by Alice Ward
The guys were gushing over Bobby “Spaceman” Delaney visiting their practice, and it didn’t take long for my dad to absorb all their admiration, leaving me on the sidelines to watch as he sucked up their attention.
I watched as they all swarmed him, listening so intensely to the advice I’d heard my entire life. “Never change your swing, just your position,” he told them.
He gripped the bat, showing them how he choked up or down, and how he moved to keep from being jammed up, or to get away from a curve ball. Todd was especially interested, listening to how easy it was to tell when a batter was in a lull.
“The catcher is the one watching this fancy footwork. They need to know where each batter stands, where they choke the bat, and not just how they swing.” Dad spoke like he was teaching a little league, and the guys listened like they’d never heard such great advice.
“Watch the batter’s hands, where they are on the bat, and where they pull with the swing,” he told Calvin directly. “That’s how you know where that ball’s goin’.” He spoke with such confidence it gave me goosebumps to listen.
He pulled Calvin and Luke aside, showing them a few of his favorite pitches. The arch slider and the screwball were the ones he swore by, saying they could take any batter out — any batter. “You have to know when to use ‘em,” he smirked, patting Calvin on the back.
The coach kept Bobby around for practice, using him to help give the guys some more pointers. Spaceman didn’t shy away from the task, running out to the mound, squatting next to Todd, and standing next to Ace, pointing in the direction of the batter as he no doubt provided some super useful tip. He was seasoned, experienced, and had seen more than most of them ever would during their career. Even Blake soaked up his knowledge, which I was certain he’d already heard before.
I loved watching him out on the field. It took me back to the days I cherished and made me realize my father, even though broke, was still a legend and a great man.
“I’m gonna catch up with this beautiful lady,” Bobby said to the players as they rushed into the locker rooms.
He moved toward me, taking the seat next to me. “So how’s it going?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“It’s going great,” I said, unsure why he was intruding. Had Rhett told him something?
“I know it couldn’t be easy adjusting to a nine-to-five,” he said.
“More like five-to-nine, but it’s actually been great,” I admitted, feeling pride as I spoke.
His arm wrapped around me. That familiar scent of Old Spice wafted under my nose. “I noticed that Morris character giving you some looks. He sweet on you?” he asked. Good God, he didn't miss a thing!
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Like hell you don’t. I saw you giving him the same sweet looks,” he chuckled.
I hated that he had such a keen eye. It was great in baseball, but here, right now, it was just annoying.
“You’re being ridiculous.” I laughed, knowing my cheeks were turning blood red.
“Pretty smart, Kitty-Kat,” he said, making me cringe at the name once again. His hand gripped my shoulder, squeezing it tightly as he pulled me closer to him. “Snatching up a player’s worth a pretty penny.”
My stomach rolled with disgust of what he was saying, what he was insinuating. “I didn’t come here to snatch anyone up,” I snapped.
“He’s a daredevil too, great pick. Just be sure you get listed as the beneficiary on the insurance forms before the fool offs himself.”
Anger boiled in my veins, rushing through me like fire. “How—?”
“Hang on to that one. Hell, maybe he’ll even float your old man a loan so I can get back on my feet.” He laughed and squeezed me tighter against him.
“Just because you gambled everything away, it doesn’t mean it’s up to me to ‘snatch’ a player and get you back on your feet,” I snapped, having heard enough.
“I understand. You have to look out for you first,” he said calmly.
My mind raced with ways to tell him what an ass he was being, but my lips didn’t move. I was stunned, highly disappointed, and more than a little hurt by his insinuations.
His eyes moved over my shoulder. My heart sank deep into my chest as I turned to see who he was looking at.
Todd.
Oh my God, Todd.
How much had he heard?
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Todd
I was still concerned as to why Kat hadn’t told me Bobby was coming to town. We’d spent so many nights talking, about everything. Why wouldn’t she want me to know?
The guys were all planning a night on the town, still gleaming from their one-on-one tips from a favorite baseball legend. “You coming out tonight?” Luke asked, nudging me on the side as he walked by.
“I’m not sure,” I replied, wondering if Katrina would be occupied with her dad, or possibly want me to join them for dinner.
A bunch of the guys were riled up, slapping each other with towels, dancing, and even singing out of tune. It would’ve been a great time to bond with the team, but Kat was heavy on my mind. Why didn’t she at least let me know so we could plan around the visit? I wasn’t sure where I was expected to be. In her bed tonight? With her now?
A quick “thank you” to Bobby would get me close to her, and possibly an answer to some, if not all of my questions. I ducked out of the locker room unnoticed and made my way to the stands where Kat and her dad were catching up.
Their conversation sounded serious, so I didn’t want to intrude, but I was already too close to avoid overhearing. His words, her words, what the fuck were they saying?
Bobby’s broke?
Kat came here to land a player with money?
Was she that good of an actress? Was I that stupid?
My pulse raced and sweat beaded up around my brow as I listened to the conversation I wished I’d never heard. Bobby’s eyes landed on mine, solid and without remorse. But, Kat’s, oh God, Kat’s eyes were filled with horror. Yeah, she’d been caught in a lie. A big one.
I was frozen in my spot, unable to move for what felt like minutes. My heart beat so hard I could hear it slamming against my chest, and the sweat poured down my temples as I fought back everything I wanted to say, to do.
“Todd,” Kat called out, standing and moving toward me.
Suddenly, my feet broke loose and I turned. There was no way in hell I was ready to listen to anything she had to say.
“Todd!”
Her voice echoed down the corridor as I rushed to the exit. I didn’t turn back. What a fool I’d been.
The Florida sun was hot, beaming down on my face as I made my way to the parking lot. One of the shuttles had already arrived, and I started to climb aboard as my name was called out once again. Luke waved furiously in the air to get my attention as I turned toward him. “Over here,” he motioned to the black shuttle pulling into the lot.
“Nah, I’m good,” I said as he approached me.
“You look like you can use a drink. Everything okay?” he asked.
No, it wasn’t fuckin’ okay, but I couldn’t tell him that. I couldn’t tell anyone. “Yeah, I’m great. A drink would be nice.”
A smile spread across his face, his hand slapped my back. “Good.”
The black shuttle pulled up behind the other, opened its doors, and Luke pushed me toward it with his hand on my back. Inside, the set up was much different than the one we used daily to get back and forth from practice. Tables with booths lined each side, one large circular sofa curled at the back of the bus, and bright blue lights lined the walkway.
“A party bus?” I asked, grinning at Luke, who I knew was a notorious party boy.
“We’ve got a day off tomorrow.” He laughed, still grinning from ear to ear.
I sat down at the first table as some of the other players came aboard. Blake sat down beside me, Kane moved toward the back with Luke, and everyone else just spread out around us. “It wa
s good to see ole Spaceman,” Blake said.
That name wasn’t one I wanted to hear. In fact, it sickened me. Fuck Spaceman, and his daughter.
Calvin popped his head in the door of our shuttle, grinning. “Have fun fellas,” he said.
“Malone… come with us,” Luke shouted from the back of the bus.
He shook his head, chuckled, and then disappeared. Ace jumped up the stairs, let out a roar, and the guys all went wild. “Wild man, let’s go start some shit!” Luke shouted.
“Oh no, boys. My days of partying like a fool are over. You all enjoy, and don’t do anything I’d do.” He laughed, mussed Blake’s hair, and then followed Calvin to the other shuttle.
They were both happy. Their girls were waiting on them, and I was being carted off to some bar, Lord only knows where, in a damn sausage mobile.
How could I’ve been so stupid? She was good, I’d give Katrina Delaney that much. My mind spiraled out of control, wondering how I didn’t see any of the signs. Of course she was broke. She didn’t have a car, ate cheap pizza, never paid for anything, and had no apartment in New York. Her dad was loaded and had several nice places around the city. Hell, Katrina Delaney wouldn’t stay in a player’s condo if she didn’t have to. She’d be at the Ritz, ordering up room service and enjoying the day spa. Yeah, it was official, I was a fuckin’ idiot.
Was she even afraid of heights? Maybe that was just a ploy to get my attention. It was no secret I was an adrenaline junkie, so what better way to get under my skin than to act like a frightened little girl who’d never experienced anything? Yeah, right. Bobby Delaney was a wild man. No way would he raise a kid that scared of life.
The shuttle stopped in front of a bar with rounded green shutters over the windows and door. It was a relief to get a drink in my hand, but the guys just wanted to talk about Spaceman’s visit. I ordered a shot, sat at the table with Luke and Kane, who seemed more interested in the bartender’s tits than Spaceman.
“How you like the team so far?” Kane asked, eyeing the bartender over my shoulder.
“I’m looking forward to kicking the Mets’ ass during regular play,” I said, lifting the shot to my lips. That first drink was rough, and it burned like hell going down. I knew the rest would be much smoother. I was lookin’ forward to that.
“Oh shit, babysitter alert,” Luke mumbled, motioning toward the door.
“At least she’s sweet to look at,” Kane said, a smile forming slowly on his face.
I didn’t want to turn around. I didn’t want to see her.
“Yeah, maybe she’ll spank me if I’m real, real bad.” Luke laughed.
My body tightened at the memory of her red bottom during our first night together. I shifted in my seat to adjust my jeans after my dick started to swell. Fuck her, it was all just a game.
“Todd, can I talk to you?” Katrina’s voice was soft and very close.
I didn’t turn around. I sipped my beer. “I’m busy.”
She walked in front of me, standing there with her big tender eyes, red cheeks, and pouty lips. God, she was beautiful.
“I just need to talk to you,” she said softly.
“So, talk.”
“Alone?” she whispered.
I laughed. Little miss perfect didn’t want to look stupid in front of the players. The players she was supposed to be making look good? Ha. How was she gonna spin this?
“Anything you need to say, you can say right here.”
She cleared her throat, shifted her weight to her left leg, and fidgeted with her hands. I wasn’t budging, no matter how fuckin’ cute and irresistible she was.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my dad,” she said sternly.
The table was already quieting with her presence, but now, it was silent. She stood there, nervous. Her voice was cracking as she cleared her throat.
“You mean lied. You lied to me about your dad. And you.”
The guys were staring, Kane especially. It was obvious this wasn’t work related. He winked at me over his bottle as he tipped it to take a sip. I was shocked that Katrina was outing herself in front of the players. Wasn’t she worried about her job? I knew how much she needed it now.
“I didn’t officially lie. My parents didn’t want their misfortune in the media. They didn’t want anyone to know,” she said as her eyes began to well up with tears. “He lost everything. My dad is a great man, but he’s an idiot when it comes to gambling. Always the next big payout, that’s how he lived, what he lived for. He lost it all, but it wasn’t my secret to tell,” she stammered as she gathered herself.
The woman who strived to appear perfect, who worked to hide any imperfections, not only in herself but others as well, stood here, imperfect, bearing it all freely. My heart ached for her. I wanted to reach out and hug her, pull her into me and kiss her soft lips. I needed to wipe away her tears from those beautiful reddened cheeks, lay her down, and make sweet love to her.
“What he said was out of line. I never had intentions of falling for anyone while here. I was here to do a job, that’s it.” She sniffled, wiped her tears, and waited for my reaction.
I'd felt like a fool once. I didn’t want to feel that again. It took a lot for her to do what she was doing, I knew that. I still didn’t know if I could trust her, if I should trust her. But… her words, “falling for anyone” stuck in my heart like an arrow. She’d fallen for me?
My eyes narrowed, my chin stiffened, and I reached for my beer. “You should’ve told me. I don’t know what to believe now.” I sucked the last of the alcohol from the bottle.
Kane leaned in as she walked away. A part of me wanted to run after her, to tell her it was okay. But it wasn’t okay. This could have been another tactic to get what she wanted. What if it was a sob story to get into my wallet? No, thanks.
“You two an item?” he asked, his lips curving into a crooked smile.
“Nah. Just a hookup,” I said, motioning for the bartender.
As I turned, I noticed Katrina sitting at the table with Blake. He consoled her as she wiped away her tears. Those tears looked real, but then again, so did everything else. I was a poor judge of character, that’s what my sister always told me. I always managed to get the wrong girl, hang out with the wrong friend, and even help the wrong people. Look what helping got me last time. Kicked off the only team I’d ever loved. If I’d kept to myself, picked up my bike and rode on, the media would’ve never been up my ass, and I’d still be with the Mets.
Kane was asking questions, pushy ones. “How long has this been going on?” was the last one I heard before everything turned blurry. I wasn’t sure how many shots I’d drank, or how long I’d been at the bar, but I remember Katrina over me while I was in bed.
“Help me lift him up,” she said softly. Who the fuck was she talking to? Her face was angelic, beautiful, and honest. How could she be such a liar?
Kane was grinning at me. “You had a little too much fun,” he laughed.
Fun? I didn’t remember having any fun.
“Weemon art snathes,” I slurred, and laughed at my own disability.
“You have a good one here,” he said, patting me on the shoulder as he slid me up to my pillow.
My body was limp, useless. Even trying to help raise myself up, I couldn’t do. I’d pay dearly for this in the morning. It didn’t matter. Any pain was better than what I’d felt all night.
The sound of a door pulled me back into reality. I must’ve passed out. Everyone was gone, except Kat. She placed a wet cloth on my head, gently patting it to cool my skin. “Are you okay alone, or do you want me to stay?” she asked.
“Don’t have to sneak around now,” I chuckled.
“No, I guess not.”
Her head fell to my chest. Her warmth was so comfortable, so familiar, that I wanted to snuggle up and fall asleep with her in my arms. I wanted to forget about everything. Why couldn’t I?
“I don’t need you to stay,” I managed to spit out, colder than inte
nded.
She rose up, stared at me with tear filled eyes, and offered a soft smile. “Okay. I’m truly sorry, but I understand.”
She was gone. My bed spun, shadows swayed along my walls, and my stomach felt like I’d swallowed battery acid. I did need her. But she was gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Katrina
I made up an excuse about work in order to ditch the evening with my dad. I hated missing time with my mother, but Todd was my top priority. It sucked to spill my dirty laundry in front of the players. My professionalism flew out the door when my eyes welled up with tears, I knew that. Kane continued comforting me while I watched Todd slam down shot after shot.
That look in his eye when I told him about my dad, exposed myself, and poured out my soul made me believe there was a chance. But after he sent me from his room, it was obvious it was over. I’d messed up.
The bottle of wine I’d planned on sharing with Todd that night was chilling in the fridge. I grabbed a glass, kicked off my shoes, and fell back onto the couch before pouring it to the rim. The emptiness in the air, in my soul, was almost too much to bear. I had to do something to take my mind from the pain.
My phone went wild with alerts, mostly about Spaceman’s visit to the field. I’d posted quite a few pictures, and comments had been flooding in while I was at the bar watching Todd drink me away.
“Always a pleasure to be part of a winning team,” my dad posted.
It meant a lot to me that he was taking such an interest in my work, but I was still angry as hell. Why couldn’t he just keep his big mouth shut? I knew he meant well, even though it was extremely inappropriate and crass. I clung to my glass of wine, leaned back on the couch, and tried to forget the day.
A knock on the door brought me back to life quickly. I jumped up, rushed to the door, hoping to find Todd on the other side. Janice Delaney, my mother, stood in the hall looking so out of place with her over the top wardrobe.
“I wanted to check on you before we left,” she said.