Page 122 of Off Season

She gives a slow, knowing smile. “I have a lot of opinions on fairy tales, Kamryn, and none of them are good. I agree. Society has us trained to believe there’s only one happily ever after, but that’s not true.”

I shrug, “I think Sleeping Beauty and all the Disney princesses would disagree.”

She places her pen down and looks me right in the eyes with extreme conviction. “Let’s discuss what your princesses allreallywanted. Cinderella wanted to get away from a shitty family situation and go to a party. It was the prince who wanted marriage. Ariel wanted to travel the world and see new things. It was the prince who wanted to get married. Belle wanted to study. Books and education were her dream. It was the beast who wanted marriage. None of these women ever mentioned wanting your,” she air quotes, “normalmarriage. Yet it’s considered a happy ending?” She tsks. “I don’t think any of those stories have happy endings. None of the women got what they actually wanted. If they were stronger, like you, perhaps they would have gotten a real happily ever after. Real meaning whattheywanted, not what someone else wanted.”

My mouth drops and I breathe out, “What in the actual fuck?”

She continues, “In the words of Coco Chanel, ‘A woman should be who and what she wants’. Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re supposed to want, Kamryn. If you want marriage and a family, good for you. You should have that. If you don’t, that’s okay too. Do what makes you happy. I think you need to figure out what it is, but your version of happy is therealhappily ever after for Kamryn Hart.”

I can only blink, completely flabbergasted by her insights. I’m at a total loss for words.

“I’ve shocked you.”

I nod. “You have. And I promise you that it’s not an easy thing to do. I’m usually the one shocking people, not the other way around.”

She smiles in satisfaction. “I’m glad I have your attention. Now that we’ve established that individuals have different definitions of fairy tales, can you tell me what your ideal future would look like?”

“Being the best aunt ever to my sister’s future kids. She’s the most maternal woman I know. She’s destined to have a dozen kids. I’ll be the fun spinster aunt. I’ll probably be living above her garage with my fifteen dogs and cats. Hopefully I won’t have droopy boobs.”

“Is that what youthinkyour future entails or what youwantit to entail?”

I chew my lower lip as I contemplate her words before answering honestly. “I suppose I don’t know.”

She nods. “That was an honest answer. Thank you for giving it to me.”

“I have nothing to gain by not being honest with you.”

“You’d be surprised how many sessions it takes people to realize that.” She looks at her watch. “Unfortunately, our time is up for today.”

I look at the clock on my computer. How the hell did an hour already pass? It felt like five minutes.

“Oh. Okay. Well, thank you for your time.”

“Thank you for opening up to me. I’d love to see you again. You have my online scheduler. I don’t like to push. The ball is in your court.”

It takes me all of five seconds after we end the call to set up weekly appointments with her for the next two months.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHEETAH

Iplop down on my bed at the hotel. I sucked today. I’ve sucked every day this first week of Spring Training. My mind isn’t here. I need to get it together.

Trey, my roommate, walks in a few minutes later. He’s our third baseman and a truly great ballplayer. He always has been.

He used to play for the New York Bombers but demanded a trade to Philly after he met Gemma. It was a whole big, public thing. Gemma can’t step foot anywhere near the Bombers’ stadium anymore. The fans blame her for losing Trey.

Although he’s a few years older than I am, I’ve known him throughout my entire career, considering we share Tanner as our agent. Even when he lived in New York City, we were close.

He walks over and sits on the foot of my bed. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

I can’t help but let out a laugh. “Don’t pussyfoot around me, Trey. Say what youmean.”

A small smile forms on his face. “Sorry. You’re uncharacteristically off. What’s happening?”

I sigh. “Kamryn Hart is happening.”

“Ahh. What’s the deal with you two?”

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