Page 22 of Double Play

She shifts out of his embrace. “I’m good, thanks.”

I lean over to Arizona and quietly say, “It’s amazing that they’re twins. They’re so different.”

She nods. “Yep. Night and day, though Bailey goes out with her fair share of men. She’s just not as overtly sexual or obvious about it as Kam. She’s also a bit of an old soul. Guys our age don’t do it for her. She likes them old, like you.”

I mumble, “I’m not old.”

She simply smiles. She’s messing with me.

“Only men for her?”

“For Bailey, yes. Kam is a switch hitter. She’ll go any which way she pleases in a given moment. She’s attracted to the person, nothing else.”

“I’ve gathered.” I turn to Ripley. “Did you and Q hang out in Houston?”

She looks at Q and then back at me. “I guess we crossed paths a few times, right?”

Quincy nods. “We went to the same clubs. One of her teammates was dating one of mine for a while.”

Ripley nods. “Oh right. He was such a dick to her.”

“Heisa dick. I told you back then to warn her.”

I look at a handful of curvier women in the crowd and nod their way. “Q, have you checked out the action tonight? I think there are a few ladies for you.”

“Nah. I think I’ll make sure Arizona and Ripley get home safely.”

“I can take care of that. Do your thing.”

He leans forward so only Arizona, Ripley, and I can hear him. “You will not step foot in their apartment.Ever. I’ve got them.”

Arizona rolls her eyes.

Ripley crosses her arms. “What if I want to go home with someone tonight?”

His eyes widen. “You’ll do no such thing. I will make sure that you and Arizona are tucked into bed safely andalone.”

Arizona musses his hair. “Aww, I love it when you get brotherly with Ripley too.”

He fixes his hair. “Stop messing with my perfect hair.”

Just then, Delta, a woman I’ve hung out with a few times, approaches the table. She’s attractive, with dark hair, dark eyes, and a hot body. She’s wearing the unofficial Screwballs women’s uniform. “You want to dance, Layton?”

All eyes at the table are on me.

“Not tonight, Delta. I’m hanging with my friends.”

Her shoulders drop. “Okay. Let me know when you’re heading out. I’ll come with you.”

“Oh…well…I’m seeing someone.”

Her eyes widen in shock. “You are? Who?”

I put my arm around Arizona’s shoulders. I feel her stiffen but squeeze her close and hold her in place. “Delta, this is my girlfriend, Arizona.”

Delta gives her a fake smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

An equally awkward Arizona responds, “You too.”

---