Page 14 of Double Play

“Much to my parents’ chagrin, I assure you. It’s a constant topic of conversation in our house.”

“What about you? You’re not married either.”

I look away, trying to keep the tears at bay that always threaten when this topic comes up. It’s still so hard for me to talk about. “I was engaged once. It didn’t work out.”

He nods in understanding, mercifully not prying any further.

We continue to talk until we arrive at our destination. He’s surprisingly easy to talk to and seems genuinely interested in what I have to say. I can’t tell whether or not it’s an act. I’m skeptical.

As we arrive at the party, I can see photographers roped off on a huge red carpet. There are several people dressed nicely, getting their pictures taken.

Layton asks, “Have you ever been to anything like this before?”

I shake my head. “No.”

“It can be intense. Just stay close and smile. They’re vultures. They capture every little misstep. Play it straight. Are you okay with me touching you? We’re supposed to look like a couple.”

“Is this just an excuse to touch me?”

He smiles. “A little, but I’m not wrong.”

“I suppose. Don’t abuse the privilege. I won’t hesitate to throw an elbow your way or kick you in the balls.”

He chuckles. “I’ll do my best. I’ll keep it to your back and hand, if that works for you.”

I nod as I reach into my purse, grab what I brought with me, and shove it into my mouth.

He pinches his eyebrows. “What was that? It can’t be what I think it was.”

I smile. “If you thought it was a clove of garlic, you’d be right.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Just making sure you don’t kiss me again tonight.”

“If I really want to kiss you, do you honestly think a little unsavory garnish will stop me? I spend my days with sweaty men in locker rooms. Not much gets to me.” He places his hand on the door handle. “I’ll get out first and help you out of the car. I wouldn’t want you pulling a Britney.”

I let out a laugh at his Britney Spears reference from years ago when she was exiting a car commando, and her dress rode up. The paparazzi caught itallon camera. Every exposed inch. “You mean flashingeveryone?”

His unique blue-green eyes sparkle with mischief. “Exactly.”

I sarcastically quip, “Wow, you’re quite the gentleman. I bet you even catch the names of at least half the women you sleep with.”

“You’re way off. It’s at least seventy-five percent. Maybe as high as eighty.” He winks as he exits the car to a sea of female screams.

He stands there for a few minutes, smiling as he waves to the crowd. Flashes are blaring. It’s insanity, but he looks right at home, like he’s done this a million times before. He poses for multiple pictures from multiple angles, taking his sweet time. Not remotely caring that I’m sitting here waiting.

Eventually he turns back around and holds his hand out for me. I take it as he carefully helps me out of the limo, very cognizant of not showing my Britney.

I’m immediately blinded by flashes of cameras. They’re shouting for Layton. “Layton! Who’s the blonde beauty? What’s her name? Are you dating? Is this your girlfriend?” They repeat the same questions over and over again.

Layton places his warm hand on the exposed small of my back. I can feel the callouses of a man who takes hundreds of swings with a bat each day. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make my body temperature rise a few degrees.

He looks straight at the reporters and photographers. “Shame on all of you for not knowing this talented woman. This is Arizona Abbott of the Philadelphia Anacondas. She’s the best professional softball player in the whole country. You’ll likely see her in the Olympics in four years.” He flashes his huge, all-American, perfect smile. “I’m lucky she agreed to slum it with me tonight.”

He leans over and whispers, “Smile for the cameras, sunshine. Our pictures will be all over social media withinthe hour. It’s a good thing they can’t smell your rank breath.”

As if on autopilot, I immediately smile, holding my breath. I’m severely regretting the garlic decision. It feels like something died in my mouth.

---