Page 60 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

My patience is rewarded when she walks through the gate with Hope. My pulse skips watching her just as the familiar pang of guilt sucker punches me.

A locker slams, and I glance over to find Logan still in the dugout with me. He dips his chin before heading to the clubhouse.

Taking one last look at Cat, I follow him.

Thirty minutes later, I’m sitting at the team table, wearing a Smokies hoodie, and running a hand through my damp hair. A line of fans is waiting to meet us, and the hum of excitement vibrates through the air.

Except my insides feel like they’re being run through a grinder. Lifting a hand to my chest, I attempt to rub the burning away. Cat catches my eye, and her brow furrows.

“Are you okay?” She mouths, and I scoff before nodding, forcing a smile.

Her brows are still pulled together, and worry lines her forehead, but we both know now isn’t the time to talk. She stiffly nods before going over to the line of people.

“Hey, everyone. We’re so excited to have you here. I know the players are thrilled to have an opportunity to meet with their fans,” Cat’s excited voice booms and reaches the table easily. She points to Hope before continuing on. “Just follow Hope, and she’ll make sure you get where you need to go. And don’t worry,you’ll have every opportunity to meet up with Evan Hanson, Justin Ingram, Logan Miles, and David James. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” the crowd yells back.

“Perfect! Let’s get this party started!”

Excited chatter makes its way to us as the crowd nears the table. Hope sorts all the fans into lines, getting them set up by who they want to see first. She explains that once they’re done they can hop on one of the other players lines.

The tightness in my chest eases as the first person walks up to me, and a real smile crosses my face as I watch the young child hugging his father’s leg.

The kids make what I do so much fun, and it’s endearing to see them excited about meeting me. I’m pretty certain it’s a feeling that will never fade.

“Hey there.” I smile at the boy, and he shyly looks up. “I’m David. What’s your name?”

“Why don’t you tell him your name?” His dad says, running a hand over his hair. “I’m sure he’d love to know he’s your favorite player.”

“Only because of Emmy,” the boy says in the same stage whisper Scarlett uses, and I can’t help but laugh.

“I’m so sorry!” The dad replies mortified, reaching out his hand to me. “I’m Steven, and this is my son. He really is a huge fan,” he whispers behind his hand, his ears turning pink.

“It’s okay, I have an outspoken daughter. I get it.” My smile widens as I see the young boy peek over at me before looking around. “Sorry, bud, Emmy isn’t here today.”

I turn my gaze to the photos in front of me and snicker. There’s a picture of Emmy prancing around the field like she owns it during Bark At The Park. Wonder if they’d be willing to let her take my place. “But it looks like there’s a photo of her. Do you want me to sign that one for you?” Without looking at me, henods his head. “You got it. Does this one work for you?” I ask his dad, pointing to a picture of me up at bat.

“That’s great.” He beams, relief etching his forehead.

“Here you go. Hope to see you at one of our home games.”

“Thanks again.” I watch the man try to walk with his son clinging to his leg before he just picks him up and walks off.

“Cat,” I call before greeting the next person in line. She smiles and makes her way over to me.

“Hi there,” she says to the person waiting. I point to the photo of Emmy. She snorts, resting a hand on my shoulder and murmurs, “Well, aren’t they pulling out all the stops?”

“Thanks for coming. Hope to see you at the next home game.” Turning my gaze to Cat, grinning, I ask, “You didn’t know about this?”

“Regardless of what you believe, I don’t know everything that’s happening. I just organize the events.” She says over my shoulder, her floral perfume wrapping around me. “I’d like one of those signed, please.”

“Anything for you, dear wife,” I say softly, taking advantage of the fact that we’re in public. As I watch her eyes soften, the tension that’s been holding me hostage eases.

And in that moment, I know I really do meananything.

Chapter Twenty-Four

David

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