legs planted shoulder width apart. Depending on the circumstance it’s often referred to as a defensive position, but tonight it feels more offensive than anything.
On the tip of my tongue is a snarky comeback. Something that would cut him. Make him feel bad for being surprised, or maybe he’s offended at the thought. Regardless, it sucks and makes me want to defend myself. The words I spoke to Clem come back to me.
What’s important is that you give grace when you need to, and you wake each day with the intent to be kind.
People who hurt often hurt people.
“Do you know each other?”
Pulling the mask I’ve worn for years out from the recesses of my brain, I plaster a smile on my face, and I look to Connor. “Yeah. We both grew up here. Small town and all that. You were what, two years ahead of me, Owen?”
With a swift nod and absolutely no smile he says, “Sounds about right.”
At least he didn’t say anything cruel. I can’t say his tone doesn’t hurt. Swallowing down the emotions starting to build, I keep the mask in place.
“I should go. Need to get that guy home and fed. Have a good night.”
Without another word, I call to Jacob and wait for him to gather his things and follow me to the car. I don’t have to be a fortune teller to know anything that started between Connor and me is over before we really had a chance to begin. At least I’m left with the memories of the two amazing kisses. Here I thought the worst that would happen today was a malfunctioning printer.
Chapter 17
Connor
As Lis walks away, I can’t help but feel like I am missing something. Running my hand through my hair, I replay the last few minutes in my mind. Both Owen and Lis were perfectly cordial to one another. Smiles exchanged but each word spoken was polite. Forcibly polite. With my hand resting on her lower back, I could feel the tension in every muscle. It felt almost like touching a piece of steel as she was standing so ramrod straight. Owen wasn’t as