Page 110 of Double Play

He sighs. “I’m so sorry. This is why I told you to get a lawyer. That particular clause was concerning to me. I tried to tell you.”

“I know you did, but I obviously thought it was Layton. I wasn’t worried about the clause. Heismy boyfriend. This was supposed to be a dream trip. Now it’s a nightmare.”

“I understand.” He sighs. “Their contract with Layton has already been legally terminated due to the physically unable to perform his duties clause. I can represent you now. Do you want me to call on your behalf and see if we can work something out with them?”

All hope isn’t lost. I’m sure Tanner can help. “Yes! Please. I’ll do the shoot, but I want to do it next year when it can be with Layton, as we planned. I’ll even take less money if they’ll just wait. I won’t do this without him.”

“You may have to, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, Tanner.”

I hang up feeling sick to my stomach, but still hopeful that perhaps Tanner can make this go away.

LAYTON

“Doc, you gotta let me out of here.”

Dr. Alexander pushes my chest back down toward the bed as he carefully examines my leg. “Stop moving. You’re the worst patient ever. I’ve seen a lot of bad ones, but you take the cake.”

I blow out a breath. “I’m not missing that parade. I want to celebrate my girl and her teammates. I’ll go in this fucking Frankenstein device if I have to.”

“No, you won’t.” He gently examines my leg. “The swelling seems to be mostly gone. I think we’re okay to get you into casting tomorrow, but youmustremain still today. The slightest agitation could reignite the swelling, in which case, I will not cast it.” He points his finger at me. “If you go to that parade, which is probably a mistake given how many bodies can bump into you while there, you need to be in a wheelchair and somewhere that peoplecan’tbump into you. I want a bubble around you.”

“Yeah, yeah. The Daultons said they’d take care of it if you give the green light. I’ll march down Broad Street in a tank if I have to, but I’m going.”

He rolls his eyes. “Fine, but I’m warning you. Stay off your leg. You’re still healing from the surgery.”

“I got it.”

Just then the door opens and Arizona walks in. My whole agitated mood lifts from simply seeing her face. She’s been incredible. She sits with me all day and most ofthe night until they kick her out, she brings me good food, and, the best part, she gives me my daily sponge bath. We might need to continue that routine once I go home, especially the bathing.

The public outpouring of love has been amazing. I’ve received countless cards, flowers, and various get-well gifts. There’s even a nightly vigil with hundreds of people outside my hospital window. I’m so thankful to my loyal Philly fans.

With Tanner’s permission, I released a video on social media thanking the fans and giving them a status update. I let them know exactly who’s been taking care of me. It’s practically played on a loop on every television station and across all of social media.

There’s already speculation as to whether I’ll play again. I decided not to address that in my video. My future in baseball is unknown. As for the present, I’m getting antsy. I need to get out of this bed and out of this hospital.

Dr. Alexander smiles at Arizona. “I have some good news. My favorite pain in the ass patient is getting casted tomorrow so we can send him on his merry way.”

She giggles. “You just want to get rid of him, right?”

Dr. Alexander lets out a laugh. “You bet we do.” He moves toward the door to my room. “I’ll leave you two alone.” He points at me. “Don’t move. Remember, any increase in swelling and the cast isn’t happening tomorrow.”

I salute him. “Yes, sir.”

He leaves, and after a nice long, soothing kiss, Arizona pulls a chair up next to my bed. “I’m happy you’ll be at the parade. I know how much you want to go.”

“Of course I want to go and celebrate the team. You ladies are getting so much press right now. It’s great. This town needs it after the disappointing end to our season.”

The Cougars were eliminated from the World Series last night. It was an away game, so I haven’t seen the guys yet. I’m sure they’re bummed. We thought we had a chance to win it this year, but we ran out of gas.

She scrunches her face. “I spoke with Quincy this morning. He’s blaming himself for the loss.”

I shake my head. “He pitched a great game last night. Good enough for us to win. Our bats simply weren’t there.”

“That’s exactly what I told him, but you know how he is. He’s shouldering the blame.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

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