Page 11 of Off Pitch

“That’s literally the damn problem! You’re not supposed to be so closed off that any tidbit of information the media can find becomes tabloid fodder. If you want that contract, you have no choice but to work on your public image.”

This feels like a conversation I have no place in. Awkward…

Scrubbing his hand over his face, Knox relents. “I know…” He sighs. “I know I do.”

“I assure you that it will be worth it. All we have to do is get rid of your gruff exterior. You’ll need to be more gracious with the media. You should be seen more and become more involved with the team. And you’ll need to do something to show everyone that the man who refuses to let anyone into his life can do just that.”

“And how the hell do you suppose I do all of that? That’s a long list there, Simon. Maybe this deal isn’t worth it.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” I interject, “but this doesn’t seem to involve me at all. Why am I here?” I hope that didn’t come off as rude, but I’m very confused right now.

“Right, of course, Ms. Pierce. We got sidetracked for a moment. But you are involved in this process.”

“So, what’s going on here then? All I’m gathering is that Knox is up for some kind of contract and needs a better image. I don’t understand where I’m coming into play here.”

“Let me start with the details,” Simon responds. “Knox has been in talks with Axis Athletic Co. to sign an endorsement deal. Axis is interested based on how he performs on the field, but his demeanor off the field is the issue. They want somebody respectful and likable to represent them. He needs to improve his public image, and I think a great place to start is by proving he can let somebody into his life.”

“What the hell does Harlow have to do with any of this, Simon?” Knox fires off, clearly annoyed. “I told you yesterday that I barely know her.”

“I’m aware that you two know of each other but don’t associate much. But from what I know of Ms. Pierce, she has a sunny personality and could make friends with anyone. She’s also Cole Pierce’s sister. He may not give much about his personal life either, but from his media interviews, they clearly have the sameattitudes.Thatis what you need, Knox. You need some cheer to brighten you up in the eyes of the fans, media, and Axis.”

Fear creeps across Knox’s face as I sit there stunned. I read romance novels—I know where this is heading.

“What are you saying, Simon?” Knox asks apprehensively.

Simon looks on, smiling widely at his brilliant idea. “I’m proposing that you two fake a relationship.”

I sit there silently, speechless for one of the first times in my life. I always have something to say—not this time, though.

“Why the fuck would we fake a relationship, Simon? What the hell?” Anger is evident in his voice. He doesnotlike this idea. And it’s kind of hard to blame him. This is something that happens in books. The idea of it occurring in real life seems ludicrous.

“Because if you want this deal,” Simon intercedes, stabbing his finger in the air toward Knox, “then you have no choice but to improve your image. You’re one of the most well-known players in the league with a piss-poor attitude to show for it. If you want the Knox Spencer legacy to extend beyond your playing career, you need this contract with Axis. If you don’t, no one will remember who you are. I know you hate the fame that comes with this, but I also know how much you love the sport. You want to be remembered for your achievements on the field. You ‘date’ Harlow for the season and get the deal with Axis, the media and fans will soften to you. You’ll be remembered as one of baseball’s greats.”

Knox is silent for a while. He’s lost in his mind right now, trying to make sense of what Simon is suggesting. Finally, he sighs and says, “What does she even get out of this? I’m not doing something that benefits only myself. That’s shitty, Simon.”

Is he seriously considering this?

“That I’d need to talk to Ms. Pierce about. We wouldn’t want to put her in a position where she would not benefit from anapproximately six-month arrangement. If nothing else, we can offer her payment for agreeing and her silence on the matter.”

“I don’t want money,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. Louder now, I continue, “That’s not what I’d want out of this. But there is something else…” They both turn to me, Simon, with hope in his eyes, while Knox remains stoic and unreadable. “You know of my blogStarred and Fast. That’s why I’m always with the team. The blog is doing well enough, but I’ve been struggling to get a better reach. I may be Cole’s sister, but since he keeps a low profile off the field, it doesn’t drive any traffic to me. But faking a relationship with arguably the best pitcher in the league could really help me reach new followers and teach more people about the sport.”

Wait—amIseriously considering this now?!

“Look at that,” Simon says, looking at Knox. “Harlow does benefit from this arrangement as well. We can still work out the details, but if you’re both on board, I think this could work really well for both of you.” Simon turns his attention back toward me. “What do you think, Ms. Pierce?”

I take a deep breath. This situation is unexpected, to say the least. But if I want to expandStarred and Fast, this might just be the way to do it. Before I can change my mind, I firmly reply, “I’m in.”

We both turn our attention to Knox and wait for his response. He’s leaning forward, his elbows on the table and his hands tucked under his chin, probably wondering how he found himself in this position. After another minute of silence from the most mysterious man in the league, he finally speaks.

“Fuck it… I’ll do it.”

four

Knox

If it wasn’t forthis fucking Axis contract hanging over my head, I’d have never found myself in this situation. Now, I have to pretend to date one of my closest friend’s sisters. No chance that’ll come back to bite me in the ass, I’m sure.

But Simon was right, just like usual. I want to leave a legacy for how I played on the field, pitched on the mound, and was one of less than one hundred players in MLBhistoryto regularly throw a knuckleball. That’s what I want to be remembered for. And nobody will remember the asshole that refuses to ever let anybody in. So, as much as I don’t want to, it’s time for a change.

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