Page 56 of Curveball

I giggle while Bailey rolls her eyes. “You seriously make up words and assume all of us will know what you’re talking about.”

“Google it. I didn’t even make this one up. I swear. It’s as common a phrase for female masturbation as dialing the rotary phone or a ménage à moi.”

I laugh again while Arizona gives me anI told you solook. “I’ve been telling her for an hour how hot she looks.”

Bailey nods. “Oh, Rip, you look like a porcelain doll, babe. Don’t doubt yourself.”

I place my hands on my hips, offering a bit of attitude. “Why aren’t you accepting the makeup company’s offer?”

Kamryn accepted a deal to model in ads for a skincare line, but Bailey refuses to accept any modeling offers, including a lucrative offer from a makeup company.

“Kam and I did a ton of twin modeling as kids. It was excessive. I swore to myself I’d never do it again. It doesn’t appeal to me.”

Kam sighs. “Bails, if we don’t have to work this off-season, we can travel. We’ve always wanted to do that.”

“You’vealways wanted to do that.” Bailey shakes her head. “It’s not happening. I like working with kids in the off-season. It makes me happy. I’ll find a job along those lines.”

Kamryn’s face drops. Bailey touches her shoulder. “We’re making more playing in Philly. I’ll be able to travel with you a little, just not the whole time. It’s not what I want. Modeling never made me happy. I need to do something I like. Working with kids feeds my soul.”

I nod in agreement. “You should always do what makes you happy, Bails.”

She smiles. She doesn’t love the limelight like Kam does. Half the time I think she only plays softball because of Kam. I’m pretty sure that if it was up to Bailey, she’d be a kindergarten teacher.

Arizona looks at Bailey. “That reminds me. I met with Layton’s agent today, Tanner Montgomery. His nanny quit. His seven-year-old daughter was with him at work. He’s looking for help and I left him your number. I meant to tell you earlier.”

Bailey’s eyes light up. “Really? How many kids do they have?”

“It’s just him. He’s divorced. He only has Harper half the time. I thought that might work for you since we’re still in season and you can’t offer too much time just yet.”

“Definitely. Thanks.”

“And Harper is a huge softball fan. Apparently they come to a lot of games. Tanner knew who you were right away.”

“This could be perfect.” She turns to Kam. “See, things work out. I don’t need to model again. Ever.”

Kam sighs in resignation before looking at me. “What about you, Rip? You’re gonna do it, right?”

I nod. “I think so. I’ve never had financial freedom in the off-season. It’s kind of hard to pass up.”

She pulls open the drawer in my nightstand and narrows her eyes. “Why is your vibrator so fucking long? Do you have a deep tunnel of love?”

I walk over and slam the small drawer shut. “You can’t just walk into someone’s room and check out their vibrator.”

Arizona interrupts, “She likes it super deep. She has for years. Apparently she was fucking some guy in Houston with a long dong, and he ruined her for all other men.”

Before I can dispute anything, Arizona’s phone rings, as it has been all day. She’s fielding modeling offers left and right. That was why she met with Tanner Montgomery, sports agent to the biggest stars. He’s helping her negotiate the best deals. I’m so happy for my friend that she’s getting the recognition she deserves. It’s an added bonus that she’s helping to get our team and our sport the attention needed to stay in business.

Kam gets a call and walks out too, leaving just Bailey and me.

I look at my friend. Something is clearly weighing on her.

“Bails, is everything okay?”

She plops down on my bed. “I suppose. Why do you ask?”

“Did something happen to you when you modeled as a kid?” Her being adamant about not modeling has me concerned.

“Not what you’re thinking. I just need something away from my sister. I live in her shadow, and it’s a big fucking shadow. She’s the better ballplayer, she’s the bigger personality, she’s smarter, she’s prettier—”

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