HEARTS DON’T BREAK ROUND HERE
ED SHEERAN
DINAH
1 Year Later
“He looks great out there. He doesn’t even seem nervous,” I say, weaving through the crowded stadium and rows of seats with treats in hand and Jacks close behind.
Jacks mutters a distracted, “Uh, yeah. Sure.”
I’d been nervous about him returning to the stadium after the accident, but Jacks surprised me when he insisted on being in the family seats for every home game we could attend last year. And this season has been no different, though just a little extra sweet as Knotty & Nice pretzels’ official first year as the Badger Bites Snack of Choice. Winning the competition last spring was such a huge boost for business that I’ve even been able to set up my old food truck for events around Atlanta and hire on more staff.
When I quickly glance back to make sure he’s still following, Jacks’ eyes aren’t on the field at all.
“Are you staring at my rear end, J. Jones?” I scoff, then walk sideways, butt pointed towards the field.
He shoots me a devious, unapologetic smirk. “It looks really great out here. Doesn’t seem nervous at all.”
I reach the seats before him, quickly greeting the rest of our family and stealing a few pieces of popcorn from Molly’s bucket to throw at my husband. She’s wearing her Molly Dolly embroidered Honey Hill Badger jersey. And I match her just perfectly in my D. Jones one. Out of all our best buddies club tees, this one is probably my favorite. Jacks pushes his thumb in her dimple, kisses our sisters on their cheeks, and hugs his mama and Gram.
“Hey, y’all.” Winnie waves, then throws more popcorn at her brother, before giving my sister a high-five in solidarity. “We all saw ya checkin’ out Dinah’s butt back there. No one needs to witness all that. Get a grip.”
Jacks and I look at one another, exchanging one of those secret smiles I love so much, and burst out laughing. “I mean, if Win says so…” Jacks jumps from his seat and acts like he’ll get a good grip of my be-hind right here in front of God and everybody. I squeal but am helpless against him when he tickles my sides and makes me squirm in my seat.
“Jacky,” Gram scolds. “Save the ticklin’ for back home. Your brother’s game is about to start.”
He immediately obeys but not without a swift kiss and a wink before retreating, his trademark charming smirk etched perfectly across his face. The very same look he gave me an hour ago, leading to our late arrival to the stadium. “Yes, ma’am. You heard her. Save it for home, Polly.”
“Brooke,” Shelly chimes, interrupting the sexy staring contest I’m having with my husband and reaching for Brooke’s hand across the arm rest. “Doesn’t our boy just look so great out there? It’s gonna be his year.”
“Um… yes. I’m… Of course he does. He always does.” Brooke seems nervous today, likely on her best friend’s behalf. I quickly learned that she and Owen are pretty much inseparable, when she isn’t working her butt off at the salon in town or, as of late, hanging out with a guy she’s been dating.
“And where is Leroy today?” Gary asks, knowing good and well Brooke’s quasi-boyfriend’s name is Luke. She’s brought him to no less than three family functions.
“Oh…” Brooke shifts in her seat, and I am detecting some major, out of character discomfort today. “Well, he’s… he’s sick.”
Shelly fights a pleased smile. “Bless his heart. I sure do hope it isn’t serious.”
Oh, she does not like Lester. Ha. Fake names are fun.
Brooke only nods with a tight smile and focuses her attention on the diamond, drawing the rest of us to the field too.
It’s a perfect day for baseball, if you’re into that sort of thing. And, I guess after a year and a half of loving J. Jones and his family and this quirky little town, I am.
The sun is shining. A light breeze drifts through the air. And my belly is filled with a swarm of butterflies taking flight. I can’t stop thinking about the gift burning a hole through my purse. The tiny Honey Hill Badgers jersey with Jones printed on the back that I plan to give to Jacks as we celebrate with the family tonight. I look down at my pink tennies resting on the seat ahead, and click my toes together.
This is the start of something special.