Page 20 of Double Play

I’m putting the finishing touches on sanding the latest bat I made when I notice there’s a call coming through from the front desk. I answer. “Hey, Frederick.”

“Good afternoon, Master Lancaster. There’s a Quincy Abbott who wishes to see you. I asked him the purpose for the visit, but he insists that it’s a private matter.”

Yep, I was expecting this. Arizona mentioned that she was going to tell him about everything over breakfast.

“Does he look mad?”

Frederick, who definitely watches too many episodes ofDownton Abbeyand thinks he’s on the staff there, responds, “I would have to answer in the affirmative to your inquiry, sir.”

I let out a laugh at his response. “Send him up, Frederick. Thank you.”

A few minutes later, there’s a loud pounding at my door. I open it to see a scowling Quincy. In a sarcastic tone, I ask, “What brings you by, Q?”

He narrows his eyes as he walks through the door. “You know exactly why I’m here.”

I hold up my hands. “It wasn’t my idea. It’s a business arrangement. That’s it.”

“That’s what she said. What’s in it for you? Why do you give a shit about her or women’s softball? Arizona said your business wasn’t hers to discuss but I want to know.”

I like that she wouldn’t tell him my reasoning. It says a lot about her character.

“If I give them what they want for the next three months, I get a three-year contract extension. I get to finish my career here. Otherwise they’re releasing me after the season.”

His face falls in sympathy as he nods in understanding. “I’m sorry it’s come to this. I really am. I suppose I get why you’re doing it, but you can’t touch her. She’s off-limits. Indefinitely.”

“I get it.”

“I’m not fucking around.”

I make a show of placing my hands deep into my pockets. “Hands off. She’s also made that clear. It’s best for the arrangement anyway. I don’t need anything complicating my extension.”

He blows out a breath as he plops down on my couch. “You need to understand, she’s been through hell and back.”

“She briefly mentioned a failed engagement. She wouldn’t say much more than that.”

“I’m not getting into details, but he dicked her over big time, and it damaged her. She hasn’t been the same since.”

“What do you mean she hasn’t been the same?”

“Until a year ago, my sister was carefree and happy.Allthe time. She had sass and fire that we only get glimpses of now. She’s always been extremely popular…”

“I’m sure. She’s gorgeous.”

He growls. “Don’t even fucking look at her that way. And I know exactly what my sister is and isn’t. It was more than her looks though. It was her confidence and personality. She was magnetic. It’s like having a broken heart fractured her spirit too. She’s different. She used to be totally uninhibited, even wild at times. Adventurous too. But since then, she’s clammed up. She’s fucking timid and fragile in a way I’ve never seen from her. Coming here is her fresh start. I can’t have you fucking with her. I will straight up kill you. I’m not messing around, Lancaster.”

“What did he do to her?”

“Not my story to tell, but I’m warning you. Teammate to teammate. Friend to friend. Man to man. She’s. Off. Limits.”

I nod. “I get it. I promise.” And I mean it.

“Thank you.”

“I don’t know what she shared with you about the specifics of our deal but know that we’re under strict instructions to hang out like a normal couple. You’re going to have to be cool with that.”

He sighs. “I’ll try.”

“We thought it might be more fun to do so as a group tonight. Her gang is coming to Screwballs. You in?”

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