Page 6 of Walk Off

“I actually haven’t met her yet. I went to college with Benji.”

Shane’s wife, Allana, swatted him on the shoulder. “Stop trying to intimidate the man.” Allana looked back to Kyle. “He takes his role as Cassidy’s brother very seriously.”

“You’re Cassidy’s brother?” Kyle was befuddled. He’d had no clue they were related.

“I am,” Shane said.

He didn't pay attention to gossip, trying at all costs to ignore it, which was why he'd probably never heard that his friend was marrying the sister of the owner of the team he happened to play for. He imagined that had been a little odd in the beginning.

“Oh look, there’s Benji and Cassidy now!” Mae said excitedly. “Why don’t you go say hi?”

Kyle did just that, walking up to his old friend.

“Kyle!” Benji said, grabbing him and giving him a hug. “It’s so good to see you, man.”

“It’s good to see you too.” They stepped apart. “Congratulations.”

Benji grinned from ear to ear. “This gorgeous lady is my wife, Cassidy. Cass, this is Kyle Dulanay.”

Cassidy blinked several times looking from Benji to him, but then she smiled and said, “It’s nice to meet you.” She gave Benji a quick hug. “You two talk while I grab a new drink.”

Benji pulled her back to him before she could walk away and kissed her soundly. Kyle felt like he should look away but it was over before he had the chance.

“I can't believe you’re married,” Kyle said.

“Believe it.” Benji couldn’t stop smiling and Kyle felt more than a little envious of his old friend. “Cassidy is amazing and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

“Sorry I missed the ceremony. My plane was delayed more than once.”

Benji waved it off. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters. Let me introduce you to a few people.”

“Speaking of, I happened to meet your new brother-in-law a few minutes ago. You never told me Cassidy was Shane Bradley’s sister.”

“The fact that you didn’t know tells me that you still don’t pay any attention to the media or gossip.”

“A long time ago, you were the same, if I remember correctly.” Benji hated the media and avoided it at all costs when they were younger.

“You’re not wrong. But I’ve learned that sometimes the media can be useful. And it helps that my agent is a rockstar.”

That he knew. His own agent, Barry, out of a California firm, was always talking about this small firm in Valley Falls that was taking over. Kyle had wondered many times if he should approach them and think about switching.

“Oh look, there’s Dallas and Ruby. You know Dallas Ramos, right?”

Shit, this was it. The moment he’d been thinking about since he’d gotten the invitation to the wedding. “Uh yeah, we’ve met a few times over the years.” They got closer and closer to Dallas and Ruby and Kyle swore anyone walking by could hear his heart beating.

“Ruby is great, you'll love her too and she has a sister, Celia who is one of Cassidy’s best friends.”

Kyle stopped walking abruptly. If Celia was one of Cassidy’s best friends, did that mean she was there? “Celia is here?” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.

Benji stopped walking, turning to look at him. “You know Celia?” His face showed confusion but Kyle couldn’t worry about that. All he could worry or think about was that he was going to get to see Celia.

“Where is she?” Panic on a level he’d never felt before set in. He needed to see her now. As soon as possible.

Benji stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. “Man, are you okay?”

He shook his head. “Celia. I need to see Celia.” He was frantic but knowing she was there did something to him. Things he hadn't felt in eight years came rushing back.

Feelings he couldn’t deny no matter how hard he tried.

---