Page 48 of Bad Ball Hitter

“By going on a date?” I ask, earning a stern glare.

“He’s the bank president. A new program is supposed to help first-time small business owners. He’s offered to review the financials and help me apply for the loan.”

I shift in my seat, not liking the sound of this at all. “Are you sure this is legit? I mean, he’s meeting you in a café.”

“After he left the other day, I looked up the bank he represents, and he told the truth.” She glances over her shoulder at Jake, but he isn’t paying us attention. He’s too busy playing with his Spiderman toy. “Besides, he’s been a loyal customer.”

A million emotions swirl through me, and none has any right to be there. But I can’t stop the burning inside me at the thought of another man vying for her attention. Then I recall what Miranda had said the other day. “Is this the customer with the Tibetan Mastiff? The one who likes you?”

Her cheeks deepen in color. Does she like this fucker back?

“Yes, he’s the one with the dog, but our relationship is strictly platonic.”

Our gaze meets and holds momentarily.

“If you need money, I’d be more than happy to help,” I say before I can stop myself.

“I could never ask that of you.”

“Just saying. If I get the contract I’m after, I’ll have plenty to spare.” I flash her a pearly white smile. “I just need enough to get by.”

That caused her to smile at the line from our past, but her smile turned sad. She probably remembered the rest of the phrase. The entire sentence went like this: I just need enough to get by as long as you’re beside me.

“I never asked why they traded you to the Bears.”

“Keeping tabs on me?” I grin.

“No, but ironically, Jett told me.” She leans in closer to me. “He’s a huge fan.”

“Most people are, babe.”

I laugh at her exaggerated eye roll. “I had one more year left on my contract with the Phillies, but since much of their talent was retiring, they sent me to the Bears, who are trying to win a championship.”

“Ah, I see. Guess the team knew outstanding talent when they scouted.”

“You best believe it. I’m hoping to be rewarded in the end.”

“Where’s your sister Mia?” Lila asks.

“She’s in Los Angeles.”

“How’d she end up there?”

“Remember, she attended Cessna U until … Mom died.” That memory still guts me. “She had moved to Philly and dated their catcher, AJ Gonzales. They had met in college. The Dodgers gained him in a trade, and they settled there. She owns an art gallery.”

“Wow, I’m glad she’s doing well.”

We pull up to the café with just minutes to spare. Lila sighed in relief, quickly kissed Jake on the forehead, and stepped out of the car.

“Do you need me to walk you in? You may score points with the Bad Ball Hitter beside you.”

“Big ego, much?” she laughs, tilting her head and smiling. “I’ll call if I need reinforcements.”

“Okay. I’ll drop Jake off and come right back.” After programming the address into the GPS, I point to the parking structure down the road. “I’ll park over there.”

“Thanks again.”

“I’ll do anything for you. Just have to ask.”

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