by Gina Drayer
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Marcela said with a wink. “We want Emily to stay with you as much as you do. Maybe even more. My husband has a much better chance of staying out of trouble if you’re behaving, too.”
“Me? When have I ever caused trouble?” Cooper flashed her a mischievous grin.
“Coop, kiss your girl and let's go. The other guys are waiting.”
He pulled me in for another kiss, slow and heartfelt. When he touched me like that, I couldn’t help but melt. He walked away, trailing his fingers down my arm, holding on until the very last second.
“Look at you two,” Joni said, giving me a sad smile. “Can’t be apart for even a few minutes. Are you sure you’re ready to part of the New York’s wives’ club?”
“More like the New York widow’s club,” another woman whose name I couldn’t remember said, shaking her head.
“What Candi is trying to say is things might be nice now, but after the season starts, it’s like being single again.”
“Except, you don’t date other men, and you learn to have sex around the baseball schedule,” Candi grumbles.
“My son’s teacher thought I was a single mother for the longest time,” Marcela said with a laugh. “When I told her that my husband was New York’s right fielder, she thought I was joking.”
“Spring used to be my favorite season,” Marcela said. “Now when I see daffodils, I want to cry.”
“I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas because those are the only holidays you get,” Candi said. “When’s your birthday?”
“July 19th,” I said, feeling on the spot.
“Mine’s April 20th. I’ve been married for ten years, and he’s only been in town to celebrate my birthday once.”
“I’m just glad we planned our son’s birth for November. Greg was able to be here for us this last month,” Joni said. “I was never much of a planner until after I married a professional baseball player. Now everything revolves around the season.”
“I suck at planning. Justin missed both our son and daughter’s birth,” Candi said.
The crackers I’d eaten earlier started to roil in my stomach, a mixture of nerves and the baby. I swallowed and forced a smile.
“And there’s always a chance he’ll get traded, and you’ll be forced to move,” Joni said. “Greg was traded from Phoenix right after our daughter was born. I had to uproot our family and move to a city where I didn’t know anyone. Thank God for the other wives, or I wouldn’t have made it.”
I hadn’t even thought about Cooper getting traded. He just signed a two-year contract, but still, that was only two years. I couldn’t leave New York. This was the only home I knew. I couldn’t leave the shelter or the large extended family I’d gathered over the years.
“Now, come on ladies. We want her to stick around, not scare her off,” Joni said, handing me a glass of wine. “There are plenty of great things they aren’t telling you. Like the winter. Greg has been home for over two months, and we’re planning a big trip to Florida in January.”
“And the money isn’t bad. When Justin was still in AAA, we both had to work. Between our jobs and playing baseball, I hardly saw him.”
“Yes, the travel is nice,” Marcela chimed in. “I’ll fly out to where ever the team is playing and spend the weekend. While Ramon is playing, I get to explore the city. LA, Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis, Orlando.”
That wasn't much better. I didn’t have time to take long vacations or travel around the country. The longer I talked with these women, the more I realized there were a million things I hadn’t thought about when it came to dating a Major League baseball player.
“Sorry, I took so long, Baby.” Cooper kissed my temple and draped an arm around me. “It’s almost midnight. Do you want to stand on the balcony and watch the fireworks?”
“That’d be great,” I said, setting down my untouched glass of wine. “I could use the fresh air.”
As the clock struck midnight, Cooper pulled me in for a kiss, and the realization that this could be our last kiss hit me.
“We’ll make this work,” he said, still holding me in his arms. “I thought a lot about it over the last week, and I think we should get married. I can take care of you and the baby. We can have what Greg and Joni have.”
I glanced over his shoulder to the stunning apartment filled with couples toasting the New Year. I wasn’t sure I wanted what Greg and Joni had.
“You know that’s a terrible idea. We shouldn’t get married just because I’m pregnant. We’ll both end up miserable, and I don’t want that for our child.” I pulled away, tears stinging the back of my throat and took a deep breath. “I’m not feeling well. I’d like to go home. If you want to stay—”
“If you want to go, I’ll take you.” He reached up and tucked a curl behind my ear. “Just promise me you won’t shut me out. Promise me, you’ll give us a chance.”
I wanted to, but the divide that separated us felt insurmountable.
“I think right now I just need some space to think. Can you do that for me?”
9
Emily
It was a little past six in the morning, and I was still in bed. I couldn’t seem to find my motivation this morning. I rolled over to the other side of the bed and closed my eyes. It had been over a month since Cooper had walked out and his spicy, masculine scent was all but gone.
I missed him. I missed his crooked smile and his laugh. The spicy, cinnamon of his kisses. I missed being in his arms. I even missed fighting with him.
My phone buzzed like it had every morning since New Year’s Eve.
Cooper: Just when I think I’m getting the hang of this Yoga class, the instructor changes our workout. You should join me sometime. Don’t tell her, but I think Naomi was right. It’s a good stress reliever.
Emily: I promise not to say a word.
Cooper: I hope you have a great day.
That was it. Every morning like clockwork. It was starting to become my favorite part of the morning. He’d send me a text. I’d reply, as promised. And we’d both get on with our day.
Occasionally, he texted during the day with news and updates from his life.
Cooper: If the sun seemed a little brighter, it’s because Naomi left town. I hope things are going well with the renovations.
Cooper: I’ve been working out with our new center fielder. His wife worked with Habitat for Humanity in Cleveland. She’s looking for someplace to volunteer, so I gave her your number.
And he also sent me jokes and stories just to make me smile. He never once pressed to see me or asked if I’d made a decision about our relationship. He was just sweet and funny. I was starting to forget why I had wanted space in the first one.
Cooper: I saw this lady walking her two dogs this morning. I think there’s something wrong with the little one. What do you think?
I stared at a picture of a black lab and miniature pig wearing a red sweater and laughed.
Emily: I agree. One out of five stars. Not enough hair for a good dog.
Cooper: So are you a dog or a cat person?
Emily: Definitely a dog person. Although, I’ve never owned a pet.
Cooper: You’ve never had a pet? What about a goldfish?
Emily: Not even a goldfish.
“You should just call him,” Tony said, looking up from the latest construction report.
“We’re busy right now,” I said, putting down my phone. “What did the contractor say about the lead paint?”
“The main floor was the only space that tested positive, but he still needs to bring in an expert to remove it.”
“How much?” It was important we didn’t go over budget, but I had reserve funds for exactly this reason.
“Fifteen thousand for the whole floor.”
It felt like the wind was knocked out of me. “Fifteen thousand? That’s almost all the extra money we have. Give me the budget again. I’ll see if there’s any place we can cut.”
M
y phone buzzed. I shoved it in my drawer and started crunching numbers. I spent the rest of the day going over the plans and finding places to cut. The messages from Cooper continued.
Cooper: Ben told me they found lead paint.
Cooper: Let me know if you need anything. And I do mean anything. I miss hearing your voice.
Cooper: Tony said you’re going to do some of the painting yourself. I can lift a roller. Give me a call.
Cooper: My mom asked about you. She’s threatening to fly out for a visit. If you haven’t forgiven me by then, I’m going to have to tell her you’re dead.
Cooper: Poor Emily was hit by a bus while texting and walking.
Cooper: Scratch that. I don’t want you to sound stupid.
Cooper: Killed by a falling piano?
Emily: Who am I Wile E. Coyote? You could always say I was crushed to death when the scaffolding around out new building collapsed.
Cooper: I can’t tell my mom that. She refuses to walk under any scaffolding when she visits and is convinced I’m going to be crushed one of these days, walking down the street.
Cooper: How about eaten by a shark while scuba diving?
Emily: No good. I’ve never been scuba diving. Your lie will be more believable if it’s based on fact. You could say I died after a fall down the stairs.
Cooper: That’s too believable. As a matter of fact, I’d feel better if you lived in a one-story house.
Cooper: Emily was struck by a subway train while trying to rescue a litter of kittens.
Cooper: I’m going with that. It sounds like something you’d do.
Emily: Good night, Cooper.
Cooper: Sweet dreams.
New York Press
Council votes 6-1 to approve The Oliver Center Zoning
After much heated debate, the zoning council approved zoning for The Oliver Center. The new center will be part shelter, part community center, servicing low income families. Executive director Emily Oliver says she hopes the expansion will provide a much needed safety net for families—
10
Cooper
“The talks with Weston Brewing went well. They’ve been very pleased with your recent press and are planning to run the ads as planned.” Manny leaned back in his chair and lit a cigar. “You dodged a bullet, Coop, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet.”
I picked at the label of my water only half listening. As he started to talk about interviews and appearances he’d scheduled over the next two weeks.
“How are things with you and Emily?”
I looked up, trying to figure out his angle. “About what you’d expect. Why?”
“Star New York wanted a sit down with the two of you. Do you think she’d be open to that?”
Three weeks have passed since our fake relationship officially ended. She kept her promise and answered my calls and returned every one of my texts. She even agreed to have lunch with me last week, but something was off. She held back and seemed distant. She acted indifferent. No flirting. No jokes. I’ve gotten more love from a DMV clerk.
“I doubt it. She’s been really focused on this new building. Last I heard, they were still fighting the permits.”
“We could always do another small donation for her time.”
“No. No more donations,” I said, getting up from my seat and stalking over to the window. “Money just confuses things. I don’t want her to feel obligated to spend time with me.”
“So you really do like her? I had my suspicions. Especially after you punched Ben for hanging out with her.”
I turned around and stared at my agent. “How the hell did you know about that?”
Manny puffed on his cigar, looking smug as hell. “You pay me to know these things.”
I crossed the room, still eyeing the man. “There were only a handful of people there that day, and if someone is spying on Emily I want to know who it is.”
“Cool your jets, lover. I’ve been paying this kid named Joey a hundred bucks a week to keep me updated on who visits her. I wanted to make sure the press wasn’t hassling her. I’m glad I did. That little stunt you pulled with Ben could have ruined our whole plan. And it cost me a thousand bucks. Joey snapped some photos. Said he’d make them disappear for a grand.”
“Fuck, Manny. You should have said something. Emily is tight with those kids. She could have talked him into deleting the photos herself.”
“He wasn’t going to sell those photos to the tabloids. He respects Emily too much. But he did bluff like a champ. I’m thinking about offering him an internship.”
“You need to back off. If Emily found out you were paying one of the kids—”
“It’s already done,” he said, waving his hand. “I’ll be honest, I was hoping something would happen between you two. I think she’s exactly what you needed.”
“She doesn’t think so.”
“So are you just going to let her get away?”
“I’m not planning on it.”
The door opened before I could read him the riot act and my least favorite publicist walked into the office.
“Sorry to interrupt boys. I have to catch a plane in a few hours and don’t have time to wait.”
Manny stood to greet her. “Naomi, always a pleasure.”
She kissed his cheek and turned to me. “Cooper. I’m so glad everything worked out for you. Two years, not bad. The good behavior clause was expected. Be sure you follow it to the letter. Dealing with a breach of contract doubles my fee.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on needing you again.” I said, picking up the paper from the table. I could go without alcohol and deal with a curfew during road games if it meant never seeing that woman again.
“I wish all my clients felt that way. I’m off to Arizona to salvage one of my client’s movie career. I just had one rule, and she couldn’t follow it.”
I didn’t care. I skimmed the paper, actively ignoring them. On the back page, there was a small article that mentioned the Oliver shelter. It looked like Emily finally got the permits she needed to move the shelter.
I pulled out my phone and shot her a quick text.
Cooper: I hear congratulations are in order. When is the big move?
A few seconds later my phone buzzed.
Emily: Thanks. I’m really excited. I couldn’t have done it without you.
It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was a start.
Cooper: Spring training is still a week away. I can help with the move.
Emily: We can’t move until all the renovations are done. I’ll text if I need you.
I can give you exactly what you need…
I started to type my reply but erased it. I was trying to respect her decision to take things slow—even though I thought it was stupid. We could still get to know each other better while having sex.
Cooper: Just let me know.
“Namaste. May you carry this feeling of relaxation with you throughout the day.”
“I think I’m actually going to miss this place,” I said to Kevin as I started to roll up my mat. I’d picked up a neon blue one after a few classes to combat all the black and white. I might enjoy the stretching, but they could keep all the other new age-y, ya-ya crap.
“I knew you’d grow to like it.” Kevin slung his bag over his shoulder and rolled his neck. “And you only fell once this week.”
Piper, our yoga instructor, approached us. The tall, willowy woman moved with such ease, she practically floated down the aisle. “I’m sorry to see you two leave. I hope you come back after your training camp.”
“I will. And I’m going to keep practicing. I’ve already found a studio down in Florida.” Kevin turned to me and punched my shoulder. “You should join me. Hell, maybe we can get a few more guys from the team to join us and just rent out the studio for an hour.”
I could just see it now. Ramon trying to get his square body into a simple Sarvangasana. Or Greg folding his lanky frame into a Pasasana. And the fact
that I even knew those words blew my mind.
“That’s an excellent idea. I’d be willing to do a private class if more of your team wanted to join. Just let Sarah at the front know, and we’ll make it happen.” She clasped her hands together and bowed. “Namaste.”
As had become our routine, Kevin and I stopped at the coffee shop across the street. While I was waiting for my black Americano and danish, I checked my phone.
Emily: Mica hasn’t stopped talking about your trip last weekend. He said you invited him back for a game. Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to him.
Emily: When is your flight out? I thought we could get together before you leave.
It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen each other since New Year’s Eve, but it was the first time she’d asked to see me. It was progress. But camp started in a couple days, and I was afraid it was already too late.
“Do you still know the host at Del Posto?”
“A goodbye dinner with the woman?” Kevin asked with a mouth full of croissant. “How’s she taking the whole spring training thing?”
“I don’t really know,” I admitted. “I’m worried she’s going to lose interest when I’m not around.”
“All the travel can be tough on a relationship. You never know how it will affect it. I thought Tonya and I would last, but she couldn’t trust me. We fought constantly. I’d like to say her fears were unfounded, but early in my career, I did cheat on her. And I lost everything.” He sighed and shook his head as if trying to dislodge the memories. “Emily’s a sweet girl. You two are good together. Make sure you don’t screw up and lose her.”
The barista called my name, and I got up from the table. “Trust me, I’m trying my best.”
After I grabbed my coffee and danish, I headed back home to finish packing.
11
Emily
I thought once Christmas was over, I’d have some time to relax, but this move was taking over my life. After a solid month of construction, there was so much work still left to do. And every day a new problem popped up.