Page 62 of Babies at Coconuts

Tony nodded as he studied Joey at first base. “I don’t know how he catches anything with that small ball glove but he rarely misses grounders. He’s good with pop ups too. I know I’m bragging about my little man but I can’t help myself.” Tony adjusted his dark sunglasses without taking his eyes off Joey. “The field is his strong suit. He isn’t that great at batting, though. He gets nervous.”

“Maybe we can take him to the batting cages or hit balls to him. There’s a big field across from my house, you know.”

Leaning over, Tony kissed Alex for far too long in a public setting. Afterward, he said, “That makes me happy. I’d love for you to get more involved in Joey’s life.”

A raspy, cigarette-fueled voice cut through their sweet moment. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here, husband stealer?”

Nikki. Nikki and Sean in the same park didn’t exactly spell a good time. Alex stiffened. “I’m watching Joey’s ballgame, same as you.”

Nikki lit a cigarette and waved the glowing ember toward both of them. “Are you two going to screw right here on the bleachers? Really, Tony? You think it’s a good idea to stick your tongue down her throat in front of my boy?”

Rolling his eyes, Tony said, “He’s my boy too—my nephew now—but still my boy.”

Ignoring Tony’s claim, Nikki narrowed her dark eyes and glared at Alex. “I don’t know who the hell invited you to Joey’s game but you’re not welcome. Why don’t you leave?” She crossed her arms and took another drag. “Now would be a good time.”

Usually the strong one among her friends, Alex felt herself falter under this cunning woman’s wrath. “I-I just came to watch Joey’s game.” She felt the stares of several parents who likely believed she was a husband stealer. She wished she could magically disappear.

“Don’t look like you’re watchin’ no game to me.” Nikki hissed. “Looks more like you’re swallowing my husband’s tongue.”

Alex felt her cheeks redden. “He’s your ex-husband. Isn’t your real husband here? Remember Sean, the one you cheated on Tony with? The one who is actually Joey’s fa—”

“You bitch.” Nikki climbed over the bleacher like a goat and got nose to nose with Alex.

Tony placed a protective arm in front of his girlfriend but took Nikki’s side. “Maybe you should go, Alex. You can come another time.” He lowered his voice. “Everyone’s watching and listening. I don’t want to embarrass Joey.”

Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “But- . . . Whatever.” She stood and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Just so you know, I’m never coming back. Enjoy the game and your dysfunctional family.” She stormed off and glanced over her shoulder but Tony didn’t follow. As she stumbled across the gravel, she muttered to herself. I’m so sick of this bullshit.

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