Worth the Trade (More Than A Game)

by Kristina Mathews

  Marco would have thought she was completely crazy, except… He recalled his first meeting with Hunter. The powerful connection that he couldn’t shake even after he found out who she was.

  “She sent him away. Before we had a chance to make plans. Before I knew I was pregnant with you. He never knew about you.”

  Marco wanted to believe her, but he’d constructed the story in his head so long ago. He wasn’t quite ready to let go of the way he’d imagined the truth.

  “He tried to find me. But every time he got close, I’d lose my job. Edith had something to do with that on more than one occasion.”

  “You’re kidding.” It seemed too convenient to blame it all on one person. A woman who was so heartless she’d put a young mother and child on the streets.

  “No. I wish I was. But fortunately, D.C., your grandfather, knew what she was up to.” She pressed her napkin to her lips. “He made sure there was always another job. Usually with housing somewhere. He was the one who paid my hospital bill when you were born.”

  “Why didn’t he tell his son?”

  “I think he thought he was doing enough.” She continued to eat her lunch. “He wasn’t thrilled with the idea his perfect son had a child outside of marriage. He, too, hoped Denny would have a career in politics. I don’t know. The two of them are still working things out.”

  “So he went his whole life not knowing about me?”

  “He found us once. But your uncle Manny was visiting. He was teaching you how to ride a bike. Denny thought we were a family, so he left without…” His mother reached for her water glass. “He didn’t want to get in our way. He thought we were happy. And, you know what? That day we were.”

  “Why are you telling me all this? It doesn’t change the past. It doesn’t make up for all the times we had to move. All the times we had to start over with nothing but the clothes on our backs and two suitcases apiece.” By the time he’d started high school he’d vowed if he ever met the man responsible for their nomad lifestyle he’d beat the tar out of him. Fortunately, he’d matured enough to control his temper.

  “I love you, Marco. With all my heart. But…” She reached across the table and patted his hand. “I hope you can accept my relationship with the man I love. With your father. I know you felt his absence in your life. But you managed you grow into a fine man. A mother couldn’t ask for a better son.”

  “But you’re asking me to just accept him in your life?” He wanted to be as forgiving, as loving as she was.

  “I’m asking you to try.” She gave his hand a squeeze.

  “I’ll try. For you.” He squeezed back. “But if he hurts you again…”

  Marco dropped her hand. The ass kicking would be much harder to resist.

  “Thank you.” She smiled, looking more beautiful than ever. “So, tell me about your lady friend. How did you meet?”

  “She picked me up.” At his mother’s look of surprise, he chuckled. “Literally. She’s the one who traded for me. She’s the managing partner of the Goliaths.”

  “That must be an interesting job.” His mother’s interest was genuine. But she would have said the same if he’d told her she was a teacher or doctor or a maid.

  “Yes. She’s good at it, too. But…” His stomach churned at the thought that he’d made her job so much harder. “I don’t see how she can re-sign me. Not with our personal relationship. I may be playing in my last game tonight.”

  “Oh, Marco. I hate to think of you going to another team. You seem so happy in San Francisco.”

  “I am happy. But I can’t stay.” His gut tightened even more. “I can’t go anywhere else, either. So I guess I’ll be retiring soon.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” She laughed. She didn’t believe him. “What does your agent say about this idea?”

  “He’s not my agent.” Marco was in uncharted territory. He’d never been without his agent since shortly after he was drafted. He’d never been without a contract. The thought of not playing baseball was almost inconceivable. “He refused to negotiate with the Goliaths. And I won’t play for anyone else.”

  “You’re quitting? Baseball?”

  “Yes. I can’t play for Hunter. Not without people giving her a hard time. She’s already being harassed by some people. Making jokes about the size of my bat. Asking her how long it took me to get to third base. Bullshit like that.”

  “Do you honestly think you can protect her by quitting?”

  “What else can I do?”

  “That’s something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself.” She smiled like she always did when she wanted him to learn an important lesson. Some of those lessons had hurt like hell, but he’d managed to learn them all the same. He just hoped he could figure out a way to keep Hunter from losing her team because of him.

  Chapter 23

  Hunter watched as the Goliaths dominated the next night, easily taking the series in a four game sweep. She stuck around long enough to accept the World Series trophy and to congratulate Bryce Baxter on being named most valuable player. He’d played well, hitting six home runs, three doubles, and a total of eleven RBIs. She’d suggested that Marvin Dempsey extend his contract, but it was totally up to him.

  She knew he’d re-sign Marco, though. It was part of their agreement. And even though he’d leveled off a bit in these last four games, she knew he’d come out of it next season. He was just hitting his prime and as long as he stayed healthy, he would give the club at least five more good years.

  Her work here was done. She gave a brief interview, and then slipped away quietly.

  Her life’s work had ended in triumph, yet she felt completely empty. She’d won the World Series, yet lost so much more.

  The only consolation was in knowing that Marco would be taken care of. He’d be able to end his career in a city that loved him. They’d embraced him from the moment he stepped foot in the ballpark. And he’d repaid them by bringing home a championship.

  She wished them a long and happy future together.

  Now she needed to embark on her own future. A future without baseball. A future without Marco.

  The limo took her back to the hotel. She packed her things and checked out, heading down the stairwell to avoid running into any of the players on their way back to the hotel. No such luck. She came across Bryce Baxter making out with a woman who looked an awful lot like Rachel Parker. But neither one of them looked interested in where she was going or why she was sneaking out the back way.

  Her flight to Paris didn’t leave until eight the next morning, but she wanted to make sure she got there in plenty of time, so she switched to a hotel closer to the airport. Yeah, that’s why. It had nothing to do with not wanting to run into Marco before she fled the country. He was right. Love wasn’t enough.

  * * * *

  Marco half-heartedly joined in the locker room celebration. He spent most of the time trying to avoid getting too much champagne in his eyes so he could search for Hunter. He’d lost sight of her shortly after the on-field ceremonies awarding the team trophy. Even though he hadn’t had the best series, going three for eleven with runners in scoring position, his defense was solid and he was still sought out for interviews.

  By the time the reporters had cleared out, he realized so had Hunter. He showered and changed into dry clothes and headed back to the hotel. He didn’t even know what room she was in, she’d stayed with him the last two nights, so he headed straight for the front desk.

  He approached a female desk clerk. She was older than him, by maybe five or ten years, but she looked friendly enough. “I need to know what room Hunter Collins is in.”

  “I’m sorry sir, I can’t do that.”

  “Please?” He smiled, turning on the charm he used to wield as skillfully as his bat. “It’s important I talk to her, tonight.”

  She looked at his big blue eyes, his dimpled smile, and sighed. She bent over her computer workstation, clicking away.

  “I’m sorry sir, th
ere’s no Hunter Collins registered at this hotel.” She offered an apologetic smile.

  “Look, I know you’re just doing your job. And most of the time we appreciate it.” He leaned forward, hoping she’d see that this was a matter of great importance. “I’m with the team. I need to speak to her right away.”

  He reached for his wallet, hoping he could get her cooperation after he flashed his ID.

  “I know who you are, Marco Santiago.” She said his name with a little sigh, making it sound like “San-ti-aaah-go.” “I remember when you were drafted in the second round. It was a sad day for the state of Texas when they traded you.”

  “Thank you. So can you give me the room number now?”

  “I’m sorry, but Ms. Collins is not staying at this hotel. She checked out about an hour ago.”

  “Shit.” Marco rubbed his hands over his face. “Sorry. I was hoping to catch her tonight.”

  “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “No.” He hung his head in defeat. “Not unless you happen to know where she went. No. I know where she went. She went back to San Francisco.”

  “I suppose she’s got a lot of work to do. Planning the victory parade, designing your World Series rings.” She smiled, thinking he’d give a damn about those things. All he cared about right now was finding Hunter. Convincing her that love was enough.

  “Thanks. Look, if she calls…” Wishful thinking. “If she calls for me, put her through. I don’t care what time it is.”

  “I’ll do that, Mr. Santiago.”

  He went straight to his room. Straight to bed, even though he had no illusions of getting much sleep. But he was exhausted. His body knew better than to waste any energy tossing and turning. Tomorrow he’d face the biggest challenge of his life. A challenge he must win.

  * * * *

  The phone jolted Marco out of a deep, yet unsatisfying sleep.

  “Hunter.” He sat up, a little disoriented. “What time is it?”

  “It’s seven thirty in the morning,” a male voice told him. “And this is Marvin Dempsey. I need your agent to give me a call directly. As soon as possible.”

  “I don’t have an agent.” Marco rolled his neck from side to side. Man, he was stiff.

  “In that case, meet me downstairs. The main restaurant. In a half an hour.”

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” Marco hung up the phone. He’d only met the man a couple of times, but Hunter had known him her whole life.

  Marco made it to the hostess station in fifteen minutes. He’d showered, dressed and took the stairs two at a time. He hoped Dempsey would have some insights on how he could get Hunter to talk to him.

  Hunter’s partner arrived only a few minutes after Marco. The waitress hadn’t even returned with the coffee yet.

  “Glad you could meet with me.” Dempsey extended his hand. Marco stood and shook.

  “Have a seat.” Marco slid back into the booth and waited for the other man to get comfortable.

  “So what happened with your agent?” Dempsey asked after the waitress left with their orders.

  “We had a difference of opinion. Besides, I know what I want.”

  “Good. Then let’s get down to business.” The other man took a leather portfolio out of his briefcase and opened it up. “I’m prepared to make you a qualifying offer. The Goliaths want to keep you in left field for quite some time.”

  “Where’s Hunter?” There was a time when Marco would have been itching to know what kind of offer was on the table. “I need to talk to her.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to negotiate with me, and me alone.”

  “I see. She’s hiding out so we can make a deal.” Marco relaxed a little. She was trying to protect him. And her team. “She doesn’t want to be directly involved in contract negotiations so no one can claim that the Goliaths made any promises outside the lines.”

  “Hunter Collins is no longer affiliated with the Goliaths organization.” Dempsey spoke loud enough for the waitress and anyone sitting nearby to overhear.

  “What are you talking about?” Marco leaned forward, keeping his own voice low.

  “She sold her share of the team to me.”

  “No. She wouldn’t.” Marco wondered if the man was getting senile. He was in his seventies, he looked healthy, but…

  “Yes. She did.” He looked Marco right in the eye. There was no confusion, no sign of disorientation.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Oh, but you will.” He leaned forward. “See, our Hunter is a crafty one. I’ve known her since she was in pigtails. And let me tell you, she’s one of the most intelligent, hardest working people I know. She’s also the most loyal. How many young women would go straight from college graduation to caring for an ailing parent? She should have been off having fun, seeing the world. Instead, she came home and made Henry’s last years…”

  Dempsey took a drink of his coffee, but not before Marco noticed a shine in his eyes.

  “Henry was one of my oldest and dearest friends. He loved two things more than anything in this world. This team. And his daughter.”

  “So how can you call yourself his friend and take this team away from his daughter?”

  Dempsey sat back in the booth and laughed loudly enough that the nearby patrons looked their way.

  “She made me.” He chuckled, softly this time. “She forced me to buy her out. But she had a condition. The sale is only valid if I sign you to a minimum five-year deal.”

  “You’re kidding.” Maybe Marco had been too hasty in dismissing his agent. Surely he’d know if such a condition was even legal.

  “Nope. If I fail to sign you, the sale is null and void.” Dempsey seemed a little too pleased with the idea.

  “So I won’t sign. End of story. She gets her team back and everybody wins.” Marco sat back, folding his arms over his chest. No way was he going to let Hunter give up her team.

  “No. No one wins if you do that.”

  Marco gave him a puzzled look.

  “She wants this.” Dempsey leaned forward. “Believe me when I say she thought long and hard before making this deal.”

  “But she loves this team.” This made no sense. She loved the Goliaths, yet she was willing to let them go. Did she love him, too? Even though she walked away?

  “Yes. And she knows that having you in left field for the next five years or more is the best thing for everyone.”

  “Not for her.” Marco uncrossed his arms. Rested his hands on his thighs. “I can’t do it. I can’t take away everything she’s worked for.”

  “But it’s what she wants.” Dempsey sounded so calm. Like he made negotiations like this every day. “She made that very clear.”

  “She may think it’s what she wants, but come spring training, she’ll be sorry. She’ll miss it too much.” Marco couldn’t do that to her.

  “You care about her?”

  “I can’t let her give this up for me.” Marco raked his hands through his hair. “I love her.”

  “Son, you’re going to cost me a lot of money.” The other man shook his head. “Whatever your next contract is, I’ll owe her.”

  “I won’t sign another contract.” Marco placed his hands flat on the table. “I can’t play anywhere else.”

  “Yet you’re refusing to play here.”

  The waitress arrived with their breakfast, giving Marco a chance to douse his eggs in hot sauce. He took a few bites, trying to think. Was he really ready to give up on baseball? The game he’d played since he was six?

  “What if I take a lesser deal?” Maybe there was a win-win for all of them. “Say three or four years. That way, she doesn’t lose her team, you don’t lose your money and…and I can keep playing.”

  “So you do want to play ball. Good. That’s good.” He cocked a bushy white eyebrow. “But what about when your contract is up? She’ll have to go through this agony all over again. Questions about your relationship will resurface. Not to mention the
other players that come along. People will wonder if she’s choosing players based on their talent, or something else. You don’t want to put her through that do you?”

  “No.” Marco hated the pain he’d caused her, simply by loving her. “But if she’s my wife, no one would dare say anything.”

  “Your wife?”

  “Yes. I don’t know why we’re sitting here debating over a four or five year deal, when what I really want is a lifetime.” There. He’d thought about it. Come to a conclusion. And now all he had to do was figure out how to make it happen.

  “You really love her?” Dempsey held his poker face.

  “Yes. Now tell me how I can convince her that I can’t live without her.”

  “Sign the contract. Five years. Or more.” He cracked a smile. “She was thinking you’re good for another seven, but she wanted to give you some negotiating room.”

  “Five years should do it. Let’s see the contract.”

  Fifteen minutes later, the deal was done. Marco Santiago would finish his playing career in San Francisco. He hoped he’d done the right thing.

  “One more thing.” Marvin Dempsey folded the contract up after the hotel’s on-site notary service had made it official, and placed it in his briefcase. “I’m getting older. Thinking about retiring someday. But my kids don’t love baseball. They like the game, don’t get me wrong, but they don’t love it.”

  “I suppose some people don’t.” Marco wasn’t sure why he was getting a lesson on family preferences.

  “Well, I wouldn’t feel right about giving Hunter’s team to someone who wouldn’t take care of it.” Dempsey nodded. “So I was thinking of gifting back her share, say ten percent for every wedding anniversary.”

  “That’s very generous of you, but I’m planning on sticking around long term. You’ll end up with nothing in about ten years.”

  “Exactly.” He leaned forward, a twinkle in the old man’s eye. “I drew up the contract so that she’d get everything she deserves. You. The team. She’ll be a minority owner as long as you’re playing, so all that political stuff won’t be an issue. Then when you retire, you’ll help her run the team. Think you can do that?”