Page 141 of Off Season

Darian laughs as we say our goodbyes and head to lunch. All of four seconds after we sit down at the restaurant, she asks, “How’s it going with Kam?”

I smile. “Good. Really good.”

“Are you an official couple?”

I think for a moment before answering, “I’m not sure. We haven’t talked about it. She doesn’t like the word commitment. She prefers flingationship.”

“What the hell is that?”

“Basically friends with benefits. It was supposed to be open, but neither of us are seeing anyone else. At least I’m not.”

“Is that what you want?”

I think for a moment. “I wouldn’t mind us being more, but she’s always been clear that it’s not what she wants. I respect her wishes.”

Her green eyes soften. “What about your wishes, Cruz? What you want should matter as much as what she wants.” She tilts her head to the side. “You can’t do all the giving.That’s not how relationships work. It’s supposed to be give-and-take on both sides. I know you’re a pleaser by nature, but if she’s not bending for you like you are for her, maybe it’s not meant to be.”

My head is spinning as I consider her words. “But I love her.”

“Does she love you?”

I shrug. “She would never admit that even if she did.”

She leans back in her chair and sighs. “I know you’re already in deep with her. And I really like her for you. A lot. But you need to think about your needs and make sure they’re being met. It can’t only be about hers.”

I shake my head. “It’s only been a few months. I don’t think it’s right to put pressure on her when she’s never been anything but upfront with me.”

She takes my hand. “You’re a grown man. Probably my second favorite grown man on the planet.” She smiles. “Don’t tell my besties I said that. I’ll deny it.”

Gemma’s two longtime best friends are men. It was a whole fucking thing for Trey when they first started dating. I think it’s cool. Gemma is a guy’s girl through and through.

She continues, “You deserve to have everything you want. When you decide what you want, make sure your partner gives it to you.”

I nod. “You’re right.”

Later that afternoon,I’m at Layton’s penthouse. I suppose it’s now Layton and Arizona’s penthouse.

Layton makes bats in his woodshop. He texted to let me know that he had finished my new one, and I should comepick it up. I’m excited about it. He happens to be very talented.

I run my hand over the smooth contours. “This looks awesome, man. Thank you. I love it.”

He pretends to blow a whistle. “Coach Layton reporting for duty.”

Layton now helps out as a part-time assistant coach for both our team and the Anacondas.

“How’s married life?”

He smiles. “Amazing. Can you keep a secret?”

I nod. “Of course.”

“We’re trying for a baby.”

I practically gasp. “Really? What about her season?”

“We’ve talked about it. We want to have one kid before the Olympics. If she gets pregnant in the next month or two, she’ll be able to play this season and will have the baby well enough ahead of next season to get back into shape for it. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about the possibility of her being pregnant and the physical demands of catching, but it’s best for her career, and I want to support that. This is stuff male athletes don’t ever have to consider.”

I nod. “You’re right. No one worries about timing and getting back into playing shape. I never thought about it until now.”

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