Emma didn’t have to finish her thought. I knew exactly what she was implying.
If Lexi was like that while married to Jacob, then it wasn’t all that surprising they got divorced.
“How shocked were you finding out she was married to Jacob before?” Callie asked.
“Pretty shocked,” I admitted. “I knew he was married before and that she was a piece of work. But had no idea it was someone I knew.”
“Was it awkward at work today because of it?” Charlotte asked.
I shook my head. “Not really. We don’t interact much and because I’ve quit, it’s not like she can really do anything to me to retaliate about dating her ex-husband.”
Callie shuddered dramatically. “Can you imagine working there knowing that she’s his ex? You’d have to see her every day and worry about her trying something on the sly with you.”
“I’m not gonna lie, that’s one reason I decided to resign. I’d been thinking about it for a while because I wasn’t fulfilled. But her acting that way this weekend showed me that I deserved to have a job I was excited and passionate about. I don’t have to deal with her because I wasn’t staying.”
“I’m glad you realized that,” Emma said. “A lot of people don’t and become stuck.”
We lapsed into silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable or strained. It was natural.
“Can we stop talking about depressing shit?” Callie asked. “Let’s talk about something more fun, like that new third baseman they brought in to take Jacob’s place.” Callie cut her eyes to me and grimaced. “Sorry, is that inappropriate?”
I shook my head. “Nope. Go for it. I don’t mind.”
And I didn’t. I knew none of them wanted Jacob to be injured and out for the rest of the season. And I couldn’t deny that the new third baseman was hot. Even with Jacob sharing my bed, even I had to admit that. I had eyes.
As I listened to my friends chatter around me, I realized I was thankful for them coming to see me and for being in my life. Without them, I’d likely be a miserable sack sitting on my couch alone, lamenting what happened.
Instead, I had happy conversation happening, and I realized I was finally moving on in the way I was supposed to. And it felt great.
41
Zoe
Two months later…
Time passed quickly after Jacob’s injury.
I finished my two weeks at the bank and started working full time at the Java Hut. Noah went in with me most days when he didn’t have practices or games once summer break started.
My parents took some time off and went on a vacation, their first in almost a decade.
I felt bad when I realized it had been that long.
And me, I kept falling deeper in love with Jacob.
“When are you talking to Chase about your decision?” I asked him one night while we were cooking dinner together.
He was out of the hard cast and into an air cast, but still couldn’t stay on his foot for too long.
He sighed and continued chopping the vegetables I’d placed in front of him a few moments before.
“Next week. I didn’t want to wait this long, but with the championship run…”
He trailed off, and I nodded. I got what he meant. He didn’t want to distract the team from the end of the season.
“Are you sad you weren’t able to play before everything ended?”
Jacob said nothing at first, just kept chopping the vegetables.
After a few moments of silence, he placed the knife down and looked at me, where I was leaning against the counter across from him.
“Yeah, a little. I would have loved to play one more game with the guys. But the person who’s replacing me is really good. He gels with the team, and even if I was healed, I’m not sure I would have been the right choice to go back out there. I’ve been out too long and it might throw the mojo off.”
“Orrrr…” I started, drawing it out, “you would have helped them go even further.”
Jacob picked the knife back up and shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll never know.”
“True.”
I turned and stirred the Alfredo sauce that was bubbling on the stove before turning on the burner under the water pot.
“How do you think everyone is going to react to you stepping down?” I asked him, checking the chicken in the oven, and snagging my wine glass before turning back to him.
Jacob sighed. “I honestly don’t know. I think Derek might know something is up. Chase might, too. They’ve both asked me about a contract renewal, but I’ve been putting them off.”
“Will they be mad you didn’t tell them?”
He raised a shoulder. “Hard to say. Of the two of them, I think Chase will be the most likely to understand. His career ended after he tore his rotator cuff.”
I winced. “That sucks.”
Jacob nodded. “Yeah. He hoped to go back, so it’s even worse for him because he was never able to step back on the mound as a pitcher.”
I said nothing and turned back to the stove, getting my pasta ready for when the water boiled.
“You’re sure you want to step down and take that job offer?” I asked Jacob, keeping my gaze on the simmering sauce.
“Yeah, I’m sure. If nothing else, this time off has shown me I’m ready to move on. I’ve enjoyed spending the time with Noah, helping him. And I don’t miss it all that much.”
I nodded. I believed him. I’d seen how happy he was with Noah in the backyard, tossing the ball around, helping him with his batting, and going to his games.
And I’d watched as Noah flourished under Jacob’s attention and instruction.
They were two peas in a pod.
That was also why I was about to ask Jacob something major.
I checked the time; Noah would be home any minute. If I didn’t want to wait till later, I needed to ask Jacob now.
I grabbed my wine glass and took a healthy sip of it before placing it back down and turning back to Jacob. He was done chopping, so I grabbed everything from him and slid the vegetables into the salad bowl.
I wiped my hand on my towel as I stared at the man I was in love with.
“Your lease is up soon, right?” I asked.
Jacob nodded and sipped his beer. “Yeah, next month.”
I nodded as well and rubbed my hands against my shorts. “You going to renew?”
Jacob shrugged. “Hadn’t decided yet. Place isn’t a shit hole, but I don’t know that I want to keep living there.”
I nodded again. This was all stuff we’d talked about the week before, but I was nervous. This was a big step for me.
“Do you want to move in here?” I asked.
Jacob paused with his beer bottle halfway to his mouth. “What?”
I swallowed thickly and asked again. “Do you want to move in here?”
Jacob said nothing for a few beats, just stared with his beer bottle frozen in place.
He cleared his throat and lowered his hand. “Can you come over here?”
I nodded and slowly made my way toward him. When I was close enough to touch, he wrapped his hand around mine and tugged me until I was standing between his spread knees, his arms around my waist, almost no space between us.
“You want me to move in?”
I nodded.
“Is Noah okay with that?”
I nodded again. “Yeah. He asked a few weeks ago why you weren’t already living with us.”
My cheeks heated at that admission. There were still some things I didn’t want to discuss with my nephew and the state of my relationship was one of them.
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I want to see you every day and not have to work around schedules. I want to wake up with you, and go to bed with you.”
My vision blurred as I spoke, as I realized how much I wanted him to move in with us. I was ready for the next step, but I understood he might not be there yet.
“I guess I should tell my landlord I’m movi
ng out then.”
I gasped, the knot of emotion in my throat relaxing at his words, and put my head on his shoulder.
“Really?” I whispered.
“Yeah, really. I’m with you. I want to see you first thing in the morning, and right before I go to bed. I want to be here for everything with you and Noah.”
I blew out a shaky breath, reveling in the feeling of his arms wrapped around me before straightening.
“I need to check what’s on the stove.”
Jacob chuckled and released me. As I walked back to the stove, I dashed at the tears trying to roll down my cheeks, tried to ignore how hard it was to see what was in the pots in front of me.
The front door opened, and Noah called out, “Is dinner ready?”
“Just about!” Jacob called back.
I shot him a smile over my shoulder. There was no way I could speak yet.
He grinned at me.
Noah dropped his bags and walked toward where we were in the kitchen.
“God, whatever you’re making smells good, Aunt Z.”
He came over and pressed a kiss to my cheek, then grabbed a water from the fridge.
He said something to Jacob, and I was sure they were doing their man handshake. But I didn’t look.
The water was boiling, and the heat was terrible. That’s why my vision was still blurry. It wasn’t because I was emotional about everything.
“Dinner will be ready in a few,” I said in a hoarse voice. “Get ready.”
By the time I drained the pasta, the table was set, and everything was over there except for the main dish, which I plated at the stove.
As we sat down, Jacob squeezed my hand.
“Before we dig in, I just wanted to say that I’m thankful to be here tonight, and I’m even more thankful to be moving in soon.”
“You’re moving in?” Noah asked.
I looked at him and caught the joyous look on his face before he was out of his chair and beside Jacob, his arms wrapped around him.
My eyes widened in shock as Jacob hugged him back.
Noah said something, but it was too low for me to hear.
When he pulled back, his eyes were red, and he excused himself from the table.
“Everything okay?” I asked Jacob.
He nodded. “Yeah, everything’s fine. He’s just feeling emotional about it is all. He’s thrilled. Told me as much.”
I nodded, but kept my gaze pinned on the door to the kitchen, willing him to walk back through.
A few minutes later, he returned. I couldn’t even tell he’d been crying.
“Since Jacob is moving in, does that mean we can set up the mini-batting cage in the backyard now?”
Jacob laughed, and I shook my head. I should have known Noah would ask something like that.
42
Jacob
I sat on the bench in front of my cubby, staring at my name over it, my jersey hanging inside.
It was bittersweet sitting there, knowing that it was the last time.
The locker room was empty. The season was over, and most everyone wouldn’t be back until after the New Year unless they were using the facilities to workout.
I’d have to reach out to them individually to say my goodbyes.
I sighed and dragged my duffel closer to me, placing my personal items inside.
I’d already given notice to the owner and talked to the people I needed to upstairs.
All that was left was to go into Chase’s office and let him know I was done.
Though I had said nothing, I thought Chase already knew that I wouldn’t be returning. I’d taken on more of a coaching-type role with my injury, and if someone brought up my going back on the field, I changed the subject.
I zipped my bag and checked my cubby, looking it over one last time before placing my bag in it and heading to Chase’s office next door.
I knocked on the door lightly, and Chase called, “Come in!”
I pushed the door open and saw Chase sitting at his desk, pouring over something in the book that was in front of him.
Chase glanced up at me, studied me for a beat, then carefully closed the book, leaning back in his chair. “What’s up, Vaughn?”
I cleared my throat and glanced around before stepping further inside and closing the door behind me. “You got a minute?”
Chase tilted his head to the side and looked at me. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”
Now that I was here and it was time to talk to him, I was worried. My nerves were all over the place.
My leg started jiggling, and my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest.
It was now or never.
I licked my lips. “I’m not returning next season.”
Chase stared at me for a few beats. “Have you been traded or picked up by someone else? I haven’t heard about your contract, so I’ve been wondering.”
I shook my head. “Nah, nothing like that. I told my agent not to seek any renewals and to hold off people who pushed.”
I paused, watching as realization dawned on his face.
He glanced down toward my feet, one of which was in an air cast.
“So you’re quitting?”
“I think retiring is the phrase.”
Chase said nothing, and I cleared my throat before continuing. “I realized that while I love playing, after my injury, that love has dimmed. I want to stay involved, but not be a player.”
Chase nodded, and I continued. “I got a job as a sports anchor for a station in Raleigh. I’ll be doing some announcing for local teams during the season, but also doing some recaps on television.”
Silence greeted my words.
I stared at Chase, trying to get a read on what he was thinking.
He finally smiled. “I hate that you’re leaving the team, but I think you’ll be a great addition for them. Your attention to detail when reviewing footage and the amount of knowledge you have is unparalleled.”
I smiled and relaxed. A weight had been lifted, and I felt like things were finally coming together.
I’d been dreading telling him and eventually the team, because I knew they’d be disappointed. I was a little disappointed to leave the team as well, but I knew it was the right decision to make.
“I assume you’ve already talked to the people up top?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I talked to the owner earlier, and completed my paperwork before coming down here.”
Chase blew out a breath, shaking his head. “Man, I know what you’re going through right now, though my injury was worse. No offense.”
I chuckled. “None taken. I think tearing your rotator cuff is way worse than my break.”
Chase shrugged. “They’re equally challenging. But I know what it feels like to decide to step away from playing and move into another sphere. If you need someone to talk to about it, let me know. Happy to talk to you.”
I grinned. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
“That said,” Chase said, leaning forward. “You told any of your teammates?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. I figured I’d reach out.”
Chase grinned. “Nah, I’ll handle it. You know we usually do a big party to do it up for whoever retires, right?”
I sighed. “I was hoping to avoid that…”
“I know you were, but you aren’t going to be so lucky. Suck it up, man. You’ll be so drunk you’ll pass out on third base.”
I barked out a laugh. “If you say so.”
Silence stretched between us until Chase stood, holding his hand out. “I hate to see you go, but I look forward to seeing your next chapter.”
I clasped his hand. “Thanks, man. Means a lot.”
With one last nod, he released me and sat back down. “I’ll see you around.”
I turned and headed back to the locker room to grab my bag and head out.
“What are you doing here?” Derek asked as I stepped inside.
I paused when I heard his voice, not realiz
ing anyone had shown up while I was talking to Chase.
I continued to my cubby. “Meeting with Chase.”
“What about?”
I glanced at Derek; his gaze was intent on me. I wasn’t lying or joking when I told Zoe I thought Derek might have an idea I was retiring.
I sighed and walked over to him. “I just told him I was retiring.”
Derek didn’t say or do anything for a few beats. “Retiring?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yeah. I got a job at a local news station.”
He stared at me for a few beats. “Is this because of your injury?”
I shrugged. “Yes, and no. It was a catalyst, but I’d already been thinking about what was going to happen after this season. The injury forced me to make my decision before I thought I’d have to.”
Derek nodded and sighed. “Man, it’s going to be weird not having you on the field with us.”
“No kidding,” King said as he stepped into the locker room. His arms were crossed, he looked pissed. “I’m going to have to train a new third baseman to be good.”
I winced. “When did you get here?”
“Same time Derek did. We rode together. You’re retiring?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’m getting my stuff today.”
King sighed. “Fuck. I have to figure out how to make the new kid read my plays and signs.”
I laughed. “Haven’t you already figured that out? You’ve been playing with him for a few months now.”
King rolled his eyes. “Yeah, to a point. But we had years to get our shit together. It’s going to take me years to get him to where I like it. Then I’ll probably retire or he’ll be traded. Fuck, man.” King shook his head. “I’m happy for you, but pissed I lose my favorite third baseman.”
King wasn’t the nicest of guys, though he’d gotten better when he met his girlfriend, Charlotte.
The two of us had always got along and played well together. I understood why King might be upset about me leaving. King expected a lot out of the other players in the infield and it took a while for the dynamic of the starters to mesh well enough that King wasn’t glaring at us all the time.
I’d just fucked that up for good.
The Slider (Boys of Summer Book 5) Page 20