Page 29 of Double Play

Arizona: Can’t talk. Heading to the ballpark. Bad reception. Got to go.

Me: LOL. Good luck, sunshine. I’ll be cheering for you.

Arizona: Thx.

The Anacondas publicized the hell out of the fact that I’d be there and that I’m throwing out the first pitch. Several of the local news shows have mentioned my relationship with Arizona. There was a good amount of coverage of her cheering at our game. It’s given the Anacondas a lot of buzz around town. I hate to admit it, but Reagan Daulton knew what she was doing. Our relationship is good publicity. Even though it’s fake, I’m kind of happy that it’s potentially helping the girls. I genuinely like all of them.

Reagan asked me to ride with them to the game to talk. Of course, I agreed.

At the allocated time, I get a call from Frederick in the lobby. “Master Lancaster?”

“Hi, Frederick.”

“There’s a rather immense vehicle of transportation that has arrived. After a brief inquiry by me, the driver has informed me that Mr. and Mrs. Carter Daulton are in the back and that you were anticipating their appearance at your abode. Shall we wait for you, or shall I send them away?”

Why is he so bizarrely formal? Yes, this is a nice building, but no one in Philly, nor in the twenty-first century, talks like him.

“Ishallbe down in a minute. Thank you.”

I walk out the front door to a black Suburban and climb in. There’s a driver in the front. Reagan, Carter,and a toddler are in the back of the car. Reagan smiles. “Hey, Layton. This is our son, George.”

I wiggle my fingers at him and he giggles. “Hi, George. How old is he?”

“Nearly eighteen months.”

“He’s so cute.” He looks a lot like Carter.

“Thank you.”

Carter then grabs a toy to distract George while Reagan and I chat. “How is it going with Arizona?”

“Fine. We get along. I think I’ve been doing everything that’s been asked of me.”

“You have. Thank you. Your dates have garnered a lot of attention. And people are completely eating up her being at your games. It’s like they’re seeing a love story unfold before their eyes. The meal in LOVE Park was a nice touch.”

“I’m glad it’s working.”

She takes a deep breath. Clearly she has something else to say. “You two were a little snippy with each other when you were in my office, but you seem to be getting along well now.”

“It’s easier to be friends. Our goals are aligned. When I reminded her of that, she agreed.”

“Sorry to be blunt, but I have to ask. Is that all it is?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“Great. I need it to stay that way. Too much is at stake. I can’t have you two getting involved and then have it go south. I need to get through the next few months with everyone adoring you two. There’s a lot riding on the success of the Anacondas.”

“That’s fine. She’s not into me that way. She’s made it clear.”

“Are youinto her?”

“Look at her. How could I not be? I was into her before I ever met you and this situation came to be. But we’re just friends. That’s how it’s going to stay.”

“Good. I don’t want to be a dick, but you know your contract and your status with the Cougars all depends on this. I need it to remain platonic. It’s a business relationship. A PR relationship. That’s it. Are we clear?”

“Crystal.”

We arrive at the stadium. Reagan has some sort of owner’s suite, and she invites me to sit with them, but I want to sit behind the dugout like Arizona did for me. It’s more fun to watch games up close.

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