Page 78 of The Trouble with Players

“So, maybe Crew will show up for that,” she offered.

“He missed playing in front of scouts. Why would he come back for a game?” I asked.

“None of this makes any sense,” she said.

“Maybe he played me.”

“Peyton.”

“Maybe his first impression of me never faded. Maybe us being together was just a nasty game. Maybe it was payback for me flipping out that first day.”

“If it really had been to get back at you, why disappear before his opportunity to play in front of the scouts? If this was about you, why would he miss his big shot?”

“That’s what’s so crazy,” I said. “Will you do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“If he by some slim chance shows up at the game tonight, will you call me?”

“Of course,” she said.

* * *

I lay in my bed feeling more alone than I had in a long time. Even the crashing of ocean waves outside my window did little to calm my mind. I picked up my phone and called my mom. She answered on the second ring. “Hi, sweetie.”

“Are you busy?”

“I’m never too busy for you.”

I sighed.

“Uh oh. What’s going on?” she asked.

Where did I even start? My boyfriend disappeared. I’ve been having panic attacks. Dad slapped me. “I started dating someone.”

“That’s great!” she said, excited for the details. “Who is he?”

“Well…actually…the baseball player we’re hosting. Crew.”

Her tone instantly changed. “Does your father know?”

“Why is it any of his business?” I asked.

“Because the two of you are dating and living under the same roof. Can’t you see how that could be a bit of an issue?” she asked.

“Well, there’s nothing for either of you to worry about,” I explained. “He left.”

“What do you mean he left? The season’s not over yet.”

“His mom showed up, and I accused her of being a whore.”

“What?!”

“I guess you could say I jumped to conclusions.”

“I’ll say. Was Crew upset over that?” she asked, trying to understand what one thing had to do with the other.

“That’s’ the thing. He wasn’t. He said he’d explain everything to her. And then he disappeared.”

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