Page 16 of West Bound

“I’m here. Earlier than I thought I would be, but here and happy nonetheless.”

“I saw your press conference. Lookin’ good man. That arm of yours still throwing hot?” He asks and I can hear the smile in his voice.

“Yeah. Feeling better than ever.” A pause that sounds like I’ve been disconnected is followed by Bishop’s voice again.

“What are you doing now? All done for the day?”

I look around at Maury who is still standing and talking shop with a few suits. “Not sure. I need to talk to Mauricio and see what we have slated for the rest of the afternoon. I’m assuming I need to get my ass to practice since I start tomorrow.”

“So does that mean you have a couple minutes for a friend?” I look at my watch just as I hear Bishop tell someone he’s here to see Cecelia Desai.

I walk out of the conference room and look right then left, searching for someone who can help me find my way through this maze of rooms and offices.

“CeCe,” I call out when I see her exit out of a room that I assume is Luca’s.

I jog over to her as she stands there holding a leather portfolio and adjusting her thick framed glasses.

“Hey. I think Bishop is here. I’m talking to him and–”

CeCe holds up a finger and digs out her phone from the waistband of her skirt. She begins typing furiously on her screen and a minute later, “follow me. He’s downstairs. Mr. Amato,” she calls, sticking her head into the room she just exited. “I’ll be back in a few moments. Phoenix has a visitor downstairs.”

He dips his chin in acknowledgment and she turns sharply, walking away.

“Bish. You still there?” I ask into the phone, having forgotten he was still on the line.

“Yup. Are you on your way down?”

“CeCe’s taking me to you right now. See you in a sec.” He mumbles and we disconnect right as we step into the steel elevator that brought us up here.

The doors close and there is an awkward silence that falls over us. I shove my hands in the back pockets of my jeans and rock back on my feet.

“How long have you worked for the Wranglers?”

Without looking at me, she replies, “eight years,”and that’s it.

I chew on my lip, wracking my brain to come up with something to say to have her engaging in actual conversation.

“So you and Vivian are still close friends?”

“Yup,” she says, popping the p at the end of the word.

Okay.

I try one more time. “She looked amazing.”

“Nuh uh, homie. Not happening. My girl is too good for you. Go find some hood rat to cross off your list.” She snaps at me and before I can even rehinge my jaw that has fallen to the floor, the doors are opening and she’s stepping out into the corridor.

It takes me a moment to gather my wits and scramble to follow her before I’m shut in with my shock from her reaction.

Now I can understand why those two are best friends.

“I can’t wait to see you on the mound, here in your new home. You’re gonna kill it. I know it.” Bishop takes a huge bite out of the last taco that sits on his plate. I do the same then wash the remnants down with my water.

Bishop has welcomed me to Houston with lunch at his favorite restaurant. We’re lucky that very few locals know who I am and that I’m the Wranglers new star pitcher, so we’re lucky to be enjoying a paparazzi and fan free lunch. So far.

“I’ll set aside a couple tickets for you. You want two or three?” I wipe my mouth then drop the crumpled napkin onto my plate before finishing my water.

I spot the waitress and lift my glass to her when she makes eye contact, indicating I’d like a refill. She nods and holds up a finger letting me know she’ll be with me soon.

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