Page 36 of Really Truly Yours
“Sam’s here.” In the kitchen, I wash my hands and dry them with a paper towel. “I’ve got to go up to the garage with him. Text if you need me, okay?”
I squeeze Donny’s shoulder and lock the door on my way out. I pull the sweater together in front. Slate clouds cover the sun.
I hope this means autumn is about to find us.
∞∞∞
“How’s Donny feeling today?” Sam shifts the monster truck into reverse and backs onto the pavement.
“Disappointed.”
He glances as he muscles it into drive, laying down rubber. “About what?”
I brace with the strap above the door. “His son left without really talking to him.”
“Huh.” He snaps around halfway through his turn onto the highway. “Wait a second. The baseball player? He was here?” He stabs his finger toward the seat between us.
Uh-oh. I was sitting on that info for a reason.
Too late for holding my tongue now. Really, I rarely have this particular problem. Last night still has me off-kilter. “Yes. Yesterday afternoon.” And Monday.
“What the—” Sam chops off the remainder of whichever blue expression was coming. “And you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t tell anyone, Sam.”
He snorts. “Who else do you have to tell?”
Now that was uncalled for.
“Hey, I’m sorry. That came out wrong, but, Nee, I can’t believe you didn’t say anything. I would have been right over.”
Whew. Good to know for next time—and disconcerting confirmation of where I rank. “Sam, we’re trying to keep things quiet.”
“We?”
“I mean Donny. And Gray.” Son.
“Gray, huh? Is that what he goes by?”
I wave my hand. “I guess.”
“Quiet doesn’t sound like Donny. He hasn’t shut up since the minute he found out his kid was famous.”
“You have to understand that drawing attention wouldn’t be good.”
Sam waves back at me. “What’s Donny got to lose, and the guy’s famous. He’s used to publicity.”
“That doesn’t mean he enjoys it. Besides, why do you care so much? You’re not even a sports guy.”
“You kidding? The dude is famous. We don’t get much of that around here, in case you haven’t noticed.”
Oh, I’ve noticed—which is not to be conflated with caring.
“Oh, man. Is that who you were with at Dan’s yesterday?”
“How did you know I was at the hardware store?”
“Kenny’s girlfriend works there. He stopped by to see her.”