Page 19 of The Foul Out

“Does that mean she’s being adopted into our Revs family like Puff was when Chris hit him with a ball?” she teased.

Considering the situation, that hit a bit too close to the truth. “Something like that.”

Near the dugout, Piper pushed away from her mother, causing Harper to almost stumble. My heart lurched but settled quickly when Harper regained her balance. As the little girl took off down the third baseline just inside the grass, I strode over to Harper, leaving Rory without a word.

Hannah and Zara had stepped away, I assumed, to give Harper space to deal with Piper. I had no intention of doing the same. I stopped in front of her, blocking her view of her daughter and instantly earning a glare. She stepped to one side, as if to step around me, but I moved with her, keeping her in place.

“What do you want?” she demanded, peering around me at her daughter.

“What’s her issue?” I asked the scowling woman.

She batted forcefully at a strand of hair that blew into her face. “Nothing that you could understand.”

Jeez, what was her deal? Jaw locked, I fisted my hands at my sides. I was trying to help, and she’d been nothing but difficult since she’d arrived. If I was understanding correctly, Piper was out of sorts because of the grass or the sunlight. Maybe the dirt, the noise, or the bright colors of the stadium. Hell, maybe it wasthe way her sock felt against her ankle. If I could pinpoint the issue, I could help. Without the knowledge, I’d be left walking through a minefield.

Her only response was another glare.

Fine.

“Maybe ask about my background before you make assumptions about what I can and can’t understand.” With a huff, I stormed away from the damn woman.

Kyle followed after Piper,bringing with him a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. It was absurd.Hewas mad atme? I’d done nothing to him. We were only in this situation because he’d had a tantrum last night and had said some horrible things. From where I stood, there was no reason for me to learn anything about him. I knew enough.

“Harper?” I spun at the sound of my name, though I peered back at my daughter again.

She was standing in the grass just past third base, sneering at the sand in front of her. I knew the sand would be an issue.

Hannah, not knowing anything about Piper, had chirped about how she wanted the kids and the players to race around the bases while she recorded them.

Naturally, Piper had panicked and kicked me in the shin before running away.

Now, Kyle was squatted next to her, chatting. The two of them seemed good enough. Normally, I’d be mortified if she lashed out at anyone but me, but honestly, if she kicked Kyle, he deserved it.

In the outfield, Sam was in heaven. He and Grey were laughing as they picked grass and threw it at each other. My heart panged as I watched. Sam really needed more opportunity to be a carefree kid like that.

Knowing both kids were okay, I gave the blond woman in the blue shirt my attention.

“Yes?”

“I’m Rory. I’m a trainer. I work with the Bolts, but my boyfriend…” She surveyed the field, and when she stopped on the big guy lying on top of his friend, she huffed. “My boyfriend is Mason Dumpty, the center fielder. He’s the one who is currently trying to…lick his teammate.” She shook her head. “God, men never grow up, do they?”

I tried to fight it, but a chuckle rumbled out of me. “From my experience, no, they don’t.”

“Right?” She smirked. “Anyway, I heard you that have an injury.” With her lips pressed together, she eyed my left hand. “I’d be happy to take a look.”

Annoyance skittered through me. I did not want a favor. Plus, I didn’t need the bill or the limitations a brace or a cast would create. It was sore. That was it. I didn’t have time for more than that.

I waved her off with my good hand. “It’s nothing.”

“Can I look?”

Pulling my shoulders back, I racked my brain for a legitimate reason to say no.

“Please,” she urged. “Just a look.”

Begrudgingly, I held my hand out to her.

She was quiet as she inspected my palm and pressed on the area around the bruise. With a hum, she pressed against another spot, then asked me to move my fingers. Next, she had me make a fist. “Are you taking anything?”

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