The Mascot: A Fan & Player Baseball Romance

by Ana Shay

  Chapter 23

  “I don’t think we can see each other anymore.” I sputtered out; I was seething, but trying not to show it. My hand was already bracing the car door handle when the words came out, and my body was ready to jump out like someone had planted an explosive in the trunk. The fresh July air hit me the minute I opened the door, and even though my skin was cooled, the anger inside me was burning hot. I wasn’t even angry at Tate at this point. I was angry at myself.

  “What the fuck, Cali?” Tate yelled, his booming voice bounced off the walls, only to be toned down by the few empty cars scattered around the parking lot. My heels tapped against the concrete as my eyes darted around the floor. I wondered if any hidden paparazzi were filming this for a good story. This would be a great plot twist. The side piece leaves Tate high and dry.

  My teeth clenched against each other. He told me he hadn’t spoken to Sam in over a year. He told me I was the only one he’s been interested in since he met me. That Sam ceased to exist when he met me. I lapped it up like a kitten waiting for warm milk. What a pile of crap!

  My hair covered my flushed face as I walked with my head bent down. If this would end up in the tabloids again, I didn’t want to be identifiable. Imagine what my parents would think. What would the rest of my colleagues think? What was I thinking? The minute he admitted to paying my salary, I should have kicked him out. That should have been enough of a red flag for me. But no. His stupid cologne made me dizzy, and when his corded arms wrapped around me, I couldn’t think straight.

  I focused my thoughts on the clicking of my heels as I headed towards the elevator, refusing to look back, knowing that if I did, I’d lose all my resolve again. Those hot honey eyes of his poured into my soul and burned at my edges last night. And I stupidly forgave him. I could only thank the baseball gods that I had to wear Tate’s panties all night. Otherwise, I would be regretting more than just offering him a place to sleep. What a mess that would have been.

  Tate called my name as his feet pounded against the floor. I walked faster; the button to the stadium elevator was in sight, the amber glow pulling me in. My hand reached out to press the button, but Tate’s forearms wrapped around my waist before I could protest. He dragged me to a dark corner behind the elevator and placed my back against the cold concrete. I stared at our feet, feeling his body towering over me while his hands trapped me in place. It all felt very reminiscent of last night. Only today, I could feel the molten lava burning behind Tate’s eyes instead of that healing honey from before.

  “What the hell do you mean we can’t see each other?” Tate’s words were terse. I could feel his body pulsing with anger. Mine was too, but I couldn’t be bothered to explain it to him. Mainly because when I tried to last time, he fooled me, and I stupidly believed him. “I thought we talked it all out last night, and we were good? Hell, I had my hands down your panties this morning.”

  Urgh. Did he have to remind me of his nimble fingers waking me up in the most glorious way? “I had a change of heart,” I said when he flicked my chin to look at him. I was expecting to see anger, but all that was there was hurt and confusion.

  “When?”

  “This morning.” More specifically, when he went to take a shower and his phone wouldn’t stop flashing. I flipped it over to turn the ringer off, only to see 16 missed calls and at least four messages from Sam. He hadn’t spoken to her in a year, my butt. That’s when my brain finally took over, and my heart was forced to take a backseat. I liked Tate. I really liked Tate, but I decided I wasn’t prepared to get hauled into his messy love life. Office romances were way too messy, and even if it isn’t against the rules, I would have to leave if anyone else found out Tate was the one who donated the money. I’d be waving goodbye to my dream job for a baller that will probably drop me just like he did Sam. Well, actually, I don’t fully understand what happened in their messy breakup. All I know is I don’t want anything like that playing out in front of the world.

  “Unbelievable.” He muttered, hanging his head low. “What made you change your mind?” His jaw was tight. I could almost feel the tension radiating off him.

  I bent my knees, sliding further down the wall, trying to get away from his touch. “I think we’ve both got a lot going on right now. There are another five months of the season, I need to make a good impression at my job, and I think we’re both at different points in our lives.” I spoke almost automatically, having rehearsed that spiel in my mind all morning. In a way, it’s all true. Five months of constant travel for him and my work would make it hard to build a relationship. He’s also a few years older and way more in the setting down mindset than I am. I’ve only just started my career, and I don’t want anyone or anything holding me back. Even if he’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

  His eyes slowly rose from the floor to meet mine, and he stared at me, dumbfounded. “Are you actually serious?” I nodded, chewing my bottom lip, hating that I was holding back on what was really irking me. That he lied, about paying the money, and about being in contact with Sam. If he lied about that, what else would he lie about? I don’t want to bring it up because he’ll cover it up with more lies. It’s a web I don’t want to weave. Tate shook his head in regret. “I don’t believe you, Cali.” His firm voice made it hard to know what to do next.

  My body seized to work; it’s like I had rigor mortis for a second. “There’s something else going on with you. I know because you’ve been biting your bottom lip since I asked. Are you still feeling weird about the donation?” He probed.

  Blood flows back through my veins; he’s given me an out without realizing it. “Yes.” I yelped. It’s the perfect excuse. Of course, I’m still annoyed that he did it. It felt great when I thought I was being recognized by the team. It sucked when I realized the guy I was dating was the one paying for it. I considered rejecting the salary, but I’d have no way of knowing how to do that. Plus, I could really use the money, and he knows that. “It makes me feel cheap. Like you were paying me for my affection.”

  “I didn’t pay for you.” His face was close to mine. It’s like he knows when he does that, I bend to his will.

  “No, you didn’t just pay for me. You paid for all of the interns.”

  “So that you would get the money you deserved.” He pointed out, almost making me forget about how much the whole Sam thing was annoying me. Now that he’s mentioned it, and we’re talking about it, I’m riled up. “You’re ridiculous.”

  “No,” I poked his chest, pushing him back so I could get some air. “You were the ridiculous one for donating the money in the first place.” Our voices were loud, and this parking lot is like an echo chamber. I really hope it’s only still us down here. I looked around for flashing, just in case.

  “Fine. Will it make you feel better if I ask for it back?” He said quietly. I wish he wouldn’t make this so difficult.

  “You can’t do that. The other interns are expecting to be paid now.”

  His lips straightened; he was annoyed. He was trying to do something nice, and I wasn’t giving him an out this time. Too many things weren’t adding up, and I’m not feeling good about this. I’ve got to get out of this because I can’t hate my favorite player. I just can’t. “Tell me what you want me to do, Cali. I’ll do it.” He was exasperated, and I was confused as to why he was fighting for us so much. It’s not like I’m anything special. I’m goofy and weird, and he could have a Sports Illustrated model if he wanted. I think Mila Donovan even mentioned how hot he was. He could date her instead. Or Sam. There was always Sam.

  “Look, there’s nothing you can do.” I shrugged. “Things change, and sometimes they aren’t right.” His hands dropped, freeing me from his hold, and I felt like I could breathe again.

  There was silence. He didn’t stop me when I walked back to the elevator. He didn’t protest when I pressed the amber button. He said nothing when the doors shut around me, sending me upstairs to the tunnel that connected the parking lot to my side of the stadiu
m.

  I didn’t watch when the game started, too engrossed in a piece of work for the all-star weekend, and also, I didn’t want my heart to ache watching Tate on the field. My brain was refusing my yearning heart any relief. It barely registered a skipped beat when I heard Tate scored a homer, leading the team straight to victory. My brain barely let the thought that my lucky boxers were the reason why.

  It was only when I was back home from work, lying in my bed, staring at the four walls surrounding me, that I bothered to look at my phone. Tate’s name was sitting on the screen, over my new Catfish background. I didn’t want to open the message, but the notification would keep coming back without doing so.

  Closing my eyes, I let my thumb graze over the glass of my screen, opening the message. One eye popped open, confirming it wasn’t a nude or something. Feeling myself blush, remembering the other times he had sent me some of those.

  Tate: I’m sorry for upsetting you but, I’m not giving up on you, Cali. I like you too much. I’m going to prove to you how much I want you. I know you want this. You’re just scared.

  Great. I’ve set off Scorching Sorenson. Now I’ve got to figure out how to keep him away. A feat I already know will be challenging because I’ve seen how hard he works on the field. Not to mention the fact that I turn into a pile of goo every time I’m around him too.

  What have I done?

  Chapter 24

  Fireworks exploded in the night sky while the band played on the field below. Standing on the balcony, I crouched down to get in view of the camera as a set of twins wrapped their arms around me, pressing their chests against each of my arms. “Thanks for this, Tate.” One of them winked as she flicked her hair over her shoulder and smiled. “Alright, get ready. Three, two…” Their friend counted down, and without warning, the two girls kissed my cheeks. “One.” I closed my eyes, laughing in surprise as the flash went off. That’s going to be a terrible shot, but the girl taking the picture seemed happy enough.

  “It’s perfect,” The girl winked, smiling at her twin friends.

  The twins giggled while stroking my arm. One of their hands snaked down and put something in my pocket. “Thanks, Tate.” The one on the left cooed as she slowly backed away from me. Turning to their friend almost simultaneously, the white of their ‘Sorenson’ jerseys glowed like neon under the fading light as they inspected the photo.

  “I love it,” The one standing on the right said excitedly to her friend and flashed me another smile as they walked away with a sway in their step.

  Grayson saddled up next to me, watching the bounce of their very high cut-off shorts, no doubt. He let out some kind of approving noise. “Man. Did you get their numbers?” He asked, sinking his teeth into his fist. I rolled my eyes, taking the piece of paper out of my pocket and shoving it into his chest.

  “Here you go. I’m not interested.” He was smiling at fans, or I should say, trying to smile. Unfortunately for him, he always seemed to look permanently constipated or like someone had stuck a pine needle in his pants.

  He uncrumpled the paper, looking at the number in confusion. “Don’t you want it?”

  “Why would I get their numbers?” His gaze trailed over to where we could just about see them.

  Chortling, he shook his head. “Twins? In cut-offs? Do I need to say anything more?” He studied my face and laughed, pointing at my cheeks. “You might want to get rid of the lipstick marks before any kids come over. Not very child friendly.”

  I wiped my cheeks, seeing bright red stains coating my palms. It wasn’t the kids I was worried about; it was Cali. I wanted to see her tonight, and I doubt she’d be that impressed if I had lipstick everywhere. Especially since she accused me of cheating the last time I saw her. “If you’re so interested, why don’t you go for it?” I offered. He grumbled, shifting the weight without a response, very unlike Grayson. I knocked his shoulder with my own. Something was different about him today. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it was something. “You’re pushing me to get laid, but you aren’t doing it yourself? What is up with you? Is Charlotte not putting out?”

  He scoffed, “Please, Charlotte 2 and Charlotte 3 are ready and waiting for me.”

  “Then why do you look like your balls are in a vice?”

  “No reason.” Anyone who didn’t know Grayson would have only heard a grumble. Spending so much time with him, I can understand his angry mutterings. It’s the same mutterings he uses when he loses. When I didn’t stop staring, he continued. “My balls aren’t in a vice; I just seemed to have left them in Atlanta.” He groused, offering me no further explanation.

  “What? Did one of your girls find a loophole in your contract?” I mused and signed a photo for a fan walking by.

  When Grayson finished signing his photo, he leaned closer and said through tight lips. “Something along those lines.” If we weren’t at the Fourth of July party after our game, I would force my friend to explain what he meant. We can’t exactly get into a heart-to-heart here. I also don’t have time. It’s nearly the end of the night, and I still haven’t seen Cali. With all my planning, I thought tonight would be the perfect opportunity to find her. She’s been avoiding me at every opportunity, but she can’t avoid me here. Not in front of everyone. Running off after telling me she didn’t want to see me wasn’t enough of an answer to end things. I want to have an actual talk with her instead of a rushed conversation that everyone could hear in the parking lot. It was like she wanted me to go back to Sam so she can forget about me. Never going to happen.

  The first thing I did after our talk was find that tiny terrier of a man. He’s like a small dog. Has a loud bark but the minute you threaten him and mean it, he cowers. This time I went to his Josh’s boss, Jonah, and casually mentioned seeing him being overly demanding to a few of his staff. Nothing major, but enough that he’ll be watched. He’ll be lucky if he keeps his job after his behavior is investigated.

  There are thousands of fans here tonight, and I’m being pulled in every direction, but my eyes haven’t stopped looking for Cali since the minute I stepped foot on the grounds. She’s got to be here tonight; the marketing team are the ones running this event. While I was talking to Jonah, I may have asked him if his team were coming, and he said yes, so I know she’ll be here somewhere.

  “Mr. Sorenson. Would you be able to sign this?” A little boy asked, his mom scooting him forward while he held up a ball proudly from today’s game. “I caught it when you hit it out of bounds.” He couldn’t have been more than 7 with his two front teeth missing. I crouched to his level, inspecting it, pretending I remembered when it was. I hit a lot of foul balls today. It wasn’t my best game, but at least he got the ball.

  “Wow, you caught this by yourself?” He nodded with pride. “You’ll be a great outfielder one day.” I watched as his smile grew, and he looked to his mom to see if she heard me. He was pulsing with pride, and I loved that just a few simple words did that to him. “The Catfish could use you in a couple of years.” Getting the black sharpie out of my pocket, I signed the ball and blew on it, letting the ink dry.

  The little boy’s excitement permeated through me when I handed the ball back to him, and he jumped with joy, skipping over to his mother proudly displaying the ball. She looked in awe and then up to me, mouthing a ‘thank you.’ I just smiled back.

  Standing up, I adjusted my baseball cap, hoping I still looked alright. I didn’t have time to style my hair after my shower, and stupidly I wanted to look good when Cali saw me. I wanted to watch her eyes roam my chest like they did when she thought I wasn’t looking and make her admit what she’s been trying to avoid. That she wants me just as much as I want her.

  I think she’s concocted some crazy story in her head about Sam. Those stories in the tabloids obviously haven’t helped her already slightly neurotic tendencies. All I want to do is reassure her. Confirm that I want her. But she wouldn’t let me. I’m not going to make walking away and forgetting me that easy.

&n
bsp; “Catty!” The little boy yelled with excitement as our mascot skated towards him. “Can I get a picture with Catty and Tate, Mom?” His mother looked over at me with apologetic eyes. I just gave her a smile, striding over to join our mascot. I moved as close as Catty’s head would allow and couldn’t help but notice he shuffled a little further away. I figured he was making space for the little boy, so I picked him up, and we posed for the photo. “Thank you.” He beamed, running over to his mom for a hug.

  “Thanks, Catty.” I slapped him on the back, noticing his back straightened when I touched it. Maybe I hit him a little too hard. “Thanks for standing on the dugout during the game.” I thought that might soften his back pain. “You’re the sole reason I got that run in the 6th inning. I’m sure of it.” Catty turned to look at me, almost mechanically. He seemed stiffer than usual today. With a hard nod, he barely acknowledged me and stalked off towards another crowd of kids. I didn’t have time to wonder for long if I’d said something to offend him because I was inundated with fans asking for photos and autographs.

  It was another thirty minutes before I had a moment to myself. The band had finished a few minutes before, and fans started filtering out. I was still searching the venue, hellbent on speaking to Cali if it was the last thing I did tonight. My eyes skated the halls, hoping her feathery blonde hair would catch my eye, but as night drew in, it was getting harder to see.

  I walked through the throngs of people, keeping my head down, hoping I was inconspicuous but still getting stopped at every turn. It was ridiculous of me to think that I could hide at a baseball party. I’m wearing my own jersey, after all.

  Just when I was about to give up all hope, I noticed flaming red hair in the distance. Penn. Yes. My opportunity has finally come. He’ll know where she is. I walked over, slowing my pace, when I noticed the frustration etched across his face. He was arguing with someone; his face was nearly as red as his hair. I couldn’t see who it was with the people around. Was he annoyed at Cali?