Page 41 of Off Pitch

“Hey, we just like what we see. Knox is actually fucking happy. I’ve never seen him like that, Lo. He’s happy and smiling. None of that happened until you two started this charade.”

“I’m glad he is. He’s honestly not all that bad. He’s just closed off.”

“And you’ve been opening him up.”

“Bit by bit,” I reply with a smile. “Now, enough about that. Let’s get this interview going.”

“Yeah, there’s no denying that Sage was a surprise for me, but my God, I adore that little girl. She’s the best part of my life now,” Lane says with the biggest smile on his face.

“I think I can speak for everyone when I say we all adore Sage. She’s the absolute sweetest. Did you have difficulty adjusting to being a single dad and a professional baseball player?”

“For sure,” Lane replies honestly. “I had no idea how to take care of a baby. My biggest saving grace was that she was born in January, not in the middle of the season. I had a chance to learn how to be a dad before I had to get back out on the field. And Rory becoming Sage’s nanny has been an absolute godsend. I’m not sure how I could do this without her.”

“What would you say is your favorite part of having Rory as Sage’s nanny?”

“That she travels with us, hands down. Having Sage in every city with me and every game with me is a dream. Single dads don’t get the opportunities I’ve been given, so I try to just soak it all in and not take it for granted. I know how lucky I am. And then all of my friends around me have become Sage’s surrogatefamily. I appreciate everything I’ve been given and all the love I’ve received. I’m very blessed.”

“Damn, Lane. You’re gonna make me cry,” I say as I reach up to brush away a stray tear.

“You’re a crier, Lo. That’s not hard to do.”

“Shut up,” I say, playfully shoving his shoulder. “You’re getting all sappy on me. I can’t help it. Now, let’s finish this interview, shall we? I’ve just got some fun questions left now. What’s your favorite color?”

“Green. I’ve always liked green.”

“Favorite food?”

“Oh, anything Mexican. The spicier, the better.”

“And last but not least,” I say. “Favorite Taylor Swift song.”

“The Very First Night. That one is just so fun.”

“Oh my God,” I exclaim. “Are you a secret Swiftie, Lane?”

“I don’t think it’s much of a secret,” Lane replies, rubbing his jaw. “I’d have given my right arm to get tickets when she was in NY last year. But we were in San Diego, unfortunately.”

“You’re the perfect Girl Dad,” I laugh. “Sage is very lucky.”

“I’m luckier to have her,” he admits. “She rocked my world in the best way possible. But you know who else is lucky?” Lane gives me a mischievous look. “Knox.”

I groan. “We’re friends, Lane. Friends in a fake relationship.”

“I know that’s what you both keep saying, but Knox is different, Lo. He’s not the guy I’ve known since he came up to the majors. And that’s a really good thing.”

“I think I’ve just helped him see that good things are out there if you look for them. A positive attitude will take you far.”

“I don’t think that’s what it is.”

“What do you mean?” I question.

“It’s not the attitude, Lo. It’syou.”

“What do you mean it’s me?”

“I mean he lights up around you. You radiate so much positivity, and Knox is thriving in it. Even if everything is platonic like you both claim, it’s still you doing that to him. I think you’ve truly changed his life. I just hope it sticks when you guys end this… if you do, of course.”

“Lane…” I groan. “It’s going to be over at the end of the season. We’ve already established an end date.”

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