Page 60 of Love From Left Field (Knights of Passion)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Miranda’s hand shookin Lucas’s grasp and he could feel the clammy skin betraying her tension. They said nothing until they had exited the stadium, opting for a walk around the building to the small park across the street where kids played before games. It was empty now, kids being in school, and it had the added advantage of not being in eyeshot of the offices.

She sat on a swing and idly swung back and forth. He sat on the one next to her, the black rubber seat of the swing probably leaving stains on his slacks. They rocked back and forth, not speaking for several minutes, only the metal clang of the chains holding the swings filling the silence. Finally, she drew in a deep shuddering breath and let it out again.

“He’s going to change everything. He wants to trade Prosser, anyone he can to get his big-name. Wins, sales, nothing matters.” She glanced up at him, eyes blazing. “I’m so damned mad I could scream. We worked so hard, had so much success and he doesn’t give a damn.”

Lucas nodded, keeping his face and tone neutral. “You expected this. You knew he wasn’t happy, no matter what. Did he provide a reason why he was changing course?”

“He feels the fans need someone big to rally around.” She laughed bitterly. “Does he care that our biggest jersey sales are for Prosser and Patterson? No, because they’re not making the big splash like he wants. He says the fans want it, but it’s really him who wants the big name, anything to make him look good. He didn’t even care about everything I did for him.”

Lucas’s heart twisted at the pain in her voice and he reached over and took her hand. “I’m sorry, Miranda. That part hurt the most, didn’t it?”

She took a deep shuddering breath. “I had this delusion that he’d come back from his heart attack, see our ticket sales and our wins and be so impressed that he…” Her voice trailed off.

Lucas tugged her closer, the chains of their swings clanging together. “You thought he’d do what?”

She turned, her eyes shiny with tears. “You know, I don’t know what I thought. My father never really praised me so I couldn’t expect that. I already had the presidency. What else was there, honestly? Maybe I did all of this for nothing?”

He stood and yanked her to her feet, pulling her close. “Do you really believe that everything you did was for nothing? So what if your daddy doesn’t care? Is he the only reason you did any of this?”

She stepped back, flinching from his words. “Of course not. The team needs me.”

“Exactly.” He nodded. “The team needs you. Everyone who works for the Knights, the fans, the players. They need you. They’re who you’re fighting for.”

She sighed and turned away. “You’re right, Lucas. But he’s my father and my boss. Not only do I have to do what he says, but I don’t want him to have another heart attack. I want to protect him.”

Lucas stepped up behind her, the heat from his body warming her. “You can only do what he allows. Don’t take on too much, Miranda.”

“How can I get him to listen? He has a blind spot about the team, as if he knows everything about baseball.” She swiveled in the swing and looked at him, desperation and hope in her eyes. “Maybe you can convince him, use the league as a big stick, to get him to follow these plans.”

He shook his head. “I wish I could. I can only really consult and advise. Once you miss the payment, then we can move in and do more. Besides, you heard him. I’m not exactly someone he’d listen to anyway.”

She cringed, her face coloring. “You heard that?”

He grinned. “I’ll admit; it was nice to hear you standing up for me. But this is something you have to do. I can only help.”

“I meant it.” She stated loyally. “He can’t dictate my life.”

He tugged her closer to him and planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Maybe we should cool it, not give him any more reason to be angry.”

She pulled back, hurt in her eyes. “Are you trying to break up with me?”

He laughed. “We’re not in high school. This isn’t a break up, or an ‘I want to see other people.’ It’s just let’s keep it on the down-low around your dad and the office until things settle. It would reduce the stress on him, too.”

His gut twisted at the sadness in her eyes, the resignation. He didn’t want to step away but maybe it was best for them to reconsider their situation. If things went south with Seamus, Roger was going to have his chance to grab the team and force the sale. Then it all would come out– the investors, Lucas being offered presidency, and Miranda would think her father was right. For now, if they kept things quiet, maybe Seamus would settle and see reason, consider these ideas.

She frowned but he knew he had her with the carrot of her father’s health. “It’s just for a little while. We’ll still be together outside of the office.”

She shook her head. “No, I deserve happiness, too. My father will have to accept my choices.”

He brushed his pants clean, or as clean as they could be then held his hand out to her. “Stay the course, Miranda. You’ve done good work with the Knights. I’ll see you for dinner tonight?”

She straightened her shoulders. “Fine. I’ve got this. I’ll come up with a plan. Or something.”

She nodded and took his hand, but she gripped it like it was a life preserver in the sea of uncertainty that was her life.

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