Page 47 of Curveball

I chuckle. “A very good thing. We’re extremely close. We haven’t lived in the same city since I left for college. It’s more than welcome.”

“Then what’s weighing on you?”

I’m silent.

“Ah, the broken heart. What does it have to do with your sister?” He narrows his eyes. “Oh shit. Have you been reading Cheetah’s books? Stepsister shit is cool in porn and romance novels, not in real life.”

I can’t help but start laughing. “No. She’s not my stepsister, and it only relates to my real sister because the woman is her best friend and she’s moving here too.”

He breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank fuck for that. I don’t need a PR nightmare. What’s the problem? Did it end badly?”

“It did.”

“You don’t have to give me details if you don’t want to, but you’re thirty-three. Put on your big boy pants and have a real conversation with this woman. Is she one of the crazies?”

I shake my head. “No. She’s perfect. Too perfect for my fucked-up ass.”

“There ya go. Talk to her. Talking is very underrated in your generation. Don’t text, don’t email, don’t fucking SnapShit or whatever it’s called. Pull her aside and have a real adult conversation. Put this shit to bed. You’re theace of our staff right now. I need you focused, not involved in childish drama.”

I nod. “You’re right. Thanks for the advice.”

He places his hand on my shoulder. “I told you, my door is always open. I’m here for you on and off the field.”

“Thanks, Dutton. What about you? Do you date at all?”

He sighs. “I didn’t for a very long time after my wife passed. It was hard to fathom being with someone else. She was the only woman I ever loved. I’m on a few dating websites. It’s more of a hassle having to sift through profiles and play stupid games. I haven’t met anyone who truly interests me. I’m not sure I ever will.”

“Do you want to get married again?”

He shrugs. “I’m not against it. I loved being married.” He stares at me for a few long beats. “Don’t overthink. When the situation is right, you’ll know. I promise.”

Not what I was thinking at all. It will never be right for me.

CHAPTER TEN

RIPLEY – AGE 28 {QUINCY – AGE 33}

Three weeks ago, I was signed by the Philadelphia Anacondas, as were Arizona, Kamryn, and Bailey. It’s a dream come true. I get to live and play with Arizona again. It’s been six long years apart. We’ll get to finish the last few years of our careers just as we started them. Together. And we can practice as we try to make the Olympic team in four years. I’m busting with excitement.

We all moved across the country. Arizona and I rented an apartment together in Philly. Kamryn and Bailey rented the apartment next door. It’s like being in college again.

I have mixed emotions over being in the same town as Quincy. He moved here nearly eight months ago, and we hadn’t spoken since the aftermath of Arizona’s wedding that never was. I saw him when we all went out a few nights ago. It was awkward, but I think we masked it well. It’s both painful and soothing to see him. Painful in that I loved him, soothing in that I’ve missed him. He was my friend inaddition to being my lover. I miss all aspects of Quincy in my life.

I worked hard to get over him. It took a long time before I could go on any dates, but I eventually did. His leaving Houston was the best thing for me. I no longer ran the risk of running into him. It was the time I needed to heal. I think I have.

As for Arizona, she’s definitely not healed after having her heart broken. I know she’s better off without him, but everything that happened has extinguished the light inside my best friend. Admittedly, I was on the fence about moving here because of Quincy, but I know Arizona needs me, and this opportunity was too good to pass on.

Our first two weeks here have been a little crazy. The Cougars were sold to a group of billionaires. The Daulton, Windsor, and Bouvier families are now the owners. They also own our new team, the Anacondas.

In what might be the craziest thing I’ve ever heard, the new owners asked Arizona to pretend to date Layton Lancaster for public relations reasons. Yes,thatLayton Lancaster. The same one she pined after as a teen. They think Layton’s notoriety will be good for our team.

Arizona was flipping out when they asked but eventually realized that it might genuinely help our team and sport flourish. She’s sworn off the possibility of it being anything more, but I know my best friend. She’s wanted him for as long as I can remember, and he seems awfully into her. Most men are.

We have a short practice this morning ahead of our opening game tonight. Our coach just wanted to talk about things and do an abbreviated warm-up.

We’re on the field practicing, but I’m off to the side pitching to Arizona when I see Coach Billie walking my way.Wilhelmina “Billie” Kramer is a little ball of fire. She’s got lighter hair and pretty blue eyes. She had a nice softball career herself about fifteen to twenty years ago.

She approaches me. “How are you feeling?”

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