Page 109 of Curveball

“More? What else is there? Is it twins?” Her face is hopeful.

“No, it’s not twins. It’s actually a baby girl. I just found out.”

She screams. “Ahh. So exciting! When are you moving in with him? Don’t worry about the apartment. I’m moving in with Layton. I was planning to talk to you about it this week.”

“I moved my stuff out already, but I moved it to my mother’s.”

“Your mother’s? In California? I’m so confused. You and Quincy are moving back to Cali?”

I sigh, hating that I’m about to take the wind from her sails. “I’ve lived there for the past month. I only came here to see you. I’m heading back tonight. It’s Quincy. He doesn’t want me or the baby. We’re getting a divorce. I’m raising her on my own.”

Her face immediately falls. “What the fuck do you mean? What did that asshole do?”

“When we first got married, he agreed to it because he said he never wanted a real marriage and was adamant that he was never having kids. This isn’t what he wants.”

Arizona’s face looks like murder. I recognize that look from Quincy. “Tell me exactly what he said.”

“We haven’t spoken much since I told him about the baby right after you left. That night, he ran out on me and straight into the arms of another woman. The only time we’ve spoken since then was on Thanksgiving. He doesn’t want to be a parent. I think he has a lot more animosity toward your parents than he ever let on. Their constant focus on the business has truly damaged him. It’s completely different from you. You accept them for how they are and enjoy whatever they can do, he’s venomous about it.”

“Let’s fucking go over there and kick his ass. He’ll realize his mistake. He’s being an immature asshole. He doesn’t want this. I know he doesn’t.”

Layton gently grabs her arm for attention. “Quincy is gone.”

I look at him in surprise. “What do you meangone?”

He shrugs. “He took off the day after Thanksgiving and hasn’t been back since. He told management he’d be out of pocket but would continue his off-season workouts on his own. No one has heard from him. He doesn’t return texts and his cell phone goes right to voicemail.”

I hope he’s okay. I didn’t know anything about this. Part of me is surprised that neither Kam nor Bailey mentioned it, but to be fair, I told them I didn’t want to know anything about him.

Arizona looks at me with worried eyes. “Are you coming back soon?”

I shake my head. “No, sweetie. I can’t be near him anymore. It hurts too much. I’ve requested a trade. I’m due a month before the season anyway. I doubt playing this year is very likely.”

“What about training for the Olympics? Our dream.”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I’m going to be a single mother. It might not be in the cards for me anymore.”

Tears stream down her face as she hugs me. “Oh, Rip, I’m so sorry. He’ll get it together at some point. I know he will.”

I shake my head. “It’s too late for us. He can’t undo the damage he’s done to me. If a time comes when he wants to be in our daughter’s life, the door will always be open, but it’s over for him and me.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

TWO MONTHS LATER

QUINCY

I’m flying to Clearwater, Florida for spring training. I haven’t been in Philly for months. I haven’t even spoken to my family or teammates. My sister started leaving me nasty texts and voicemails. I sent her one brief text letting her know that I needed time to do some soul-searching and that I would see and talk to her when I was ready.

It didn’t deter her in the least. Nasty texts from her were a daily occurrence. Loyal to her best friend through and through. That’s Arizona Abbott for you. I love that about her.

The person I’ve most consistently kept in touch with is June. I asked her not to tell Ripley, but I needed to make sure she was doing okay. June tears into me duringevery call but at least throws me a bone with a few updates. She said Ripley was sad for a while but seems to be coming out of it, determined to make a nice life for her and our child.Ourchild. I’ve spent a lot of time wrapping my mind around something I always assumed I never wanted.

I also kept in touch with Collin. My house is almost finished. We made a few last-minute changes, but Collin is incredible and went with the flow. The pictures are amazing. I can’t wait to see it in person.

I’m excited to get back into action on the field. I’ve only thrown a few times this off-season, but I’ve been working out and am probably in the best shape of my life. I’m ready for our spring training regimen to begin.

I’m hailing a cab at the airport when I see Dutton Steel doing the same. He notices me and smiles. “Quincy Abbott, it’s great to see you.”

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