Page 11 of Double Play

I’m more concerned about being around Layton. He’s my childhood crush, but he’s a womanizer and no good for me. He was flirtatious last night, and I fell for it. I need to be strong and put an end to that. Whatever it takes.

LAYTON

My mind is reeling. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. I was obviously attracted to Arizona last night, but she’s venomous toward me today. How am I supposed to pretend to be in a relationship with her? Is this what my all-star career has come down to? What a joke.

Auburn Bouvier looks between Arizona and me a fewtimes. “Just to be clear, neither of you can see anyone else during this time period. In any capacity.”

I spit out, “What? How long is this expected to go on?”

He answers, “Through the season. The softball season ends around the same time as yours, so approximately three months, give or take a few weeks depending on playoffs and the like. It’s all spelled out in your contract.”

I haven’t gone three days without sex since I was fifteen. Three months is impossible.

Reagan interrupts my thoughts. “The all-star game is in New York City tomorrow. Tonight is the formal cocktail party. I’ve arranged for us all to go. Why don’t you two test the waters? It can be your coming out party as a couple. We’ll see how the press reacts. But I need you both to play your part. Even if you ultimately decide against this, for tonight, you need to make it seem as though you’re a new, happy couple. Arizona, I have a hair and makeup crew coming to your apartment at three. Carter’s assistant, LeRond, will stop by with an appropriate dress for you. The limo will pick Layton up at six and then you after that. Layton, please take a look at the terms of the contract this afternoon. We have a very specific part we need you to play, which includes a lot of Anacondas promotion.”

I should probably keep my mouth shut until I read the contract and talk to Tanner, so I simply agree to go to New York tonight and walk out of the room.

Tanner stands as soon as I exit. “A contract just came through. What the hell is this shit?”

I sigh. “It’s complete and total insanity. Let’s go somewhere else and talk about it.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re sitting in hisoffice. He’s scanning the terms of the contract on his computer. “Fuck, Layton, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“They want to trade on my name and my notoriety to generate interest in the Anacondas. It’s plain and simple. They’re admittedly using me, but they know they’ve got me by the balls. The money is way less than I’m making now, but probably about the same as I would get on the open market as a free agent. This way I get to finish my career here in Philly, like I wanted. Either I uproot my life and try to earn a few more pennies elsewhere, or I accept this offer and know I get to finish my career where I want to. You’re the lawyer. Tell me if I’m missing something. I personally don’t see any way around it.”

He nods in agreement as he continues reading the fine print. “If you fuck up in the slightest, they can void this contract and release you.”

“Tanner, you’ve known me for fifteen years. Tell me if there’s any other option that doesn’t include me leaving Philly.”

He blows out a long breath. He knows I’m right. “Is this Arizona chick the same blonde that walked into the conference room right after you?”

“Yes.

“She’s smokin’ hot.”

“She’s also Quincy’s sister. I met her last night. I hit on her. Full court press. I didn’t know she was his sister at the time. I didn’t know anything about her other than she’s gorgeous and sassy. She fucking hates me though. Was a total bitch to me today. She said she doesn’t date ballplayers.”

He lets out a laugh. “I like her already.” He scratches his short beard. “Is it that big of a deal to parade aroundtown with a hot chick for a few months? You’ll get what you want if you do.”

I stare out the window. “Something doesn’t sit right with me, but my hands are tied. Philly is my home. I don’t want to leave. Even when I retire, I plan to stay here.” In a solemn voice, I admit, “I have nowhere else to go.”

He nods. I know he understands. “Layton, you can’t sleep with her. You know that will screw up everything. If things go south, theywillvoid this contract. They have no reason not to. They’ve given themselves an out if you make any missteps. You’re their puppet for the next few months.”

I sigh. “I don’t think I’m at risk of sleeping with her. She legit hates me.” She was practically staring daggers at me throughout the entire meeting.

“That’s good. Make sure it stays that way. They’re basically paying you as an investment in the Anacondas. That’s what they care about. Carefully read Paragraph Eleven. You need to promote the shit out of Arizona, the Anacondas, and softball in general. Do a little research on softball this afternoon. It’s similar, but not the exact same as baseball.”

“You would know better than I would.” Tanner’s seven-year-old daughter plays softball and is obsessed with it.

“I would.” He places his hand on my shoulder. “You can avoid all these shenanigans and simply retire. I know your knee hurts more than you’re letting on.”

“My knee is fine.” It’s not fine, but if I start voicing knee issues, I know that will be the end of my career. “I’m not ready to retire. I’m doing this. Let the insanity begin.”

CHAPTER TWO

ARIZONA

On the way back to my apartment, I think about what just happened. It’s crazy but, on some level, I honestly get why they’re doing it. I want professional softball to take off as much as anyone. As irritating as he is, Layton Lancaster’s endorsement and promotion could truly help our sport. I hate being dependent on him, but I can’t argue the fact that he’s a famous star. Philadelphia fans worship the ground he walks on.

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