Page 46 of Off Season

He doesn’t need my deepest, darkest secrets.

“I’m just one of those people who require very little sleep to function. I should have been a doctor. What about you? Why don’t you sleep?”

He looks down, breaking our eye contact. “Let’s just say that I’ve endured a good amount of bullying in my life, including a time in high school when the entire football team snuck in through my bedroom window and beat the shit out of me in the middle of the night.” He points to the large scar on his forehead and another through his lip. “I left that town behind, but some scars never heal.”

My heart breaks for him. I give a hopeful smile. “For what it’s worth, women love scars. Men too. Whichever you prefer.”

He offers a nervous laugh. “It’s women, not that any notice me.”

“Do you go out? I’ve never seen you leave your apartment.” Not once.

He shakes his head. “I’ve had some…anxiety since that night. I work from home. I’ve lived here for a year, but I don’t have any friends. It’s a little daunting to go out alone in a big city.”

This poor guy. He’s got to be in his mid-twenties and all he does is sit home alone. I’m so sad for him. I have a sudden urge to help him as an idea occurs to me. “Do you ever come to our games?”

“No, but I watch them all on TV.” He smiles. “You’re amazing. All four of you. I feel like I live across from huge stars. I was never into sports, but I’ve researched softball since you moved in, and I think I mostly understand what’s going on.”

“The fourth game of our championship series is tomorrow night. I’m going to leave you a ticket at the box office. I have a friend who’s coming alone. Will you sit with her to keep her company?”

We cruised through the first few rounds of the playoffs but are down two games to one in the best-of-five championship series. We need to get our acts together and take the next two games in a row. The next game is at home, and then, if we win, a winner-take-all game five in Miami.

The Cougars are in the World Series. Philly is electric for both teams. Our popularity has continued to surge throughout the season. We’re now sold out for every single game. I have a handful of endorsements and am making decent money. At Bailey’s request, Tanner Montgomery has been helping to negotiate my contracts, as he does for Ripley and Arizona. My sister continues to refuse to do any modeling.

Justin’s eyes widen with concern. “Her?”

I nod. “Yes. She’s kind of shy too. Can you help me out? I’d really appreciate it.”

He gives me a nervous smile. “O…okay. If it helps you, I’ll do it.”

“It does. What’s your last name? I’ll need it for the ticket.”

He winces. “It’s…umm…Bieber.”

I swear I try hard not to laugh, but a small one bubbles in my throat. “Your name is Justin Bieber?”

His shoulders fall as he nods. “Yep. It’s been a big problem for me for a long time.”

Poor guy. He’s a nerdy ginger and has the same name as a person famous for basically being attractive. I suppose there’s some talent there, but he wouldn’t have become a star if he wasn’t cute. Not so much in my opinion, but most people consider him to be.

“I think it’s cool. I’m a Belieber. You should grow your hair like his and lean into the whole red-headed Justin Bieber thing.”

He laughs. “I don’t think I could pull it off.”

“You never know until you try.” I stretch and yawn like I’m tired, even though I’m not. “I’m going to head to bed. I’ll leave you the ticket and look for you in the stands.”

He gets up from the sofa and smiles. It’s the biggest smile I’ve seen from him yet. “Great. Thank you. I’m really excited to watch you play.”

“Thankyou. You’re the one helping me. Just remember, she’s super shy. I need you to be the one to break the ice and talk to her.”

He visibly swallows. “I’ll try.”

As soon as he leaves, I pull up my text string with Amber.

Me: I need your friend Trisha to do me a favor.

The Cougars hada home game this afternoon which they won. They’re now up two to one in the World Series’ best-of-seven.

The good news about them having an afternoon home game is that they can come to our game tonight. If we win, we’ll headdown to Miami, so this is the last time they’ll watch us play this season.

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