Читать книгу Mommy For A Minute - Judy Christenberry, Judy Christenberry - Страница 7

Shivering from the contact, Lauren took a step back. “S-sorry,” she muttered.

“I’ll move out of your way,” Jack said.

“Th-thank you.” She really had to stop stammering. Good thing it was too dark for him to see the blush on her face.

Once she was sure Jack was not in her way, she turned on a burner on the stove and lit the candle. Then she led the way back to the dining room. Even after they reached the table, she still didn’t look Jack in the eyes.

“I thought you were going to help me, Barry,” she said pointedly.

“I was still eating and Jack volunteered. I figured you’d like him better in the dark than you would me.” He grinned at his sister.

Lauren stared at Barry. What could he mean? Then she remembered them asking earlier about why she wasn’t working—and their decision that Jack was a friend.

She debated explaining the situation, but she didn’t want to tell them that her boss had sent her away from the office. They might think her job was in danger. No, she’d just have to get through the rest of the evening without any repercussions.

The carrot cake was a big success, and the storm began to ease, though it didn’t completely go away. But it calmed down enough that everyone relaxed.

“Hey, we’re going to the Rangers game tomorrow night,” Bill said. “If anyone wants to go, we can turn in the tickets we got and get more so we can all sit together. How about it, Jack? Do you like baseball?”

“Yeah, I do, but I have Ally. I don’t think—”

“You and Lauren can handle one kid between you, can’t you? Because I know Lauren likes the Rangers.”

“You do?” Jack asked in surprise.

“Yes, I do,” she said, determined to show that he didn’t know anything about lawyers.

“Great! I’ll get four tickets, unless you want to make it six tickets, little brother.” Bill looked expectantly at James.

“Yeah, make it six. I don’t want to miss out on a family gathering.”

“I think Ally will need a ticket, Bill,” Jack said. “If you’re sure you don’t mind if we tag along.”

“No, it’ll be great fun.” Bill stood. “Well, we’ll help with the dishes and then get out of here. We’ve outstayed our welcome tonight.”

Lauren shook her head. “You don’t have to help with the dishes, Bill. I’ll get them after the lights come on.”

“Naw, sis, after that great meal, the least we can do is help with the cleanup.” He stood and began stacking the dishes and Barry did the same. James told Cheryl to keep Ally company and began helping, too. Jack joined in, carrying dishes to the kitchen.

When everything was straightened, they all moved toward the front door.

“We’ll meet here tomorrow night at five-thirty, okay?” Bill asked.

Everyone agreed. Jack put Ally on his shoulders as she snuggled against him.

Lauren watched all her guests leave together, not giving her any opportunity to talk alone to Jack. She’d hoped for a chance to explain what was going on with her brothers.

But going to a baseball game in a group wouldn’t make a difference. Would it?

LAUREN WAS READY at five o’clock in case Jack got there early. Unfortunately, her two oldest brothers got there first, followed by James and Cheryl. Jack and Ally got there just five minutes before it was time to go.

“Come on, Jack. We can all squeeze into Bill’s van,” Barry called.

“Ally, do you need to go to the bathroom before we go?” Lauren asked softly.

“Yes, please,” Ally agreed and turned loose of her father’s hand.

Lauren took her inside her apartment. While there, she asked Ally if she was excited about going to the game.

“Yes, but what is the game?” Ally asked.

“Baseball. It’s where they throw the ball and try to hit it with a bat.”

“Okay. Daddy said it was fun.”

“Good. I hope you like it. And you get to eat a hot dog at the ball game.”

Ally stared at her. “I have to eat a dog? But I like dogs.”

“No, honey, not a dog. A hot dog is a wiener in a bun. You’ll like it.”

“Okay. Do they have ice cream?”

“They do. After you eat your hot dog, you’ll get some ice cream. If your daddy doesn’t buy you any, I will.”

Together they went outside to find everyone else in the van. Jack was in the backseat, waiting for the two of them. They managed to squeeze in beside him where Lauren carefully and deliberately put Ally between her and Jack.

An hour later, they were parked and walking to the stadium.

“Hurry, guys, they’re playing the national anthem already,” Bill called.

Jack scooped up Ally and put her on his shoulders. “This should speed things up a little,” he said with a grin.

“Good thinking,” James said. “If you need me to spell you, just let me know.”

“Thanks, but she’s a lightweight.”

Lauren walked beside Jack because the others were paired off, also. But she was feeling a little odd. The four others thought she and Jack were a couple. She only hoped Jack didn’t realize what they thought.

JACK HOPED Lauren didn’t realize he’d taken advantage of her brothers’ misunderstanding their relationship. But he hadn’t been to a baseball game in three years. The opportunity to go tonight had been too tempting to refuse.

He felt excitement rising as they approached the stadium and the crowds of fans milling about. His little girl tugged on her daddy’s ear.

“Daddy? Daddy? Where is the hot dog I have to eat, so I can have ice cream?”

“Who said you had to eat a hot dog?”

“Lolly. She promised.”

Jack turned to look at Lauren. “You promised her ice cream if she ate a hot dog?”

“I thought she should have something solid before she ate ice cream.”

“Okay. Then let’s get our hot dogs.”

“Why don’t I get the hot dogs and you go ahead and find our seats.” She turned to Bill. “Give me my ticket so I can stop and get the hot dogs before I go sit down.”