“When you put it like that, I don’t see how you’ll ever tell him. But maybe you won’t have to. You can probably skate by another month without it coming into play, don’t you think?”
“Well, actually there is something I wanted to talk to you about that has to do with my dad and Reid. Reid has been working on this big proposal for the boat business. He’s trying to pitch the company concept they have to some local investors in Beaufort.”
“Ok, so?” Blair reached into the cooler and pulled out an icy diet soda, slid it into a koozie, and took a sip. “What does this have to do with your dad?”
“So, I think I can help them get real investors for the business, not just low-budget, local money. My dad. I know he has great contacts in Charlotte.”
“So much for skating by for the next thirty days. When are you planning on telling Reid?”
“I don’t want to mention it until I know for sure I have something set up for them. Don’t mention it to Justyn either, ok? It might not even turn into anything.”
“Ok, sure. But are you certain you don’t want to talk to him about it?”
“I don’t want to bother him with it before I can even lay the plan out in front of my dad. I know how to do this. I’m supposed to meet my dad next week for his birthday weekend. I’m going to discuss it with him then. When I get back, we can tell the guys.”
“Wouldn’t that be awesome if you got some big investors involved in their business? Reid would love you.” Blair giggled. “Love you in the no-entanglements kind of way.” She smiled at her friend.
“That’s what I’m hoping for.” Maggie settled back into her chair, and stretched her feet into the warm sand. She was hoping for that and maybe a little bit more, but she wasn’t ready to admit that to Blair yet.
Four
Justyn
Most summer nights the lights at the school were off, but tonight the landscape crew must have left them on by accident. It happened a couple times during his playing days.
Justyn passed by the school on his way to pick up some bait and called Reid.
“Man, go pick up the girls.”
“Maggie and Blair? What’s going on?” Reid sounded distracted.
“Yes, Maggie and Blair. What other girls would I be talking about? Go get them and meet me at the baseball field.”
“Man, I have a proposal I’m working on. I don’t have time. And why the baseball field?”
Justyn knew convincing Reid to step away from the project even for a night wasn’t going to be easy, but he needed it. Plus, he had been so busy painting all day he hadn’t called Blair. This was something they all needed.
“Cuz, just go get the girls. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes.” He hung up before Reid could argue with him anymore.
He pulled into the parking lot and stared at the ball field. There were only a few places he loved more than this. He slammed the door behind him and waited for everyone to show up.
“Batter up,” Justyn called from the mound of the Harkers Island baseball diamond. He couldn’t believe he had gotten all four of them together for a baseball game, but they were there, ready to play.
Reid stood behind home plate, gripped the bat, and turned to face his cousin. “This one’s a home run, man. You better get ready to run.” Justyn caught Reid’s wide grin.
“You talk way too much shit. You know I can strike you out.”
“Try it.” Reid anchored his feet against the plate, ready for the first pitch to soar through the air.
Maggie watched from the dugout. Blair was stationed in the outfield.
“Home run, sucker!” Reid started to laugh as he charged toward first base. Blair was frantically running for the ball that Reid had sent far into left field.
“Dammit.” Justyn spit from the mound. He wasn’t used to giving up pitches. Not even in a pickup game. He smiled as Blair hustled for the ball. “Just throw it here, hot stuff.” He winked and jogged toward the blonde.
Blair tossed the ball into his glove.
“You can actually throw a ball?” He smiled.