Agile and quick, Logan dribbled the ball up and back as Shelby watched.
“That’s me,” she said to Gabe.
“That must be the best job ever. I love dogs.”
“But our father says they’re too much trouble,” Logan added with a frown.
“Mom wouldn’t mind one either, but…” Gabe said.
“Heads up.” Logan threw Gabe the ball.
Gabe dribbled it down the street before shooting a perfect basket. Shelby clapped, “Great job.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Logan warned. “He loves to show off, especially for girls.”
“And what’s wrong with that?” Shelby asked.
Logan rolled his eyes and stepped in closer. “He keeps hoping our father will notice him. Good luck with that. It’ll never happen.”
“Mine died when I was four years old.” The words had just slipped out.
Logan’s face drained of color. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
She held up her hand to stop him. “It’s okay. I don’t know why I said that.”
Gabe darted around them, dribbling the ball. Shelby shifted from side to side, uneasy, and she wanted to change the subject. She didn’t know anything about Logan’s dad, but Logan seemed hurt by him.
“Your mom sounds nice,” Shelby said.
“She is. You’ll meet her tomorrow night when you come over to watch the full moon from our deck. She told me she bought stuff for us to all make s’mores in the fire pit.”
“Love them. Can I bring anything?” she asked.
The dimples were back, and her heart skipped a beat as he said, “Just yourself.”
Gabe circled back and tossed Shelby the ball. “Let’s see what you got,” he said.
Logan gave her a smile and stepped to the side to watch. Nothing like pressure, she thought. Shelby dribbled the ball a few times and gauged her distance and angles before starting forward. The shot was perfect. She watched as the ball barely touched the rim before dropping expertly through the basket.
Logan trotted after the ball. “Game on,” he said.
The three of them took turns stealing the ball, blocking shots, and competing to get a basket. If they were keeping score, it would have been neck and neck. She dragged the back of her hand across her sweaty brow. This was not time to care about looking pretty. She was holding her own with the boys and thoroughly enjoying it. After a particularly long shot swished into the basket, Shelby turned to the boys. “Anyone think they can beat that?” she said with a smile.
Logan raised his hands in the air. “I give,” he said, winking at her.
Shelby tossed the ball to Gabe. “I’m going to take a break.”
“Quitting while you’re ahead,” Gabe said, teasing.
As Gabe continued taking shots, Logan and Shelby took a seat on the curb and watched for a while.
“How’s the dog walking biz going?” Logan asked.
Shelby told him all the exciting news about a dog park and the work party she was organizing. He listened intently.
“Cool,” he said. “Just let me know if I can help out. Good work, Shelby.”
He lifted his right hand up to hers for a high five and she tapped his hand with hers. The chemistry between them was palpable. Their eyes locked and Shelby knew he meant every word he said.
Gabe circled back to them and tossed the ball to Logan, breaking the momentary trance. “C’mon, you guys, are we playing or not?”
As they stood to join him, a harsh male voice shouted, “Logan!”
Shelby turned to see a suit-and-tie-clad Mr. DeLuca, standing hands on hips at the end of the driveway. Beside him, Logan’s mom was the complete opposite of her husband, in a light summer dress, her fair blonde hair loose around her pale shoulders. Mr. DeLuca had close-cut, dark hair, silver-streaked at his temples. His highly dignified and super polished demeanor was intimidating.
Logan, ball in hand, turned toward his father. “Yes?”
“I have to leave now, and your mother needs your help inside.”
Logan nodded and tossed the ball to Gabe. He exhaled, sadness washing over his face. “You two stay. As usual, our dad is leaving before the Fourth of July party.”
“He’ll make it home in time,” Gabe said, looking hopeful.
“Sure he will,” Logan said to his brother. But his voice was filled with doubt.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night for the full moon viewing,” Shelby said.
Logan gave her a thumbs up. “I’ll come over and get you at 8:00.”
Shelby watched him walk away. The droop of his shoulders made her heart ache. Maybe not having a dad wasn’t so bad. But she wished she’d known hers. She turned to find Gabe sitting on the curb and took