by Ana Shay
Just as she finally leaned into the kiss, the commentator shouted, diverting Cali’s attention to the TV. I’d hardly noticed or cared that the game was still in. I was too focused on the game Cali and I were playing right here. She watched as the Atlanta team celebrated a three-run homer in the eighth.
“Are you worried about playing them?” She asked while her hand lazily played with mine.
“Who?”
She nodded to the TV. “Atlanta. Now they’ve signed Zeke LeBeck, they’ve filled their biggest gap at third base, and he’s a heavy hitter.” Zeke was in the dugout, high-fiving everyone as he took his seat.
I waved off her concern. “Nah, I’m not afraid this year. Zeke’s wife is pregnant with twins, and last time I talked to him, he was stressing about that because she’s due towards the end of the season. His head isn’t in the game this year. Next season though,” I blew out a breath, “Yup, I’m nervous.”
She looked at me with a brow cocked and mild amusement. “You talk to Zeke?”
I nodded my head. “What else is there to do when you’re standing on base for so long?”
“I don’t know. I kind of thought everyone had rivalries and didn’t talk to each other.”
I laughed, waffling her hand in mine. “Sorry, babe. We all pretty much like each other. Except for the Parrots. No one likes the Parrots.”
She nuzzled into my neck, and I, in turn, nuzzled into her hair, enjoying the coconut smell. “No one likes a team who gets their fans to squawk when they score. It’s just annoying. And distracting. I can barely watch the games when you play them.”
“But you do, though, right? Because you’re our most dedicated fan.” I husked into her ear, swiping the shell with my tongue.
“Yup.” She yawned, resting against my chest as we watched the game. Playing with her hair, I couldn’t help but think about how very domestic this whole thing was. My chest tightened as I kissed the top of her head in a silent promise that we would do this again. “I think this year is going to be your year.” She said groggily. I knew she wasn’t far from falling asleep, and I should probably let Frank know so he can drive her home, but I’m enjoying her company too much to formally end it.
I scoffed at her confidence. “Oh yeah, what makes you think that?”
“You’re already leading the National League in RBI’s and Homers.” Even drowsy, she could speak eloquently about baseball.
“Mhm, I always start hot, though. My issue is maintaining it over the 162 games.” I explained, wincing when I saw Atlanta get another homer. Maybe I should be concerned.
When she burrowed further into my chest, I leaned back, giving her more space. “But you’ve changed your swing, and your average is higher than last year. I think you can do it.”
I shook my head; hardly anyone noticed the slight change in my swing. Only Grayson, who I was pitching off during the off-season, had asked about it. “Your knowledge of the game is ridiculous.”
“I could learn more. I still can’t always identify a pitch.” Her head was falling further down my chest, and I was letting it.
I snorted, “If you could, you’d probably be the best player of all time.” Her breathing slowed, “Why did you pick marketing? Why not sit in the analytics department or try for a role with more direct involvement.”
“Marketing does have direct involvement. I just want to get people as hyped up about the game as me. It’s my passion, and I want to share it,” She mumbled out the last part of that, hardly awake, and I didn’t have the heart to move her. “Even if it does mean dressing like a fish.” She mumbled so quietly I barely heard it.
I left one final kiss on the top of her head, “Well, I’m glad you shared your passion with the fish.” She didn’t respond. I didn’t expect her to because her breathing was heavy.
By the end of the game, I glanced down at Cali, who was still sleeping. I didn’t have the heart to wake her or to say goodnight. So, I didn’t. I gently wrapped an arm under her knees and then lifted her up.
I stood in the middle of my living room, looking between my bedroom and the guest bedroom. I should drop her off in the guest room, but I don’t want her to freak out when she wakes up in a bed that isn’t hers. I’m also selfish. I want her all to myself for as long as I can. Time during the season is precious, and I want to spend as much of it as possible with her. When I deposited her on the bed and gently removed her shoes, she instantly curled up, snuggling into my pillows like they were swallowing her whole. A small smile donned her face as she adjusted her back into my memory foam mattress. I’m not surprised she looks so comfortable; that thousand-dollar mattress should be better than hers.
After stripping down to my boxers and brushing my teeth, I slipped under the covers. At first, I wasn’t sure how close I should get to Cali. It’s a big bed; we could go the whole night without touching each other, but I didn’t want that. I wanted to wake up tangled in that strawberry coconut scent of hers.
When she adjusted herself against the sheets, I softly grasped her hips, bringing her closer to me. Her warm back was against my chest, and I let the soft smell of coconut from her hair help me drift off to sleep.
“Tate.” Cali shrilled, waking me up instantly. I looked around the dark room, wondering what the hell happened. Cali was shuffling around with her rumpled black dress, nearly tripping as she tried to shove her heels on. “I’m going to be late for work.” She stressed.
I was still in a sleepy haze and had to rub my eyes to focus on the girl in front of me. “I need to get home.”
“What time is it?” I asked, my voice low as I tried to find my phone on the bedside table.
“6 am.” She stressed as I threw the covers off. The cold morning air hit me, and I wanted to grab her and crawl back into the warmth. She stopped fretting for just a second when she noticed my bare chest. “Josh is going to kill me.” She shook her head and scurried out into the kitchen, not looking back.
I jumped up, following her. “Cali, calm down. I can get Fred to pick you up in a minute.” I grasped her hips, dragging her body to my chest, kissing her collarbone. “You could just take a shower here, and I’ll buy you some clothes from the mall. It is attached to the stadium, after all.” I offered.
She bounced out of my hold, grabbing her purse on the kitchen counter. “Stores don’t open until nine, which would already render me late.”
Nodding my head, I shot off a text to Fred. “He’ll be here in ten minutes, and he’ll wait for you to get ready and drop you off at the stadium.”
Her shoulders visibly relaxed when she took in my words. “I’m sorry, it’s just I really want to make a good impression, and Josh was already ticked off about the other day when I,” She stopped herself, eyes wide. “It doesn’t matter. He’s just hard to please.”
“Josh sounds like a hardass.” Especially considering she’s free labor.
She nodded. “I wouldn’t say working with him is pleasant, but I will do everything I can to make it work. For The Fish.”
I poured her a cup of coffee to go as my phone went off. “Fred’s already here.” The disappointment I felt with the date ending was new. It was like we never had enough time. She grinned, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Thank you for such an awesome night and delicious dinner.” Pecking my lips one last time, she took the coffee and walked to the door.
As her hand played with the handle, I said, “When will I see you again?” Because I’m desperate.
She turned on her heel, a mischievous grin on her face. “Soon. Text me.”
“Bye, Cali,” I watched her ass as she walked out, looking forward to the next time I’d see it.
Chapter 13
My fingers typed furiously as I did my best to get this memo sent out. I could hear my phone buzzing in my bag, but I had no time to check it, adding to the ever-increasing anxiety swimming in my stomach. My eyes flicked over to my laughing colleagues by the water cooler. I wish I had time for moments like that.
I rolled my chair so I was facing him. “I should have it for you in about five minutes,” I said with my brightest and most unfazed smile. He will not beat me. He’s just a sad, lonely guy who gets off on –
His angry rumbles interrupted my thoughts. “When I give you a task, Cali, I fully expect you to immerse yourself in it. Not socialize with your colleagues.” My brows crossed, and he tipped his head to my screen. “You’ve been spending too much time on the office messenger system. That’s why you haven’t finished.” I followed his gaze, noting the orange flashing on my menu bar. Mary was probably messaging me about work, but the fact that it was flashing means I’m still in trouble.
“I’m sorry, Josh. I’ll get this done for you now.” I said sternly. What’s the point in explaining anything to someone when you know they don’t want to listen? He wants to make me the bad guy. I rolled the chair back around, fingers poised to start typing, when I felt his body lean over.
His mouth was close to the side of my head, and it took all the willpower I had not to shiver with disgust or hurl. His breath smelled like stale coffee. “If it’s not in my inbox in the next five minutes. We’re going to have problems.”
Sucking in my lips, I nodded. I couldn’t give him a verbal response because if I did, I would cry. I started typing; it was nonsense, but the keyboard pater relaxed me, and when he left my side, it was like a dark cloud had been lifted.
For the last two weeks, Josh has been nothing but relentless with the work he’s been piling on me. I’ve barely had time to brush my teeth, let alone do anything that isn’t related to his workstreams. What’s worse is, I still have to be Catty, and he critiques my every dance move or knee-jerk. I don’t even get a thank you for working overtime, still unpaid.
I rounded off the memo, sending it straight to his inbox and relaxing back on the chair. “You okay, Cali?” Mary asked tentatively over the cubicle. When I locked eyes with hers, I felt fragile, like an umpire that just got whacked in the balls by a pitch. But I held it together, choosing to bite my lip and relish in that pain instead.
“I’m good,” I nodded, checking the time on my screen. “How long have I got before I need to go out there?” I asked. It’s really saying something when you view dancing around in a giant furry costume as your point of solace for the day.
She winced, rounding the cubicle and leaning against my desk. “In ten minutes. Are you still okay to do it?” What does she want me to say? No. I hate it. This was supposed to be my dream job. Now, it’s swiftly turning into my nightmare, and it’s not like I’m even being paid for the privilege of embarrassing myself and working overtime almost every night.
“Yeah, I can do it.” I drawled out. She rested her hand on mine and leaned in.
“I’ve got a meeting with Josh’s boss, Jonah, tomorrow, and I’m going to casually mention how great you’re doing.” A small smile brushed across my lips, more out of respect than anything else. “I’m going to find a way to get you on more of my projects and less of Josh’s. He’s using you like you’re his PA, and that’s not why they hired you.” My breath hitches. It’s not like she’s much higher in the food chain than me, and Jonah would take notice, but at least she’s trying.
The vibration of my phone was now reverberating through my foot. “You might want to check your phone before you go out there.” A grin played on her face. “It’s been going off like crazy. Are you playing hard to get with Tate?” She asked quietly. It still wasn’t openly known that I was seeing him.
I knew she was dying for details and was holding back since I was in near meltdown mode with work. I shook my head, checking my emails one last time. “No, I’ve had no time to think about anything but work.”
She didn’t press me. “Okay, maybe we can go to dinner after?” She suggested. “My treat for saving my ass and dancing around like a fish for me.” I nodded as she gave me a shoulder squeeze. “Great, let’s skip out after the seventh inning when you’re finished. Catty’s wearing a lobster outfit today.” She huffed out a laugh. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Catty in costume. Great. The last time Catty was in a costume, we dressed him up as a painter, and I was painting Austin while he manned third base. The fans loved it, but when I got back to my desk, proud of myself, Josh was there waiting with a red, blotchy face. Apparently, he couldn’t tell what I was drawing and that ticked him off. I wanted to ask him to try and paint while partially blindfolded, but once again, I kept my mouth shut.
“Tim’s physiotherapy is going well,” Mary said, trying to raise my spirits. Tim’s been back a few weeks now, and he seems fit as a fiddle. Albeit with a limp. There’s no way he’s ready to walk up and down the stands for hours, and I’m starting to think he’ll be out the whole season.
“Great,” I said sarcastically, grabbing my bag and heading down to the locker rooms to change. I managed to get my phone out and see the multiple texts Tate left me. My heart dropped; he keeps sending me memes because I’m so busy. I’ve suddenly become terrible at responding to him. When he finishes his games, I at least manage to send him a text, but most of my responses are one word if that.
He probably thinks I hated his date, and I’m trying to brush him off. I kind of wish that was the case because it would be a lot easier to manage. The constant knot in my stomach and aching heart when I think about him is too much for my mind to handle. I feel like every part of my being is working overtime, and I’m still getting no satisfaction.
Stuffing my phone in my pocket, I trudge down the stairs, taking in a deep breath as I accepted my fate. Lobster Catfish. Here I come.
I sat down at my desk, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after my Catty stint. I’ve managed to find a private in the ladies’ lockerroom which has made working after mascoting a much more pleasant experience. Mary waves, grabbing her bag and making her way over. My stomach’s growling, and I can’t wait to get some food.
Quickly, I check my emails to make sure there’s nothing I missed before leaving for the day. My body sags when I see the two bright red emails at the top of my inbox. Both from Josh, and both urgent. Obviously. “You ready to go?” Mary asked, playing with her purse string.
I contemplated ignoring the messages and just throwing caution to the wind, but before I could, his footsteps were already making their way to me. I always thought the Jaws theme tune was the scariest thing I’d ever heard. Nope. It’s Josh’s big fat footsteps across the carpeted floor. “Cali, did you get my emails.” He leaned into my cubicle, completely ignoring Mary, who’s quivering next to me.
“Yup.” I said with a pop of the ‘p.’ I was surly for the first time, and it was because it was both my mind and bones that ached at this point. I needed a break.
His sinister smile came into view. “Then why aren’t you working on them? I need these press releases ready for 7 am tomorrow.” He demanded, and my insides deflated like that day-old Catfish balloon I refused to get rid of when I was seven.
“She just got back from finishing a shift as Catty.” Mary buts in. Josh’s face slowly turns to look at her. He’s not happy about her quip, but he can’t do anything about it; she doesn’t directly report to him.
“That was ten minutes ago.” He grounded out.
“I’ll start it now,” I said, too tired to argue.
He straightened up, adjusting his tie. “Good.” He smiled at Mary as though he’d won something. “I expect both press releases to be pr
oofread by morning.” Just like that, he was walking away from my cubicle, the Tate Sorenson bobblehead’s tipping with every step he took.
“Do you want some help?” Mary asked earnestly. “If we do it together, we might still have time for dinner.”
Toying with the signed baseball ball rolling around on my desk, I turned away from her. “Thanks for offering, but I’ve got a feeling Josh will have a problem with that, and I’d rather not get you in trouble.”
“Are you sure?”
“Mhmm.”
“Okay, well, I’ll be working for another 45 minutes if you want my help.” She silently walked back to her desk, and I opened the two PDFs Josh sent me. They’re both more than 20 pages long.
Sighing, I knew I would be here a while. I stuffed my earbuds in, hoping my music would make this a much less excruciating experience.
By the time I’ve finished proofreading, I looked up from my desk, surprised that even Larry had gone home. What time is it? I gasped when I realized I’d been sitting there for four hours. It’s ten o’clock, the game finished over two hours ago and I’m the only one left here.
I wiped my tired eyes, ready to get home and go to bed, annoyed that it would involve a 40-minute trip on the train. As I trudged to the station, I pulled my phone out. Tate’s left me a message.
Tate: Feeling shitty after the loss, do you want to come over?
I was so busy trying to proofread, I completely forgot about the game. I checked the score and winced. It was bad. After looking down at my haggard expression reflecting from the phone screen, I decided I need to sleep more than anything tonight.
Cali: Sorry about the loss. At least you can beat their butts tomorrow. I had to work late tonight so can’t come over. Hopefully, we can meet soon.