Page 24 of Double Play

Ripley raises her hand. “I’ve got one, Coach. One-eyed snakes, coming to get you!”

The team collectively boos her.

Kam jumps up and down. “I’ve got one. How about,myanaconda DOES want some?” She shakes her ass and sings it like the Sir Mix-A-Lot song. Everyone starts laughing.

Coach Billie’s eyes widen. “Maybe we’ll work on this. Let’s...sleep on it.”

Kam starts to open her mouth, but Coach holds up her hand. “Enough. Let’s find something...family friendly.”

Poor woman. She doesn’t know who she’s dealing with.

She turns her attention to me. “Arizona, can I have a word with you?”

“Sure, Coach.”

Everyone heads to the locker room. Once they’re gone, she asks, “What did the Cougars want the other day? I never heard back from you, and then, all of a sudden, I learn that the owners of the Cougars own this team too, and then I see pictures of you and Layton Lancaster up in New York at the all-star pre-party event.”

Just another person I have to lie to. I need something realistic and believable. I try to keep it ambiguous. “They asked me to make a few public appearances with Layton. Just to promote the team.”

She nods. “I see. Well, I can’t imagine it’s too terrible to have to spend time with him. He’s a dreamboat.”

I let out a laugh. “He’s a nice guy. We’re friends. He and my brother are close. I’ll have to hang out with him around town, and we’re doing aSports Illustratedshoot.”

“Wow.Sports Illustrated? How exciting.”

“It is. I’m a little nervous; it’s a body image issue, but I know it will be good for our team and league. And it’s great for younger girls to see women in magazines who aren’t a size two.”

“You’re absolutely right. Well, as long as it doesn’t take you away from your team obligations...”

“Never. You know I’m committed.”

“I do. You’re the clear leader of this team. I need to know I can rely on you.”

“Of course, Coach. I’ll do anything that’s needed.” I literally am doing anything that’s needed by entering into a fake relationship with fuckboy, Layton Lancaster.

“Wonderful.”

“Is there anything else? I have some plans today.” I have a fake date and then I’m going to watch my fake boyfriend play baseball and act like the doting girlfriend.

“No. Have fun.”

“I will.”

When we get backfrom our early morning practice, LeRond is standing by our apartment door. He breathes a sigh of relief as we approach. “Oh good, I was just about to leave.” He hands me a bag. “Here are some things for you to wear to Cougars games.”

“Thanks, but I don’t need anything. I have one of my brother’s jerseys.”

He smiles. “You’re Layton Lancaster’s girl now. You need to wearhisjersey.”

With a tremendous amount of attitude, I ask, “Does he have to wear Arizona Abbott clothing to my games?”

“Yes. I’m on my way to his place next.”

“Fine. I’ll wear it, but only if he does too.”

“Sounds good. There are items for your friends too. Oh, and there are passes for you ladies. You get to go in a private friends and family entrance and then sit in their allotted section behind the Cougars dugout. They’re good for every homegame the rest of the season.” He winks. “I put a little something extra into your jersey.”

“Oh god. What did you do?”

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