Page 61 of Stealing Home

I don’t believe him, but now I feel obligated to invite him since I know it’ll get mentioned. It’s also a good way to figure out who he is before the girls have to be in his presence. I know Ty will agree, so I make the call.

“Some of the guys are coming to my house. I just moved in at the start of the season. If you’re not busy you should come by too. It’ll give you a chance to get to know us and us, you.” I say.

“That sounds good. Thanks for the invite. Before I leave, I’ll get you my number. Just let me know what time and where I’m going.” Crawford tells me.

King gives me a what the fuck look.

“Will do.” I confirm.

With that, he walks off to left field to stretch with the rest of the outfielders. This is going to be interesting. Even if he wasn’t eavesdropping, he didn’t have to insert himself into the conversation. He could have just said hi and kept it moving.

“I can’t believe you just did that. Ty is going to kill you,” King says after Dylan isn’t within earshot.

“No, he isn’t. I did it so we can try to get a read on him before the girls meet him.”

“That’s actually a good call. Maybe Ty will only punch you.”

“Whatever asshole.” I say as I finish stretching and get up.

“See you in the bullpen.” He laughs as I walk towards the dugout to get my gear on.

Three hours later coach calls practice for the day. It’s in the nineties today and I’m ready for a shower. We all walk off the field and back into the locker room. I sit on the chair at my locker to just take a second before hitting the showers. I go through my mental checklist of what I need to do when I get home. First, I need to go to the florist and the grocery store to get Adriana’s favorite movie snacks for after dinner. Once that’s done and I get back home, I’ll order our food to be delivered. I can grill but I’m no cook.

Sean nudges my shoulder and brings me out of my head. “Hey man.” I say as he drops onto the chair in front of his locker.

“What do you think of Crawford?” He asks.

“I don’t know yet. I invited him to come over on Thursday with you guys.”

“Really? That’s surprising.”

“Not as surprising as you being the first to welcome him.” I retort.

“Someone had to break the silence. It might be better to have him on our side. Besides, it looks like I might need a new permanent wingman.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” I ask him.

“You only come out with us when it’s dinner. You rarely stay and hangout after if we go to a bar or club that isn’t Lucky’s.”

“I hear ya. I’m just not into partying anymore. You want to do stuff besides that I’m your man. But I’m over the club scene and women just trying to use me for my name and fame.” I tell him.

“So it has nothing to do with a certain girl next door?” He asks.

“Honestly, no. I had stopped going out prior to her showing her up. The months after my breakup with Layla before we went public about it made realize I don’t want to deal with that bullshit. I want something more like what Ty has. A justhappened to come around after I had made my mind up.” I tell him.

“Well then. I definitely need a new wingman cause I’m not giving up the nightlife. Sorry bro, you’re still my best friend, though.”

“Until you replace me.” I laugh.

“You’re not so bad as a best friend.”

“Thanks. I gotta hit the shower before Ty leaves without me.” I laugh.

“Later.”

I get up and head to the showers. I take a quick shower and come back to my locker to get dressed. Once that’s done, I put my belongings in my bag and head over to Ty. He sees me approaching and smirks. He grabs his bag, gets up and walks towards me.

“Let’s get you out of here. I hear you have things to do for the rest of today.” He ribs at me.

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