Page 100 of Curveball

I smile. “Good morning, Blanche.” I look behind her and don’t see Thor. “Where’s my best buddy? I’ll take him for a walk.”

I assume she’s going to crack a joke about my shirtless state, as she often does, but her face is serious right now. “Good morning. He’s taking a nap. I spent some time with your friend last night. I heard her knocking very late and came out to see what the ruckus was about.”

“I’m sorry about that. I was at the hospital with a friend, but I saw the blanket and cookies. Thanks for taking care of her while she waited. I’ll grab your blanket and plate for you.”

She places her hand on my arm. “That’s not why I’m here.”

“Oh. Okay. What do you need?”

“To talk to you about that sweet girl. The one who loves you with every fiber of her being. The one who I know deep inside you love too. The one who you’re going to lose if you don’t wake up and smell the roses.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

QUINCY

The past three weeks have been crazy. We lost the World Series in game six. It was heartbreaking. I pitched a decent game, but our team wasn’t hitting. I think Layton’s injury took the wind out of our sails. He’s the leader of this team and was missed. The entire locker room was off without his larger-than-life presence.

I blamed myself for the loss, but my friends and Arizona did their best to keep my spirits up. In the end, I know I had the best season of my career, and I’m proud of that. Perhaps next year will be our year to win it all.

On a happier note, our crew had the best time at the Anacondas’ victory parade. With the disappointing end to our season, I’m happy the Philly fans have the Anacondas to celebrate.

We drank, danced, and celebrated with the girls. I was beaming with pride all day for Arizona and Ripley. They were on cloud nine.

Layton had to beg the doctors to let him come in his giant cast. But he was there, beaming every bit as much as I was. Seeing him revel in my sister’s success was somehow comforting to me. Ripley was right. They’re completely in love. They’re going to get married one day.

Arizona eventually had to leave for a two-month international photoshoot she was contractually obligated to attend. Layton is a fucking mess without her. We’re all meeting up at Screwballs tonight to try to cheer him up.

I’m sitting in our regular booth when Ripley and Kam walk in. Ripley takes one look at me and then makes a beeline for the bathroom.

Kam slides into the booth. I look at her. “Where did Ripley go?”

“To perform brain surgery. Where do you think? The bathroom.”

Cheetah makes a slurping noise. “Damn, Kam bam, you look good enough to drink up tonight.”

She pats his hand in a condescending manner. “Are you jealous because my heart is pumping inside me and you’re not?”

He chuckles. “You’re an endless supply of lines. I love that about you.” He leans forward toward her. “I have a few more too. Did you ever wonder why it’s called morning wood when it should be called breakfast in bed?”

She leans closer to him. “If men get morning wood, does it mean that women get morning dew?”

They both start laughing hysterically. The rest of us stare at them in bewilderment. They never give it a rest, and they wildly amuse each other.

Before I know it, Ripley is exiting the bathroom and making her way to the table. She’s so beautiful. It’s likeshe has an extra glow about her tonight. She takes my breath away.

Besides the parade, I haven’t been around her much since the night of Layton’s injury. Between Blanche pushing me toward Ripley and June warning me away from her, my mind has been a clusterfuck.

I don’t want to hurt her, but I equally can’t stomach the thought of being without her. I certainly don’t want to be with anyone else. The problem is that I won’t deprive her of anything she wants. There will never be a time when I want children. Of that, I’m sure.

I stand to allow her into the booth. She gives me a clearly fake smile. She’s hurting. It hurts her to be around me in a group setting. Maybe I’m the one who should be requesting the trade. She’s happy in Philly. June called me selfish. She’s right. Maybe this is a sacrifice I need to make, not Ripley.

I offer her a drink, but she declines. She seems mad at me. Maybe it’s for the best.

Layton eventually wobbles in on his crutches. We’re all happy to see him out and about.

One of his former groupies approaches him, but he shows her no interest. She pushes and pushes by trashing my sister. My mouth opens to put her in her place, but Ripley speaks first. “He’s not interested. Hit the road. No skanks welcome here.”

She turns her vile face toward Ripley and looks her up and down with pure venom. “What are you going to do, fat ass? Sit on m…”

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