Page 102 of Curveball

I stand there for several long minutes, basically in shock. At some point, a leggy blonde, not my usual type, walks over to me. I think I’ve seen her here a few times before.

“Quincy Abbott? I was hoping to see you here tonight. Want to get out of here?”

I wordlessly nod, simply needing to get away.

Bang.Bang. Bang.

I wake in the morning to a loud, banging noise. My fucking head is throbbing. I have a sudden flashback of a blonde woman and tequila shots. I panic and quickly look to the other side of the bed. It’s empty. Phew.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Who the fuck is that? They need to go away.

I try to remember my evening. I remember doing shots off her body at a bar. I then remember her trying toget me to come home with her. I kept trying to push her away, but she wouldn’t listen.

I recall Ezra showing up, dragging me out of the bar, and bringing me home. He made me drink lots of water and then put me to bed. Thank God for Ezra.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

I mumble, “Hold your horses. What’s the emergency? I’m coming.”

I slowly and shakily get out of bed. Not caring that I’m in boxer briefs, I make my way to the door and open it. There’s a policeman standing there. Oh shit, what else did I do last night? Am I forgetting something?

I run my hands through my hair. “What’s so important that you need to bang on my door at the ungodly hour of…” I look up at the clock. Noon.

“Mr. Quincy Abbott?”

“Yes.”

He hands me an envelope. “You’ve been served.”

Without another word, he turns and walks away.

I quickly open the envelope. It’s divorce papers.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

RIPLEY

I’ve spent the better part of the past few weeks packing up all my belongings and doing my best to tie up loose ends in Philly. I’m moving home for the time being. I need to get out of this town, away from Quincy Abbott.

My mom downsized a few years ago, so I can’t live with her once the baby comes, but it will do for a few months as I figure things out. I need my mom right now.

I officially asked the Daultons for a trade. They encouraged me to wait until I was ready to return after the baby is born to make that decision. The baby is due a month before the next season, so it’s not like I’ll be able to play anyway, certainly not the first month or two.

While Kam and Bailey know I’m moving, I haven’t told Arizona since she’s on the other side of the world. I want to have this conversation with her in person. I owe her that.

She begged us all to stay here in Philly for Thanksgiving, so that Layton has a nice holiday since he’s been so incredibly down withouther. I want to give her this one last thing before I throw a wrench into our friendship. She’s not coming home for another month. I’ll fly back then and talk to her in person about everything that’s gone on.Everything.

Thanksgiving is at Quincy’s. It’s going to be hard to see him, but I keep reminding myself that I’m doing it for Arizona.

I haven’t seen him since I told him that I’m pregnant. In my mind, I knew how he’d react, but it becoming a reality hit me really hard. Seeing pictures online of him that night partying with another woman was the final nail in the coffin for me. Quincy Abbott is officially in my past. It’s more than clear that he wants nothing to do with me or this baby. I’ve spun my wheels over him for long enough. It’s time to change this car’s direction.

My mom flew in two days ago to help me finish packing and to fly back with me tomorrow morning.

I look around the apartment with a sense of sadness, knowing I’ll never live with Arizona again. I can only hope our friendship survives this. She’s so important to me, and I pray I don’t lose her. I know I’ve been less than truthful with her, which will hurt, but hopefully she’ll understand and forgive me.

Mom plops down on the couch next to me and lets out a breath. “I think that’s everything.”

---