Page 109 of The Foul Out

He shook his head and ran his hand over his face again. “I’m avoiding her because I’m afraid I’ll say something that tips her off. I’m not answering any of your family’s calls or even JJ’s. Everyone thinks I’m in a funk,” he said, huffing out a breath. “Really, though, I’m terrified of accidentally unraveling your web of lies.” Barefoot, he paced across the hardwood floor.

I frowned, my chest tightening. “That seems dramatic. I’ve never lied to Harper.”

Freezing in the middle of the room, he scoffed.

“I haven’t told her about my connection to JJ. That’s it. Just that one little thing.”

“It is a big fucking thing.”

I winced. Was it? Maybe he was right. But hopefully the relationship Harper and I were building was strong enough, stable enough, to get through that.

“You have to talk to them both.”

Swallowing back a wave of nerves that suddenly overtook me, I nodded. “I plan to text JJ. Find a time to meet up before I leave for spring training. After that, I’ll talk to Harper too. You’re right. It’s past time.”

“Thank God. I’m exhausted from stressing about it.”

“It’s going to be fine,” I assured him.

I guessed it was a good thing Harper thought I was perfect at the moment. Because when she found out, I’d need all the built-up points I had in my favor to get us through it.

Me: picture of new haircut

Crabby: Oh wow. It’s so much better than I thought it would be.

Me: Thanks Crabby. Way to build a guy up. You know I have insecurity issues.

Crabby: You know you are the sexiest man I have ever met. You literally have been the sexiest man in baseball two years in a row. How could you possibly worry that I don’t think you are hot as hell?

Me: GIF of a very sad kitten

Me: Because my hair is different.

Crabby: I’m sorry baby. You look hot with the haircut. I can’t wait to run my hands through it.

Me: So much better.

Bambi added Dragon to Baseball Bros

Bambi: He asked me to do it this time

Dumpty: He asked you?

Dragon: Yeah I need a favor. Any chance we can get all the girls and hang out at the Langfields’ bar tonight?

Angel Boy: Everything okay?

Dragon: Avery just needs a fun relaxing night.

Me: Wedding stress?

Dragon: Family drama but I don’t want to talk about it. And I don’t want any of you to talk about it. I just want to make tonight fun for her.

Me: If Ashley can babysit, then Harper and I will be there.

Angel Boy: Zara and I will be there.

New guy: I’m in.

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