Page 22 of Play Like a Girl

Instead of commenting on that, he got back to the subject at hand.

“Just so you know, it wasn’t easy when Karen and I first got involved either. She and Jeremy still lived in Florida and between her work schedule and his activities, it was almost impossible for us to get together. And I was terrified she was going to decide it wasn’t worth the effort to try.” He chuckled. “Even now, I’m amazed she deals with it.

“Oh please, you guys are perfect together.”

“So are you and Kenny.” Before I could get over my shock at his words and respond, he spoke again. “I know I’ve been kind of a prick to him this past year, but it’s pretty obvious he’s crazy about you and he treats you well.”

I clenched my jaw and blinked rapidly, but the tears that had been threatening through this entire conversation still fell. When I didn’t speak, Dale continued.

“Everything you’re feeling is normal. So stop fighting it and quit beating yourself up because you think you’re weak. Get a good night’s sleep and call Kenny tomorrow. I’m sure between the two of you you’ll figure things out.”

I leaned over and pulled a tissue from the box on the nightstand and blew my nose.

“Thanks Dale.”

“Hey, what are big brothers for?”

Kenny

I openedmy desk drawer and pulled out the black box that’s been taunting me for the past two weeks. It’s been in there for nearly four months, but since Penny and I started our not-a-break, my stomach twists every time I look at it.

Part of me wonders if things would have been different if I gave it to her before she left. But ironically, I didn’t want to distract her by asking her to marry me right before the Olympics.

Opening the box, I looked down at the two-carat radiant-cut diamond nestled in black velvet. I’d initially considered a bigger stone, but reasoned that Penny wouldn’t want that. Plus with her slender fingers, it would be cumbersome. I did choose a pavé setting to give it a little more sparkle.

I snapped the box closed, turned toward the window, and looked down at the field. No one was more thrilled than me when my father bought the Waves nearly twenty-five years ago. I was just a kid but he still never pretended that he’d pass it down to me when he retired. I knew I’d have to work hard and if he deemed me worthy, someday I might get to run things.

Once I graduated college and hung up my own baseball cleats, I worked my ass off here. I love the game and what my father has built, but I’m not sure I can march to the beat of his drum anymore. Not if it means losing the woman I love.

Unless she gets hurt, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Penny could play softball for another decade. It will be nearly impossible to keep it together if we only see each other on the occasional weekend.

I spun back around and leaned my elbow against the desk, clutching the box in my fist. For the past two weeks, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to make it all work. Unfortunately, unless I get my father to compromise, I can’t come up with any options. And there’s a better chance of hell freezing over than that happening. But when the time comes, I’ll definitely give him the option.

After placing the box back in the drawer, I signed onto my computer. As usual, my inbox is full so I scrolled to the bottom and started to work my way up.

I’d just answered the last email when my phone buzzed. After hitting send, I glanced over at the caller ID. My heart skidded to a stop then started pounding when I saw Penny’s text.

I miss you. Can we talk later?

I miss you, too. And yes, I’d love to talk.

I’ll call you after my game.

Sounds good. I love you.

I love you, too.

It seems the time has come.

I stood and walked out of my office. Turning right, I headed toward my father’s and knocked on the door. When he answered, I turned the knob and pushed it open. My father looked up when I stepped inside.

“I need to talk to you,” I said as I closed the door behind me.

“If this is about Trey Youngman again—”

“It’s not.” He narrowed his eyes when I cut him off, but I continued. “Dad, I’m going to see Penny.”

“When?”

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