“Look,” James said, “she's a mess.”
“James,” Sammie snapped.
“You'll barely be around for months,” James continued. “Not to mention the fact that she's not even divorced yet. She's working at her first job, and we just found her a place of her own.”
“Don't worry,” I said, “I don't want someone like her.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” James snapped. “What's wrong with her?”
“She's a mess,” I said. “you just said it yourself.”
“You'll be on the road, stopping at bars, and doing whatever with whoever,” James said. “I don't need her thinking she matters only to find out that she really doesn't.”
“Exactly,” Lance snapped out again.
When I opened my mouth to speak, Lance cut me off.
“You think me breaking his nose was bad? He was family. You're not. I love you man, but my girls come first.”
“What the fuck is it with all of you?” I asked.
“I know how it is on the road,” Lance said.
“So, the same people that lived the life are the same ones that are judging me?” I asked.
“Yes,” James answered. “We know the life well.”
“Really?” Sammie asked, turning to him.
“I didn't do that shit,” he said, as he turned to her. “I was too damn busy worrying about what your ass was doing.”
Then he turned back to me.
“I don't need her falling for your ass, Parker,” he said.
“I don't think you have to worry about that,” I said. “She can't stand me or what I do. Apparently, she has the same opinion the rest of you have too. I'm out of here.”
I turned and made it almost to the door before Jenny ran in front of me.
“You leaving?” she asked.
“Yeah,” I answered. “I'll be back another time.”
She looked up at me with the saddest look on her face, and I realized just how attached the kids were getting to me. I leaned down to hug her, and that was when it hit me that I was getting pretty attached myself.
Chapter 17
Parker
I walked into my house more pissed than I'd been in a while, besides what that asshole did to Cassie that is. James had been a total dick. Out of anyone, I thought he'd be the one to understand that what I did for a living didn't mean I was a certain way. Shit! When he was a ballplayer, he was so damn stuck on Sammie. I was wrong though. He had the same view that Cassie had, and it was bullshit. I'd never done shit for him to feel that way about me, not when we played together or any other time. Maybe it was because she was his sister. That had to be it. He knew I wasn't half the asshole Jeff was, not even close. I wasn't perfect, nobody is, but I would never hurt a woman. He knew I wasn't a cheater either. He also knew the shit I'd been through, so his reaction pissed me off even more. My own friend had turned on me.
I'd just fallen back onto my couch when it hit me. He said she was getting her own place. What did that mean? She said she'd chosen the house on the lake. Had she decided not to move there? She must have. Why would she move out of James and Sammie's if she was planning on moving back to Michigan in six months? She'd have to furnish the whole place. That would be a total waste of money if she was only going to be there for half a year. Maybe she didn't care. She was getting five million from the divorce. Was that it? Would she really waste all that money, or was she staying?
I couldn't stop myself when I reached over and grabbed my phone. She was still at work, but I didn't care. I didn't give two shits about James and his big brother attitude, and I wanted an answer.
Me: You got your own place?
It only took a minute before she answered.
Princess: How do you know that?
Me: You were right. He knew it was me.
Princess: Shit! What happened?
Me: Don't worry about it. Him and Lance feel the same way about me that you do.
Princess: What?
Me: Did you get your own place, princess?
Princess: Yes.
Me: You never mentioned it.
Princess: I didn't think you'd care.
Me: That you're staying. I do care. When do you move in?
Princess: Why?
Me: I can ask your asshole brother.
Princess: In two days.
Me: Seriously?
Princess: Yes.
Me: Wow!
Princess: What?
Me: Nothing.
Princess: Parker.
Me: I'd like to help you and the kids move in.
Princess: The two Lances volunteered, and I know James will be all over it.
Me: I'm going to help.
Princess: My dad offered to come down.
Me: What are you doing about furniture and stuff?
Princess: I have to buy it all. Everything we're using is James and Sammie's stuff.
Me: I'll take you to get it.
Princess: No.
Me: It's not negotiable.
Princess: Parker.
Me: Yes, princess.
Princess: Nothing.
Me: Sammie already has the kids. Tell her she needs to keep them for a few hours after you get off work. Meet me at the restaurant down the street from where you are. I'd come pick you up, but I already know your answer. We'll grab dinner. Then we'll go shopping.
Princess: Parker.
Me: Already told you it's not negotiable. I'll see you at five.
Princess: If I don't show up?
Me: Then I'll pick you up. It's your choice. Goodbye, princess.
She knew not to reply. It wouldn't matter if she did. She was going to meet me. There was no way she wanted to find me at James and Sammie's front door again.
I slid into a booth at the restaurant a few minutes early. There was no way I was giving her the chance to say she'd been there and I wasn't. Cassie would definitely pull that shit if she could, and I wasn't about to let her.
When the door opened and she walked in, she looked around, and I didn't miss the smile that crossed her face when she saw me. By the time she sat down, the smile was gone, but it didn't matter, I'd already seen it. We both ordered before I opened my mouth to speak. I knew she wouldn't leave if the food was already on the way.
“What did you tell Sammie?” I asked, curious to hear what excuse she'd come up with.
“That I was going shopping for furniture,” she answered, “and that you were going with me.”
When she said that, I was shocked.
“Really?” I asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “You said James knew you were the one on the phone. If that's true, than he knows we're friends. I see no reason to hide it.”
“Of course,” I said, feeling shocked that what she'd just said had bothered me.
We were both quiet for a few minutes. Once the waitress walked up and set our plates in front of us, we both started eating.
“What happened today?” she asked, as she set her burger back down on her plate.
“What do you mean?” I asked her.
“When I called Sammie and told her we were going, she was all giggly,” she said. “It wasn't like her.”
“Your brother let me know that I wasn't to go near you,” I said, before choosing to use her earlier words a bit. “I told him we were just friends. Told him you couldn't stand me or what I did for a living.”
“Parker,” she said, but I cut her off.
“Then he pretty much told me you were right,” I said. “Lance also pointed out that you were family, and I wasn't. I got pissed, and I left. Neither of them gave two shits that I was staying. Sammie was the only one that cared.”
“They both care that you're staying,” she said. “You know how they are. Just be glad you don't have a bunch of them in your family.”
“As much as I realized they weren't the friends I thought they were, you're still lucky to have them,” I said. “If I had family that was willing to do the shit yours does,
maybe I'd have my kids more often.”
“What?” she asked, with confusion in her tone.
“I'm just saying you're lucky,” I answered, “even if I wouldn't mind kicking both of their asses right now. I owe Jenny.”
“What?” she asked, sounding just as confused as before.
“She was happy to see me and asked if I'd play. I told her I would in a bit,” I said. “After the guys pissed me off, I was on my way out, and she stopped me. I told her I'd play another time. She said okay, but I knew she was disappointed. I shouldn't have left, but I couldn't be there with James and Lance a second longer. If I had, it wouldn't have been good for anyone. So, I owe her big.”
“I'm sure she'll be fine,” Cassie said.
“No,” I said. “I'm not the kind of guy that goes back on my word, and I don't want her to think I am. I will make it up to her.”
When we left, we took my car and left hers there. We went from one store to the next while she put together a list of everything she wanted to get for her new place. She ordered the furniture for all of the rooms and set up delivery for the day she was getting her keys. I was shocked when I saw the things she was buying. They weren't the most expensive. Some of them were even the cheapest. There were a few times I suggested she get something better, but she refused, saying it wasn't in her budget. The only time she listened was when it came to the bed. She wanted something smaller and more affordable, but I let her know if she didn't buy the bigger, nicer mattress, I was buying if for her. She finally gave in, and I knew she wouldn't regret it.
I couldn't believe what I had seen. She truly was a changed woman. She'd even carried the bags of the things she'd bought and taken with her. When I'd reached out to grab them from her, she'd swat my hand away, telling me she could do it herself.
I dropped her back off at the restaurant, but before she could get out of the car, I grabbed her arm.
“I'm glad you're staying,” I said. “When your furniture comes, I'm coming over to put together the stuff for the kids' rooms. I have a few things to add too.”
“James and both Lances are coming over,” she said.
“So am I,” I said. “Have a great night, princess.”
She got out of the car, grabbed her bags, and shut my door. Just as she opened her door, I rolled my window down.
“Text me when you get home,” I said.
“Parker,” she said, as she turned and looked at me.
“Text me, Woman,” I demanded.
She let out a huff, as she got in and shut her door. I followed her out of the parking lot but turned the opposite way.
When I walked into my apartment, I walked over to my mantle and looked around. Then I took some things that were very important to me down and looked at them. They were perfect for Jenny and Jeff's rooms. The ding of my phone had me putting the stuff to the side so I could check it.
Princess: I'm home, wannabe.
Me: Good to know, princess. I have a few things for the kids' rooms.
Princess: From where?
Me: My mantle.
Princess: No way, Parker. That is your stuff, and it is important to you.
Me: Doesn't matter. I'm giving it to them. They're going to love it.
Princess: Doesn't matter. That is your stuff, and you are not giving it to my kids.
Me: I most certainly am. See you soon.
Princess: You've done more than enough already.
Me: That's what friends are for. Goodnight, princess.
Princess: Goodnight, Parker.
As soon as Cassie had the keys, she text me to let me know. I knew she was so excited, and I couldn't help but be excited for her.
I knew both Lances and James were with her, and as much as I was happy she had them there for her, I couldn't stop the jealous feeling that ran through me. I wanted to be there. I wanted to see her face when she walked into her new place for the first time, but I couldn't, and that shit stung, even as friends.
Her furniture had come, and the guys had put together the things she needed for her room, the kitchen, and the living room. Then she sent them on their way. The minute the text came through that they were gone, I grabbed the stuff for the kids, along with a few other things, and I headed her way.
The place looked great, and it had only been part of a day. She had about three hours before she had to pick the kids up, so we got right to work. I put the furniture together while she put up the curtains, pictures, and other things she'd gotten for them. She unpacked their clothes and put them in the dressers once I was done with them. Then she made their beds once I'd finished those. Between us, we'd gotten it done.
When she walked out the door to get the kids, there were only a few things left, and I promised to have them done before they got back.
I finished it all. Then I hurried out to my car to get the stuff I'd brought with me. I hurried back in and put the things I'd brought for the kids out on the dressers in their rooms, along with a few balloons. Then I put a bottle of wine, two glasses, and a vase of flowers on the living room table.
When I heard the key turn in the lock, I couldn't wait to see the looks on the kids' faces. The door wasn't even open all the way when Jenny saw me, and her eyes lit up.
“Parker,” she yelled out, as she ran across the room to hug me. “You're here. This is our new place. It's our own home. We don't have to stay with Uncle James' anymore. I'll miss him.”
I leaned down to hug her, and Jeff came running too. I lifted them both into my arms and looked over at Cassie, who was holding Jake. She had a nervous look on her face, but I wasn't sure why.
“What do you think?” I asked, as I looked between the two kids.
“I like it,” Jenny said, as she looked around.
Jeff nodded right along with her.
“Flowers,” Jenny said, the moment her eyes landed on them. “Are those for me?”
“They're for you and mommy to share,” I said. “You want to see your rooms?”
“Yes,” she said, moving around to get free from my arms.
I put them both down, and they were gone.
“I love it,” I heard Jenny yell, as soon as she round the corner into her room.
I motioned for Cassie to walk ahead of me, and then I followed her.
“You got everything done,” she said. “Thank you so much, Parker, and thank you for our flowers.”
“I brought wine too,” I said, with a laugh. “That's just for you.”
“What's this?” Jenny said, as she came out of her room, holding one of the things I'd brought for her.
“I figured you liked baseball, so I brought you each something from my own collection,” I said. “I thought it would be nice for you to have something from the team.”
“Thank you,” she said, as she put it back on her dresser and hopped up onto her bed. “This is really ours?”
“It is,” Cassie answered her. “It's our new home. We'll still go visit Jillian, James, and Jackson all the time.”
“I'm so excited,” Jenny said, as she got down from the bed. “Let's go see your room.”
Jenny took Jeff's hand and walked down the hall to his room. Then she ran over to his dresser and turned back to him.
“Parker brought you something cool too,” she said. “You and baby Jake get to share a room.”
Jeff hopped onto his bed and fell back onto his pillow with a huge smile on his face.
“I'd say he likes it too,” I said.
Cassie walked over and put Jake down in his new crib. Then she sat down on the edge of Jeff's bed. When she pulled Jenny close, she looked between her and Jeff.
“You each have a few toys in your toy boxes,” Cassie said. “We'll add to them a little at a time.”
Jenny nodded, and a big smile stretched from one side of her face to the other.
“We love it, Mommy,” she said. “It's perfect.”
I looked down at the three of them from where I was standing, and I could hear Jake playing in his c
rib. In that moment, I was so damn proud of Cassie. She really had made everything perfect for her and the kids.
“I'll go order pizza,” I said, before turning and walking toward the living room, so they could have a moment alone.
By the time they came out, I'd placed the order and had gotten out some paper plates, napkins, and juice pouches I'd brought.
Cassie turned on the television in the living room for the kids. It was about one eighth of the size of mine. Just another example of how much she'd changed. The Cassie I first met would have bought one much larger. I'd offered to help her, even said she could pay me back, but she wouldn't have it. She'd used James' card to buy everything. She even had a sheet with every penny she'd spent written on it. Cassie was paying him back, that was something she had promised, and it was also something that made me even more proud of her.
“I have to go shopping,” Cassie said, as she walked by me and opened her empty refrigerator. “I really didn't think this through. I was just so excited to have them here, in a place of their own.”
“It'll all work out,” I said, as I reached out, grabbed her shoulders, and pulled her toward me.
She didn't fight me. Instead, she leaned her head forward against my chest.
“This is the first time I'm going to live without restrictions, without having someone to answer to,” she whispered. “It's also the first time I'm going to be alone with my kids. How sad is that?”
“You were alone with them for Thanksgiving,” I said, with a laugh.
“Very funny,” she said, as she smacked at my side. “That was a disaster.”
“But you made it through it,” I said, as I lifted her chin until our eyes connected. “You'll make it through this too. You're a good mom, and those kids love you. They are happy, and that's because of you. You're not alone, Cassie, especially with that crazy ass family of yours. You will never be alone. You even have a friend.”
“Thank you for everything,” she said, as she pulled back and away from me.
I reached over to get the wine and poured us each a glass.
“I still need so much stuff,” she said. “I guess I never realized what it took to actually have the essentials. I actually got my own place. It isn't what anyone that's ever known me would have expected of me, but it's mine, and I can afford it on my salary. I have a lot to pay James back for, but I'll do it.”
Out of My League: Complete Box Set Page 28