Page 66 of Strike Zone

Chapter Fifteen

LINC

“We’re going out tonight.” Anders and I hit the batting cages this morning. I’ve been waiting weeks for Diana to tell Brooke about the baby so that I can have a conversation with Anders, but she’s backed out every time. I suggested we tell them together, but she wants to tell Brooke alone, and I need to respect that.

“I can’t. I’m having dinner with Diana.”

“What the fuck are you doing, bro? You’re clearly into her, and this whole we’re-just- friends thing is going to blow up in your face.” He grabs a few bottles of water from the cooler and chucks one in my direction.

“I’m not having this conversation with you. You and Brooke were the ones who wanted us to get along. We’re getting along. Is it such a big deal that we’re spending time together?”

“Depends. You don’t generally hang out with women to be their friend. It was fine when I thought you wanted a relationship, but I don’t want you and her hooking up ‘as friends’ and then Brooke and I have to pick up the pieces later. What are you getting out of this?”

“For a start, it’s none of your fucking business…”

“She’s my sister-in-law.”

“I know! You’ve pointed it out every time I’ve been in the same room with her since the day we met. Brooke tells me every time she opens her mouth. Diana and I are fine with the way things are right now, so I suggest the two of you get over yourselves and stop judging the rest of us from up on your fucking pedestal of perfect marital bliss.”

“If you’re really just friends, then it’s not a big deal for you to switch your plans and come to Viper with me tonight.”

“The ball and chain okay letting you out of her sight and into a club?”

“Don’t act like you don’t love the crap out of Brooke. She’s amazing, and you know it.”

“Yeah, I do. I’m happy for you, bro, but you throwing my inadequacies in my face every two minutes is getting old. Once upon a time, you were my wingman, and my moves had nothing on yours.”

“That’s fair. Brooke is worried. She says Dee isn’t herself, and they’re not talking the way they used to. It comes from a place of love. Dee’s been through a lot. She had a breakup before the fight that ended up being postponed. Brooke is concerned she might be a little fragile right now.”

“Maybe you both need to take a step back and really look at Diana. She’s anything but fragile. I promise you I have nothing but the best intentions when it comes to her. We have a good time together. We hang out, eat takeout, and watch crap TV together.” As much as I want more, she asked me not to flirt, and I’m abiding by her wishes ninety-five percent of the time. If she’s honest, the other five percent comes on the back of her initiation.

“Come out with me tonight. Brooke can hang with Dee, and we can grab a few drinks, have a few laughs.” This is our chance to tell them. Plus, if I tell him in a public place, I might get out of it alive.

“I’ll make you a deal. You shut the fuck up about my friendship with Diana, and I’ll come out with you. If you mention it again, I get a free punch.”

“Deal. Not in the face, though. I’m too pretty to take a hit to the face.”

“Wow, your estrogen levels must be sky-high right now.”

“Fuck off.”

“I wouldn’t waste a free hit on your face anyway. I’d nut-punch you for sure.”

“You’d seriously go to any lengths to get a grope on all this good stuff. Are you sure you and Dee aren’t gal-pals? Is she your beard?”

“I’m gonna nut-punch you right now if you don’t shut up.”

“Grab your bat. Another thirty minutes, and we’re done. Now, call your bestie and tell her painting each other’s toenails will have to wait another night.”

“You realize if I told her you said that, she’d come down here herself and beat the shit out of you.”

“Yeah. Please don’t tell her.” I let out a belly laugh as I pick up my bat and put some distance between us.

“That’s what I thought.” I quickly pull out my phone and tap a quick message.

Me: Brooke wants to hang with you tonight. Anders is pestering me to go out with him and give you some sister time. This is the night. You tell her, and I’ll tell him. No backing out.

After a few minutes, my phone vibrates in my pocket, distracting me as a pitch heads right for my face. I manage to duck at the last second, but it’s a close call.

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