Love from Left Field

by Megan Ryder

  She cried, ate ice cream, and hit every cliché of a broken heart. Finally, late that night, exhausted, eyes burning and puffy, she fell asleep with an ice pack on her eyes. She’d be damned if anyone would be able to tell that she’d been crying all day. No, she’d make damn sure she looked good, as if Lucas Wainright didn’t matter at all.

  She was already at work when everyone came in, trying to avoid all conversation and focus on the work. Within fifteen minutes, Stacia was in her office, hugging her. It was the hug that did her in, destroyed her good intentions and willpower. At the touch of her arms, Miranda’s eyes stung with tears.

  “We heard you and Lucas fought but no one knows what happened. What’s going on?”

  Miranda gave a small laugh that had no amusement in it. “Long story. Basically, my father was right about Lucas. He was looking for a way to take over the team and get us out.”

  Stacia leaned on the desk and studied her, brow furrowing. “How is that possible? I thought his advice helped the team?”

  “Sure it did, helped it just enough to get some investors interested in buying the Knights and installing him as president.” Miranda drew in a shuddering breath. “I only hope we caught on to the scheme in time.”

  “Lucas was planning that? I can’t believe it.”

  Miranda sighed. “He didn’t plan it. This was Roger’s idea. But Lucas went along with it. I heard him talking with Roger yesterday.”

  Stacia shook her head. “I’m sorry. I had no idea. Is there anything I can do?”

  Miranda cocked her head, thinking for a moment. “Yes, can you see if he’s still here? I told him to leave but I can’t really fire him since he doesn’t work for me.”

  “Did you want to see him?”

  “Absolutely not.” The words were swift and final. “I want him gone. I’ll call Roger if I have to. I just need to know.”

  Understanding dawned. “You don’t want to see him in the halls or in any meetings.”

  “Exactly. And if you do see him, let me know.”

  Stacia nodded. “Is there anything else? I could have Jason throw him out.”

  Miranda smiled at the visual. “While I’d like that, we need to be careful how we work with the league.”

  Maggie poked her head in the door. “Your father wants to see you. Can you head over there now?”

  Miranda nodded and stood, giving Stacia a quick hug. “Thanks for the support. I’ll get over it.”

  Stacia walked with her to the door. “If you need any girl talk or man-bashing, I’ll be there!”

  After a glance up and down the hall, Miranda walked the few steps to her father’s office, avoiding looking at the closed door where Lucas had worked. There was no indication that he was in there, or if he had cleared out. She was too cowardly to find out. But later, she’d have to muster her courage and deal with her mistake.

  She knocked and slipped in the door, nodding to her father. She was relieved to see it was just the two of them. Her worst fear would have been Lucas in the meeting too.

  “I looked for you yesterday but Maggie said you went home sick. Are you feeling better?”

  She nodded. “A headache. Nothing more. What did you need?”

  “Did you handle Cole?” he asked gruffly.

  “Of course, although we need to talk about that meeting.” She leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “We can’t go on like this. You need to bend, to consider other opportunities towards success. You have to let go of control.”

  “Goddamn it, why is everyone saying that? I’ve let go of enough control and look where it landed me – in the hospital. Now you want to take my team from me, the last thing I have, like Wainright and everyone else. Well, I won’t stand for it.”

  Miranda’s mouth gaped and she pressed her hand to her chest. “I had no idea you felt this way, Dad. Look, no one wants to take anything away. We want to help you and help make the Knights successful.”

  “Just because you have a fancy degree doesn’t mean you know more than I do. I’ve been doing this a long time and I know what I’m doing. We’re following my path and that’s the end of it.”

  “If we follow your plan, we’ll lose. And we’ll lose more than players. We’ll lose coaches, staff, people we need.”

  “We’ll find others. If they don’t want to be here, then they should leave.” He peered at her over his reading glasses. “Are you one of them?”

  She sat up straighter in her chair, hands folded primly on her lap. “As team president, I have a duty to the fans, the staff, and the shareholders. I’m advising you that we need to adjust course now or we’ll be in dire straits.”

  “Advice noted and ignored. If you bring this up again, you’re fired, along with your boyfriend, Wainright.”

  She paused, pain stabbing her heart. Finally, quietly, she said, “You don’t need to worry about Lucas any more. He’ll be leaving soon, if he isn’t already gone.”

  Seamus put his pen down and sat back in his chair, studying her intently. “I’d say I’m sorry but, honestly, I’m glad he’s gone.” And he picked up his pen again and began writing something on a pad of paper.

  “Aren’t you going to ask what happened?”

  “You finally figured out that he was here to steal my team?”

  Her mouth opened and closed a few times as words refused to be spoken.

  Finally, she stammered, “How did you know?”

  “Besides the fact that I knew he wanted the team? I know his boss, Roger. He’s been wanting me out of the league for years, since I almost got him fired eight years ago for negotiated a piss-poor deal with the player’s union. He saw his chance and sent his attack dog after me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He sighed and put the pen down again, then folded his hands on his stomach. “Honestly? I wanted to see if you had what it took to run this team. But you showed yourself to be naive and trusting, two qualities that will destroy you in business. So, knowing that, I’m not inclined to trust your advice on strategy right now.”

  “Then look at the results. Ticket sales, vendor sales, wins. All up. Since you came back, they’re down.”

  He froze and fixed a hard stare on her. “Are you saying that I’m destroying my team, I’m to blame for their reversal?”

  She swallowed but stood her ground, too tired of peacemaking and getting nowhere. “Yes, I am.” She walked around the desk and propped a hip on the edge, laying a hand on his arm. “Daddy, I’m worried for your health. This is too much for you. You need to look out for your health and leave the team to us.”

  He yanked his arm out from her hand. “I should have known. He’s corrupted you, turned you against me.”

  She drew back. “You’re being paranoid. I’m on your side. I’ve been running interference since you’ve been back, making excuses for you, trying to help you. Instead, you accuse me of turning against you? I’m just trying to help.”

  “Well, if you really want to help, then do what I tell you and leave me alone. And make sure everyone knows who signs their checks. Or they can find another position.” He stared meaningfully at her. “And that goes for you, too.”

  Stunned, she walked around the desk and faced him. “You won’t consider any other ideas?”

  “No.” His tone was final.

  “Fine. Then I’m giving my notice.”

  His shoulders sagged for a moment as he stared at her, probing to see if she truly meant it. She stood tall and firm, resolute in her decision, even as she quaked inside. She had given enough to this team. She couldn’t help the team or help her father. They had both defeated her. Either he would back down and accept her help or he would let her go.

  After a long moment, he snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. Get back to your office.”

  “Only if you take Prosser off the trading block and back off.” She swallowed and folded her shaking hands together to hide the nerves.

  “No.”

  “Then I quit. Effective immediately.”
/>
  He picked up his pen and starting scratching again. “I’ll expect your letter on my desk within the hour.”

  She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her, and she walked out of the office, closing the door quietly behind her. She leaned against the frame, her knees not able to hold her much longer. He had called her bluff. She never thought he would but there it was. Now she knew where she stood—well below the team.

  So be it. She pushed off the wall and headed for her office, calling Maggie to find some boxes.

  *

  “Tell me it isn’t true?” Cole demanded as he stormed in his office. “What the hell is going on around here? First Lucas, now you.”

  Miranda looked up from packing. “I gave him an ultimatum. He called it.”

  Cole shook his head. “And you convinced me to stay. Forget it. I can’t stay now.”

  Miranda sighed. “You can’t quit. You’re about the only one he’ll listen to. Maybe with me gone and Lucas, he’ll consider your ideas. And you can still make some of the changes on the sly. You did that before. Please stay, Cole. The Knights need you.”

  Cole sunk into a chair and rubbed his neck. “He’s imploding, Miranda. He fired his daughter for crissake. His daughter!”

  She grinned. “I know. I’m his daughter, remember? And he didn’t fire me. I quit.”

  Cole looked up, hope rising. “Do you think he’ll change his mind? Hire you back?”

  “You know my father. He’ll never admit he was wrong. No, I’ll have to find a new job.” Reality dawned and she sat heavily in her office chair. “Oh, my God. I have to find a new job. Where do I start?”

  Cole chuckled. “You’re just realizing that now? You didn’t think this through, did you?”

  She glared at him. “I was trying to help all of you.”

  “How did that work out? Okay, okay. I’m sorry. Seriously, what’s next?”

  She stood and threw one last picture frame in the box. “Do the best you can. Try to help him, please.”

  And she made an exit worthy of her best pageant days.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The elevator doors opened and Lucas stood inside, shocked to see the woman he had been looking for, standing there with a box of stuff in her arms. Not knowing what to say, there was too much he wanted to say, he went with the first thing that came to mind.

  “I thought I was the one who was supposed to clean out my desk.”

  He immediately regretted it when he saw her eyes, icy cold with a light sheen of something in there, as if she were barely holding things together. He grabbed the box and, after a token resistance, she gave it up.

  “What happened?”

  “Not your concern.” She clipped each word as if with a knife. “You can move into my office now, or just plan your redecorating. I won’t be needing it anymore.”

  He laid the box on a chair near the elevator and reached for her. She evaded him neatly, hugging her arms around her waist. The sight of the pain etched on her face cut him to the bone and he dropped his hands, burying them in his pockets.

  “I never meant for this to happen.”

  She arched a brow. “Really?”

  “Really.” He sighed. “Okay, I wanted to punish Seamus but you and the Knights weren’t supposed to be caught up in this mess.”

  “At least you’re not blaming Roger.” She sniffed.

  “I didn’t know his plans, but that’s no excuse.”

  “When did he tell you?” Her words were soft, broken.

  “April,” he admitted. “But I never agreed.”

  “And that should excuse you?”

  “What did you want me to do, Miranda? If I told you, would you have believed me?”

  “Maybe,” she cried, then her shoulders drooped. “Or not. I don’t know. Lucas, I can’t do this. Please. Just leave me alone, and stop calling.”

  “Miranda,” he began but she held up her hand.

  “No, it’s over. I need some time, space. Good luck helping the Knights, or whatever your next step is.” She pressed the button, picked up her box and walked into the elevator, effectively ending any chance he had with her.

  *

  “Are you fucking stupid or just mean?” Lucas burst into Seamus’s office, Ruth running after him. “What the hell were you thinking, firing Miranda? She’s the best thing that ever happened to this team?”

  Seamus looked up, unconcerned about the eruption. “Ruth, please close the door on your way out.” He barely spared Lucas a look. “I didn’t fire her. She resigned.”

  “Semantics. She wouldn’t have resigned unless you pushed her. What happened?”

  Seamus smirked at him. “I get the idea you had something to do with that. Something about making deals to take over as president for some new investors?”

  Lucas colored but held his calm. “That had nothing to do with Miranda and everything to do with your mismanagement of the team.”

  “Either way, it’s of no concern to you. I spoke with Roger and you’re done here. We no longer require your services. Be gone by the end of the day or I’ll have security escort you out. And they won’t be gentle.”

  “You’re either the stupidest man alive or the worst businessman I ever saw. Miranda is the best part of this team. She cares about the people and worked hard to try to save it for you. You don’t deserve her.”

  Seamus slammed his hands on his desk and rose to his feet. “Don’t you judge me. You don’t deserve her either.”

  “I never said I did,” Lucas said quietly. “I know now why she tried to help you. I feel sorry for you. You’re going to lose everything that matters to you – your team, your status, your money. But you’ve already lost the best thing that you ever had. Miranda.”

  He turned to leave. “I’ll be gone by the end of the day. But your troubles won’t go away so easily.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  After speaking with Roger, Lucas packed up his meager belongings from the office. Normally, it wouldn’t have taken him any time. He rarely put anything personal in his office. Much quicker to leave, no ties, no connections. However, the Knights were different. He packed his Knights coffee mug, a picture of him dressed as the mascot with the kids on Opening Day, and a picture of him with Miranda on Opening Day. He could probably leave the Knights merchandise here; he wasn’t an employee. He wasn’t part of the family. But he placed them in the box anyway, painful though they were.

  He glanced up and saw Cole Hammonds in the doorway, looking uncomfortable.

  “Are you here to make sure I leave and take nothing?”

  Cole advanced in the room and closed the door behind him. “No. I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how things went down. I wasn’t a big fan but you stayed pretty true to your word.”

  “Buttering me up for when I take over as president? I can tell you, that isn’t happening. Not here at least.”

  A ghost of a smile crossed Cole’s lips. “I knew you wouldn’t stay here, not after everything that happened.”

  “Then you’re the only one.” He hefted the box. “Look, if you ever decide to leave the Knights, let me know. I may know a few people.”

  Cole opened the door. “Thanks. I doubt my contract will be renewed.”

  “You had a good plan. Trust your instincts.” He paused. “Tell everyone goodbye. I’d prefer to slip away quietly.”

  Cole nodded and closed the door behind him.

  Lucas headed down the hallway. He had one last task to do before leaving forever. He had to let go of the past.

  *

  It was after hours and most of the staff had left for the day. Since the team was traveling, the offices were quiet and he was alone in the hallway. He laid the box on the floor and stared up at the picture of his father. The expected stab of anger and regret was gone as he looked at the man he had worshiped growing up, the man he felt he had let down many years ago.

  “I tried, Dad. It just wasn’t meant to be. I did my best. I’m sorry.” He sighed.
/>   What was he waiting for? A response?

  “He loved you.”

  Lucas jumped, startled at the voice coming from right next to him. He whirled around, half expecting to see no one there. Instead, Seamus Callahan stood there, hands clasped behind his back also studying Jacob Wainright’s picture.

  “He was a good man, your father. He cared about the people here and knew how to handle everyone. I was more the three-hundred-pound linebacker at a ladies’ tea, steamrolling over everyone and everything around me.”

  Lucas just stared at the older man, not really sure what to say. A part of him wanted to leave, but an inner voice told him to stay, so he waited and just listened.

  Seamus rocked back on his heels. “He never wanted you trapped by this team. He was hoping you’d love it like he did, but he knew you had to spread your wings, figure out your own future.”

  Lucas cleared his throat. “My brother and sister hated sports. Mom tolerated it for my dad’s sake. I was the only one who ever came to the office regularly with him. Then I told him I didn’t want to work for him, or the Knights. I don’t even remember what I wanted to do. Stupid.”

  Seamus gave a small laugh. “Your father was disappointed but thought you’d come around. Then, when he was diagnosed with cancer, he came to me and asked me to buy him out. He didn’t want to leave a lodestone around your family’s neck. He wanted you to be able to go to college, find your path and be happy. Same with your brother and sister.” He turned to Lucas. “I didn’t steal the team from your family.”

  Lucas nodded. “I think I always knew that but it was easier to blame you than admit that I’m the reason my father gave up his dream.”

  Seamus frowned. “The team wasn’t his dream. His family was. Something I never quite understood until recently.” He sighed. “I’ve made many mistakes in my life, most of them in the past few weeks with Miranda.”

  “You sure did. She was the best thing that ever happened to you or the Knights.”

  “And to you,” Seamus added, softly. “We both blew it with her, didn’t we?”