Page 87 of Playing With Fire

“Monday.”

Her eyes immediately move to Laney. “Are you going to be okay by yourself?”

Here we go.

“Mom.”

“I’m asking.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Of course she’ll be fine,” I join in.

Laney's eyes go wide, apparently surprised I’m not joining the interrogation.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t sound so shocked.”

Her mouth curves.

Mrs. B relaxes… a little.

And I don’t tell any of them that I’ve already thought about the same thing.

More than once.

It’s after eleven when we finally say goodbye. Beckett pulls Laney into a hug outside the restaurant before his parents drive him back to the hotel.

“Call me.” He tells her.

“I do call you.”

“When you have a problem.”

“That’s usually when people call their older brothers.” She teases.

He looks at me. “So, she’s really staying at your place for a bit?”

Laney groans. “Still right here.”

“That’s the plan.” I rock back on my heels.

“Okay.”

That’s it. No warning. No threat. Because he knows me.

Mrs. B hugs me again before she and Coach leave. “Thank you for taking care of our baby girl.”

Laney makes a strangled sound.

I lower my voice. “I’m trying.”

“I heard that.”

Coach pulls me into a quick hug and slaps my back. “Good game, son.”