His mom’s car was sitting in front of the house. It was like life kept pelting him with curveballs and he couldn’t swing his bat fast enough. Well, he sure couldn’t leave her sitting in there. God only knew what the Merricks might be telling her. He took his time getting through the front door. He didn’t have a key, and part of him hoped the door would be locked just so it would take an extra couple minutes before he’d have to face her. But the door was unlocked, so he eased inside, closing the door gently behind him. He recognized her voice immediately. She was in the kitchen, talking to Michael, it sounded like. Then another woman was speaking. He was too far away to make out the words. He fidgeted with his keys for a second before telling himself to stop being such an idiot. Why was she here? What if she demanded that he come home?
