Free Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith Page B

situation, but it’s hard. Kissing Colby and straddling him is something I want to do again very soon. It felt right. It felt as if I belonged on his lap and cradled in the crook in his neck.
    When I look down at my watch, I see another day has passed. I grab my phone and see Colby’s name.
     
    Colby: I know you’re busy, but I’m thinking about you. Hope it doesn’t sound too teenager-y. Yes, I think it’s a word.
     
    I cover my mouth to hide my massive-watt smile, but I can feel myself failing at it.
     
    Me: If it helps, I’m thinking of you too.
     
    I gather up my items, call my sister, and see what she’s planning for dinner.
    “Duke says you’re working your tail off.”
    “Hello to you too and yes I am, but I’m calling to see if you’re busy or want to grab a bite.”
    “Actually, Mom said she was going to call you and see if we can have a girl’s dinner.”
    “Oh God, that’s perfect.”
    “Then I’ll hand Lil D off to Dad and meet you two at the usual spot.”
    Before I can confirm, she’s already ended the call. She’s as busy as Mom ever was. However, I think I’m the same as Dad. We were raised with career-oriented parents and we followed the same path.
    I drive over to our favorite Mexican restaurant and Mom is already sitting in a booth. As always, she’s looks as if she can grace the cover of a fashion magazine. She is in a freshly pressed business suit, with her perfect blonde bob and, when she looks up at me, her flawless makeup finishes her ensemble.
    “Hello, Ariella.” I lean down and kiss her cheek. “Sweetie, you look so tired. Are you okay?”
    “I’ve had a few long nights.”
    Before Mom can question it further, the waitress comes over, and as much as I want to order a pitcher of margaritas, I decide sweet tea is a better option.
    “You shouldn’t push yourself,” Mom continues.
    “This coming from you,” I quip. “You’re a workaholic as much as I am.”
    Mom remains quiet, and I know I won the argument. At least, for the time being. Alizeh comes breezing in, and she is Mom’s mini-me. They’re almost wearing the same suit.
    “All right, I’m here and baby free. I’m ready.” She slides into the booth next to me.
    “Ready for what?” I question.
    Alizeh gives me a bright smile. “I’m ready for my big sister to tell me who was panting on the other end of the phone when Duke called you the other night.”
    “Do I want to know this? Should I go to the restroom?” Mom has a surprised look on her face.
    “No.” I tell mom and then turn to Alizeh. “No one was panting.”
    “Duke said you sounded out of breath.”
    I groan. “I was...I had been...I…”
    “Oh for God’s sake Ari, just tell us Colby was at your house,” Alizeh snaps at me. “Act like an adult.”
    I deflate and my shoulders sag. “Fine. Colby was there, but nothing was going on.”
    “You’re such a liar.” My sister pushes on my shoulder.
    I’m going to argue with her, but one, there’s no point, and two, the waitress comes back and takes Alizeh’s drink order, and we order our food.
    “Now, girls, I actually need to talk to you about something, and then Alizeh can get more information from Ariella about Colby when I’m not here.”
    Alizeh giggles next to me, and I do my best not to roll my eyes at her.
    “What do you want to talk about Mom?” I’m flooded with relief it’s a different topic, and I’m hoping it’s not about me.
    Mom smiles brightly. “Today at five was my last day of work.”
    Alizeh and I both drop our jaws. “What?”
    “I retired.”
    “Wha...How...when?” Alizeh is stammering over her words, and I can’t say anything at all.
    “I put in my notice six months ago, and I’ll tell your father tonight when I get home.”
    “Dad doesn’t even know? How did you keep this a secret?” Dad is a well-trained detective, and he had to have seen signs that Mom was leaving the firm.
    “I’m much better at hiding stuff from your father than he