Page 163 of Stolen Bases

Think of the devil.

Eli:Your new assistant is waiting for you in the front office. You can thank me again later.

I roll my eyes at my phone, shoving it back in my pocket. He’s having a little too much fun at my expense.

When I arrive upstairs in the reception area for the general manager, I’m taken back to the day I signed with the Evaders nine yearsago. I was just out of college, and Ted Montgomery, Senior, greeted me with a hearty handshake and a huge smile on his face. He said I was the future of the organization and he couldn’t wait to see what I brought to the team.

Ted Senior made this place feel like home. His son, Ted Junior, helped him run this place, and his teenage grandchildren had various jobs during the season. I got a kick out of seeing them in concession uniforms and on grounds keeping crews. I had never witnessed rich kids being so enthusiastic about learning every aspect of their family business. But the Montgomerys were.

It still bums me out that I never got to bring Ted Sr. the trophy, since he passed a year after my signing and Ted Junior took over.

The front office looks different since it was remodeled a few years ago but still retains the same homey charm. The white walls are littered with family pictures and other history-making moments of the organization.

The receptionist greets me when I arrive. “Morning, Mr. Miller. What can I help you with?”

“Yeah, I’m supposed to meet someone here.”

“Cameron Miller. Long time, no see,” Sylvie Tran sings. She’s the Evaders’ office manager and right-hand lady to Ted Junior—and Senior before him. “I hear you find yourself in need of an assistant.”

“I do. Mostly for the off-season. My brother, Eli, is tired of renting out his own assistant.” I lean an elbow on the reception desk. “He doesn’t share well with others.”

Sylvie laughs, her dark brown eyes glittering with mirth. “Yes, I know. Seems like you don’t either. How’s that chin?”

“Hey, that wasn’t my fault.” I’m surprised more people haven’t razzed me over what happened with Nico. Not everyone knows why we fought.

Right? Totally. No one in the dugout heard how you were screwing his sisterand fell in love with her.

“Sure, sure. It’s not your fault you fell in love with Mr. Romero’s little sister.”

Wrong. Everyone knows.

I try to hide my embarrassment and laugh it off. “Can’t help what the heart wants.”

“Well, good luck with that. As for the assistant. Mr. Drake called, looking for leads. He didn’t have to go far. We have the perfect person for you.” She smiles widely at me.

For a second, I get nervous. “Great. Thanks. So, uh, who is the poor soul you’ve forced into helping me?”

The elevator dings, and Sylvie claps her hands. She’s way too excited. “Your new assistant just arrived.”

The doors slide open, revealing a young woman wearing a white shirt under a baby blue blazer, ripped jeans, and sneakers. Her long blonde hair is curled away from her face ,and something about her looks familiar, but I can’t figure out why.

“Gwenny, my darling.” Sylvie wraps her in a hug like a proud momma bear.

Gwenny? Why does that sound familiar?

“Cameron, meet your new assistant.” Sylvie gives the blonde another hug before excusing herself to attend another meeting.

The girl rocks onto her heels and waves at me. “Hey, Mr. Miller.”

That voice. I tilt my head to the side. Then it hits me. Standing in front of me is a very grown-up version of Gwendolyn Montgomery, Ted Junior’s daughter.

“Holy shit, little Gwenny Montgomery? Where the hell have you been?” I ask, surprised by this turn of events.

Her cheeks turn pink. “Please call me Gwen. As you can see, I’m not little anymore.”

“Fuck. You’re right. I’m so sorry. It’s just that the last time I saw you, you were working the concession stand and going to your senior prom.”

Gwen laughs uncomfortably. “Dang, I forgot about that. That was so long ago. I left for Boston soon after that, for college. Needed to get away.” Her eyes glaze over, probably slipping into the past.

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