Page 20 of Passed Ball

"I start next week. He's going to have me watch Holland during the gala."

How had I forgotten that I'd have to see him at the gala and why is he suddenly everywhere I am? Tenley bumps my shoulder, sensing my tension, and I relax.

"Speaking of the gala . . ."

I groan in exasperation, knowing exactly where this is going.

"Do you have a date?"

"It's a work thing, not a social outing," I justify.

Tenley rolls her eyes, scoffing. "Do you at least have a semi-unprofessional dress? It is still a gala. You can't wear a high-neck sheath dress."

"Can't I?"

"Not unless you want to look like you get a monthly clothing allowance from Ann Taylor. And is that really the look you're going for? Think about all the potential sugar daddies . . ." She hums. "Baseball players and wealthy donors."

I cock my head in confusion. "And why the hell would I want a sugar daddy?"

"You made it pretty clear you don't want to date, but I thought you might enjoy a mutually beneficial pairing." She says it like it's a totally normal suggestion.

While I've succeeded in raising her to be a functioning adult, society and social media said, "Hold my beer and watch this."

"Has anyone ever told you that you're slightly unhinged?"

"Nope. But my aunt nurtured my creative imagination growing up. So, who's really to blame for the way I turned out?"

"I have no regrets." Truthfully, she's the coolest person I know, even if she sometimes lacks boundaries.

"So you'll let me pick out your dress?" We bump into each other as she bounces next to me, half-turned in my direction and hands clasped in front of her chest.

"That's a bold leap."

"But will you?" Cue the puppy dog eyes.

"Fine."

Her smile widens, and she falls back against the cushions dramatically. I never planned to say no, but it's more fun to make her think it's a possibility.

When she's done making a show of sighing in relief, her grin turns from elated to devious. "And hair and makeup? Wait and see. You're going to look so hot when I'm done with you."

"Hey, that was rude."

"Don't act all hurt. You know as well as I do that you always look gorgeous. I'm just going to help you kick it up a notch--do a full beat. Oh! Some shimmery green eyeliner on the inside corners. Yes, that's what you need."

As she skips off to her bedroom to make a list, I mentally prepare myself for the hours of prep she's going to put me through.

Although, doing something lavish for myself sounds nice, I'll give her that.

Chapter 9

Xavier

Going to this gala is absolutely the last thing I want to do tonight.

As far as managers go, Murphy has given me more flexibility than most would. But tonight is mandatory for all players and I'm not interested in ending up on his, or the front office's shit list for ditching.

Coincidentally, it's also the perfect opportunity to give Tenley a test run before she watches Holland during games and practices where I'm less accessible.

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