No Tan Lines by Kate Angell

Her uncle had a great eye for runner and catcher disputes at home base. He instinctively knew who was safe, who was out. He was fair and was respected by the players.
    Shaye had crouched behind home plate more times than she could count. She was up, down, up, down with each pitch. The next day her legs were so sore, she could barely walk. Stiffness was not her friend.
    “Off to the park,” she finally said.
    Nicole perked up. “I haven’t seen a kids’ game in years. It might be fun.” She smiled at Trace. “Take me out to the ball game?”
    Shaye’s stomach sank all the way to her toes. Nicole could have an intimate dinner with Trace at Slip Twelve. Why in the world would she want to sit on splintered bleachers in the late heat of the day? She didn’t know the name of one child on either team. This was family night for the Cateses. Was Nicole that hard up for entertainment? Surely Trace could find something else for them to do.
    Apparently he could not. Amusement lightened his eyes. One corner of his mouth tipped. He knew his attendance at the park would needle her. “Hot dogs, popcorn—I’m game.”
    Nicole glowed.
    Kai growled.
    Trace grinned.
    Shaye felt grumpy. Trace was taking advantage of her. His approval of the volleyball tournament was his ticket to all Barefoot William events. No Cates would be rude or openly disapprove of his presence. Her family and relatives would tolerate Trace for three weeks. Only after the event would her life return to normal. Then Center Street would once again separate Barefoot William and Saunders Shores.
    She couldn’t stop him from attending the ball game. Or could she? An idea formed, took hold. She tried not to smile. “Don’t waste your time.” She waved them off. “My Uncle Paul is in the Keys. No home plate umpire, no game. We may have to reschedule.”
    The game would go on, with Shaye behind home, but there was no need to share that information. Let them believe play would be suspended.
    Nicole looked disappointed. “No one can sub for Paul?”
    “We have a strict sandlot rule: parents aren’t allowed to umpire if they have kids on the field. Everyone attending the game is related to the players. We don’t have instant replay. No one wants to make a bad call. Paul’s a bachelor and unbiased. He’s our best bet.”
    Nicole was thoughtful. “What about Trace?”
    “What about him?” Shaye’s heart slowed. She was instantly suspicious.
    “He knows a little about baseball,” Nicole said. “He has no ties to the Cateses, other than his friendship with you.”
    “Trace and I aren’t terribly close,” Shaye was quick to say. “We’re doing one business deal together, and that’s it. There won’t be another. Ever. Besides, I wouldn’t want to interfere with his plans for the evening.”
    “I’ve got nothing going on,” Trace said easily. “Ask me. I might do you a favor.”
    His goodwill would cost her dearly, she suspected. She’d be forced to repay him in due time. Trace had played baseball all his life. He’d been an All-American shortstop and played in the college World Series. He’d been good enough to turn pro.
    Major League Baseball was not his destiny, however. After college, his father insisted Trace head Saunders New York, the headquarters for their international holdings. Trace had left Florida State to sit on the board of directors. He was the youngest chairman in the history of the firm. His father supported his every initiative.
    Shaye scrunched her nose. Trace was all about big business, not sandlot ball. “But if you umpire, Nicole will have to sit in the stands alone,” she pointed out.
    “Kai can keep her company,” said Trace.
    Kai stiffened. “I work the concession stand.”
    “I can sell popcorn,” Nicole was quick to say. “I’ve worked trade shows. I can bring out the best in a product.”
    “It’s popcorn,” Kai snorted. “It sells itself.”
    “Do you want our help or not?” asked Trace.
    Shaye debated.