Page 41 of Strike Zone

“Yeah, but that was because of Brooke. It didn’t come out of nowhere. I had a reason, a catalyst for change. Dee isn’t encouraging you to be a better man. She’s not dangling a carrot and saying, ‘come get me,’ is she?”

“Who says this has anything to do with her? Maybe I’m just ready for a relationship. I’m a grown-ass man. I’m sick of one-and-done. I want something more substantial. Candy isn’t the kind of woman you find forever with. She’s great for no strings attached but not for a lifetime.”

“Holy shit. You’re serious.”

“Is it so hard to believe? Am I that shallow? Is your opinion of me that low?” Anders knows me better than anyone. If he doesn’t see me as capable of a meaningful relationship, then maybe there really is no hope for me—with Diana or anyone.

“Jesus, you’re becoming a real boy, Pinocchio.”

“Fuck off.” I knew it was a bad idea to come to the gym with Anders today. I woke up with Diana on my mind, and I’m quickly learning that I’m not fit to be around others on days like this. I fucking hate it.

“Why don’t you bite the bullet and ask her out?” If only he knew.

“You and your wife are the ones who’ve been telling me I’ll be turned into the first eunuch the Yankees have ever had if I go near her.” This is exactly why I haven’t told them Diana and I hooked up for months. It would be different if she’d taken me up on the offer of more, wanted to date me, and made an honest man of me, but apparently, she only wanted me for my anaconda.

“I didn’t realize you wanted a girlfriend. I just thought you were looking for a roll in the hay.”

“It doesn’t really matter what I want. She has nothing but disdain for me.”

“Because she doesn’t know you. Given the chance to see the real Linc, you guys would get along like a house on fire.”

“I doubt it.” I can’t tell him that she had ample opportunity and decided I wasn’t someone she wanted in her life.

“What makes you say that?”

“Can we drop it? I want to work out and not talk.”

“Fair enough. But, if you change your mind, I’m always here if you want to talk.”

“You mean you’re around if I want the shit ripped out of me.”

“No! I get it. It wasn’t easy for me to admit I wanted more with Brooke. I had to step way out of my comfort zone, and I was scared out of my mind. It’s not for the faint of heart, and I admire you for wanting to give it a go.”

“Fuck, I think I’d rather go with option A. Having you admire me is disconcerting.”

“Make up your mind, bro.”

“I did. Silence.” I put my AirPods in and set the treadmill to an uphill gradient.

“I’m shutting up now.”

“Five miles and then lunch.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

I turn up the volume on my favorite playlist and allow the music to carry me away, letting my mind clear as I pound the treadmill at a steady pace. I need to start going on dates. Real ones, with women who are looking for a relationship. Not the Candy girls of Manhattan.

When we’ve run our five miles and worked up a sweat, I’ve earned a long, hot shower and worked up an appetite. We head for our favorite pizza place just off Central Park and grab a few slices.

“I know we’re going to have a night out with the team for my birthday next week, but Brooke’s parents are insisting on a dinner at their place in the Hamptons this weekend. Do you want to come? It would be less of a snooze fest.”

“Are you kidding?” He can’t be serious. Why the hell would I want to spend a weekend with his in-laws?

“No. You like Diana. What better way to spend some time with her and let her get to see a different side of you? Her mom loves you.”

“She’s not exactly one for being swayed by her mom’s opinion, or her sister’s. She’ll just be pissed that I’m there.”

“Then fuck her.”

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