Heart of the Game by Rachel Spangler

Author:Rachel Spangler
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Retail, Childrens, Gay, Contemporary
ISBN: 9781626393271
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2015-03-15T23:00:00+00:00

TOP OF THE FIFTH

Don’t Mess with a Winning Streak

“Hey, Pop, need any help with the grill?” Duke asked as her dad loaded a platter with ground beef patties.

He eyed her seriously for a moment as if trying to decide if she was up to the task. His serious gaze served as a mirror to her own. She was used to these moments of scrutiny. He usually decided she was fit for whatever duty she’d volunteered for, especially since she’d grown into adulthood, but part of her still held her breath until he handed down his verdict.

He finally nodded. “Yeah, actually, grab the tongs and the grill spatula. And get me a beer while you’re at it.”

She tried not to let him see her grin as she collected his tools and a cold can from the fridge before following him out.

He’d set the grill up in the backyard far enough away from the pool that he wouldn’t have to worry about the kids running into it or splashing water on any of the food, but he still had a clear sight line to the rest of the party. This was his domain, and she was happy to share it with him.

They hadn’t had a chance to talk much throughout the afternoon. She’d spent the first part of the day engrossed in Molly, then got lost in the fun of playing with the kids and her brothers. Now she caught a glimpse of Molly and her sister-in-law chatting comfortably by the baby pool while Charlie and her niece poured water over each other’s toes. Her mom had enlisted Joe in setting up the table, and she could hear her fussing over what a helpful young man he was. Now with the sizzle of the first burgers hitting the grill and the charcoal scent of flames licking the fat, all was right with the world. She sat down on a lounge chair and folded her hands behind her head. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so at peace.

“What are you doing, Sarah?” her dad asked, quietly.

She looked up. “Excuse me?”

“I asked what you’re doing.”

She looked from him to the chair she was sitting on. Was he disappointed she was lazing around? “I didn’t want to get in your way. Did you need something? Or was this your chair?”

He shook his head. “It’s a game day. The Cardinals are in Milwaukee only one game out of first place. Why are you here?”

“I had a few days off.”

“You had a few days off, or you asked for a few days off?”

She looked down, noting the contrast between the pale skin of her bare feet and the green of the grass. The yard seemed dull and flat compared to the shade of green at the ballpark. Funny she hadn’t realized that until now. “I took a few days off.”

“Why?”

“I haven’t missed a game all season. I had the vacation time coming. My editor suggested it.” Somehow all the logical reasons sounded like little more

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