Page 252 of Out of Left Field

She shrugged, feigning an innocence that Hannah most certainly didn’t have. She was nosy in a good way, meddling when necessary, and always knew what everyone was up to. Mostly she kept the team on their toes.

Today I wasn’t so sure I liked being on said toes.

“Fine. Yes. It’s someone I know.”

Her eyes danced. “And would her name begin with a W, perhaps?”

I stared at her, wishing she’d simply give up and walk away. Didn’t Rosie need breakfast or something?

“You see,” she went on, “I’ve noticed a certain lady always has your undivided attention. Which she deserves, by the way, because she’s remarkable. A tiny thing though. It’s interesting how someone like her wound up around so many athletes.”

“Hannah,” I warned.

“And since I’m the one who takes Rosie to school in the morning I’m also the only one who notices when there are strange cars in our driveways. Or, in this case, a familiar car that isn’t normally here.”

Shit. It was after eight. Rosie was long gone for school. Of course Hannah noticed.

Time for damage control. “Now, since you’re such a fan of this particular woman, I’m sure you’ll understand that she’s feeling a bit vulnerable about this situation. It’s her wish this information stays private.”

Hannah’s eyes danced some more. Then she made a zipping motion over her lips. “I won’t say a thing.”

“Thank you.”

“But I might slip in a good word for you. Sounds like you need it.”

Why was Hannah sizing me up? “It’s hard to be friends and…” I still felt odd talking about love life with Hannah.

“It is. It absolutely is. And it’s confusing for sure. Especially when the person who’s supposed to care the most was also the most distant for a long time.”

I groaned. Of course Hannah knew everything.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything drastic. But I do live with you. A few words of praise from me might go a long way.”

“You’re on my side?”

She gave my cheek a pat. “Of course I am. We all make mistakes. Especially when we’re younger. The important thing is that you learn, you grow, and you do better when you can. Why do you think I’m divorced?”

All I knew for sure was that Hunter’s dad really liked to drink. “I’m guessing your husband didn’t learn from his mistakes.”

“No, he did not. If he had, I’m not sure where we’d be right now, but he’d at least have had a chance. You have a chance, Everett. You’re a little messy and very forgetful, especially when you don’t take your pill.” She reached around me for my pill case. “Just as I thought. You haven’t taken it yet.”

“I’ve barely had coffee.”

“You’ve had an entire breakfast.” She glanced at the two plates I just set in the sink. “Take your pill.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Hannah expressly forbade us from calling her ma’am.

“You little bastard. No cookies for you today.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Or tomorrow! In fact, I’m not sending any on your next trip either!” She started slamming dishes into the dishwasher. “And maybe I won’t put in a good word for you either!”

“Now Hannah.” I was about to defend myself when Isaac decided to use his big brother senses and joined us in the kitchen.

“What do you need a good word for?” He poured out his own mug of coffee, his gaze pinging between me and Hannah.

I said the first thing that came to mind. “Hannah knows the woman I was flirting with at Red’s.”