“It’s been a long day, and I still have three more hours to go. I’m tired and stressed, and coffee would be really good, and it just makes me feel...normal. I hate feeling like he gets to control everything we do. I get it, though. It’s fine.”
“There’s going to be a bunch of women and kids in here?” he asked reluctantly.
“Yes,” I said, trying not to sound too excited yet.
“And Izzy’s around?”
“Yes,” I answered patiently, even though he knew she was. She was the whole reason we were here. I’d promised Izzy she could leave early for Sophia’s game, and I’d begged Liam not to make me let her down.
“If I get you coffee, you’ll stay with them?”
Warmth filled my chest. “I promise.”
“Stay with people,” he warned. “Don’t go anywhere alone.”
I threw my arms around him. “Thank you!”
I pulled away quickly as a few kids ran in with their moms and grandmas following behind them.
“I’ll only be gone for a few minutes.”
Obviously. Joe’s was right across the street. “I know. I’ll be okay.”
He squeezed my hand then hurried out like every second he was gone mattered. I watched him for a moment before I followed the families into the crafts corner. “Hi, Maddy! Hi, Spence! Hi, Rachel!”
“Hi, Miss Jenna!” They called out in semi-unison.
“Good afternoon, ladies. How was the crochet club today?” I asked the adults.
“Very nice, and how are you?” Rona, Maddy’s mom, said.
“I’m great, thank you.”
“I’m sure you are,” Spencer’s grandma said with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Who was that hunk with you?” She laughed, and the other women followed.
“Um…” I felt my face heat up, and I would’ve found a way to excuse myself if I hadn’t promised Liam I’d stay.
“Jenna, can I talk to you for a sec?” Thank goodness for Izzy.
“Of course!”
Giggles followed in my wake as I beelined it out to where she waited for me.
“Thanks for rescuing me from the inquisition.”
“Sorry, but I didn’t come to rescue you. I actually need to ask a favor.”
“What do you need?”
“It’s still alright for me to leave early for Sophia’s game, right?”
“Of course, I already told you that.”
“Thank you. I hate to ask for more, but one of her teammate’s moms just sent a message to the group that traffic is really bad. I would just deal with it, but Sophia’s the starting pitcher, so I really don’t want to be late.”
“Iz, go. You know I’d never make you miss Sophia’s big game. It’s been quiet here, but even if it isn’t, I’ll be fine. I can put Liam to work if I need to.”
“You’re the best! Thank you! I’m going to go now, okay?”