Page 99 of Pitcher Us
“Just one?” I was sure it was going to be more.
Olsson leans back in his chair. “I didn’t ask questions, but I assume it’s because you weren’t technically the one to throw the first punch. But I’d say the ones you did throw came from a personal place.”
Olsson raises his eyebrows, and I know what he’s getting at.
“They might have, but not for the reason you might be thinking.” Sitting up straighter in my chair, here goes a Callie ramble. “It wasn’t over some petty bullshit. Nic deserved every one of those punches, but if you ask me for the details on it I won’t give them to you. What I will tell you is that Callie and I are in a serious relationship and have been since February. Although, I really feel like I could argue earlier because when I fell for her I had no idea about this rule.
“Our intentions were to prove that we could work together and not let it impact the job, and you have to admit that—yesterday aside—we’ve done that. Callie loves this job and if we’re being honest, I think this is the first time I’ve actually loved playing in years. But if you tell us that we can’t be together while being a part of this team, then trade me, send me back to assignment—hell, I’ll retire if I have to. But please, let Callie keep this job.”
Olsson keeps a blank expression for a moment as he takes in what I said. I couldn’t tell you how much time passes because itfelt like an eternity to me, but eventually Olsson sighs. “Callie’s not going to get fired.”
Immediately I feel bricks falling off my shoulders.
“I didn’t love that she left her post to go check on some idiot who got ejected. Her suspension for today's game stands because of it, but I suppose her concern makes a little more sense now.” Olsson leans forward on his desk. “Listen, I’ve dealt with a lot of bullshit over the years, but this has got to be one of the first times that a player has requested a meeting to discuss said bullshit. But if it’s serious, Anderson, just fill out the fucking form with Shannon.”
“Form? What form?” I swear if all of this could have been avoided by a fucking form…
Olsson sighs. “Yes, it’s not directly encouraged for you guys to date, and I get this isn’t exactly your typical corporate job, but there’s still an HR department. Just request the form with Shannon, and fill it out.”
“And that’s it? We’re fine to date? That’s not what Shannon told Callie.”
Olsson raises his eyebrow. “Well, I suppose in all fairness the last GM would have fired Callie on the spot after that fight, and you would already be on a plane to a different team by now, so maybe that wasn’t ill-advised on Shannon’s part. I hold a lot of weight on the image of this team—and in truth, I won’t tolerate another fight on the field again over a personal matter. The purpose of this dating policy is to limit the liability. People in the past couldn’t separate the two. But if you both can keep it professional, then we won’t have a problem.” Olsson stands from his desk. “And while we’re at it, if you keep pitching like you did yesterday—we’ll rewrite your contract now.”
“I can make that work.” Standing up, I hold out my hand for a shake and Olsson returns it.
“I have full faith you can. But unfortunately, you won’t be doing it today.” Olsson checks his watch as he walks to his office door. “Swing by Shannon’s desk. I had her request the form as soon as I got your call for a meeting. Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow, Anderson.”
I nod and follow him out just as Shannon walks in taking a seat at her desk.
Fucking Shannon. I’m going to enjoy this.
I take the seat in front of her desk with a smile. “Hey, I need to fill out the form stating I’m in a relationship with Callie. You know, the gorgeous redhead you constantly run around?”
I make it out the elevator door and I can already hear the chaos coming from Callie’s apartment. God, people on this floor probably hate us.
I walk in the door, but they are all too wrapped up in their conversation at the dining room table to notice me yet, so I just watch.
Callie throws her hands in the air. “I’m just saying if a mythical creature did exist it would be a mermaid. The ocean is huge—they could easily hide from us.”
Tripp shakes his head. “No, no way. It’s got to be Bigfoot. National Parks? I mean, have you even watched the TV show?”
“You’re all insane,” Beck yells. “It’s one hundred percent witches. You want to tell me that there aren’t legit witches in this world? I’ve had some pretty questionable ex’s I think I could reference.”
Adam just pinches the bridge of his nose as he tries to hold in a laugh.
“Who the fuck started this conversation?” I ask, but I already know the answer.
The argument stops immediately as they all turn to look at me.
“I’ll give you one guess,” Adam jokes as I walk up to where Callie’s sitting.
Callie pulls her lips into a thin line as she holds back asking me the million and one questions running through her head. Scooping her up off her chair I take her seat and hold her in my lap with a sigh.
“So?” Callie whispers.
“Oh, well, it’s obviously mermaids,” I say with a shrug, and I can see that fire ignite in her eyes.
“Will!” Callie smacks my chest. “That’s not what I meant.”
