Page 70 of Curveball

The announcers pay us a ton of attention. Not just Quincy and Layton, but Arizona and me too, calling us the best ballplayers in the city. It feels nice to have so much hometown support. It wasn’t like this in Houston. The Daultons have done such a great job promoting us. The whole city is excited for the upcoming playoffs. It looks like both the Cougars and Anacondas are on pace to make the playoffs in our respective leagues. The buzz is electric.

At some point, the crowd and announcers encourage Arizona and Layton to kiss for the cameras. I know their relationship is real, and the crowd assumes it’s real, but Quincy is still foolishly hoping it’s not.

They kiss, but Arizona, being my crazy best friend, takes it up a notch and opens her mouth. They’re fully going at it, mouths open, tongues in mouths, all allegedly for the cameras. The fans all cheer, but Quincy practically tackles Layton. The crowd thinks it’s a joke. I know it’s not.

Layton plays it off for the cameras, but I can tell he’s annoyed with Quincy, who’s simmering.

I mouth to him, “Relax.”

Eventually they both chill out, and we have a nice time. We have a few beers and laughs. Quincy is watching Arizona and Layton like a hawk, but he’s otherwise being his fun self.

When the game is over, several of the professional basketball players walk over to shake Layton and Quincy’s hands. They all tell Arizona and me how much they love watching us and ask for photos. This level of notoriety is something Arizona and I have never known.

Quincy offers to take us home, encouraging Layton to go back to his place. That’s Quincy’s way of protecting Arizona.

The three of us walk into our apartment. Quincy looks at Arizona. “Can we talk?”

She nods. “Sure.”

I take the hint. “I’m going to get changed for bed. Have a good night, Quincy.”

He nods. “You too.”

I change into my usual oversized T-shirt that I wear to bed, wash my face, and brush my teeth. I listen at my bedroom door, and it’s quiet. He must have left.

I walk out to get some water knowing Layton must be on his way soon. I need to get out of their way. But it’s Quincy who I see sitting on the sofa running his hands through his hair.

“Oh, sorry. I assumed you left. Where’s Arizona?”

“She’s in the shower.”

“Is everything okay?”

With his elbows on his knees, he turns his head to me. “Please tell me the truth. What exactly is going on with them?”

I take a breath. “It’s not my business to discuss. She’s mybest friend. My loyalty lies with her. I would never in a million years break her confidence.”

His lips turn down. His face is pained. “What about me? I’m your husband. Shouldn’t you be loyal to me?”

“Not for long. I called an attorney today.”

“You what?”

“I told you I was. He’s drafting the paperwork so I can file for divorce.”

He takes a few deep breaths, eventually gritting out, “I don’t have the mental energy for this. Just tell me about Arizona and Layton. Was it ever fake? Have they been lying to me for months?”

“No, I will not discuss this further with you. I’m not your spy. If you want to know something about Arizona, ask Arizona, not me.”

“I tried. She said it’s nothing.”

“Then I suppose you’ll have to believe her.”

He stands, takes three long strides, and gets in my face. So close I can smell his aftershave. His blue eyes meet mine. “I need you to be my wife right now.”

I look up at him, refusing to back down. “I guess we don’t all get our needs met, Quincy.”

He looks my body up and down, landing on the silly wording of my T-shirt. “What the hell kind of shirt is that?”

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