Page 34 of West Bound

I sit up then realize an immediate problem.

“Shiit,” I curse.

“What’s the matter?”

“I’m living in a hotel room. There’s only one bed and a pull out sofa in the living room that I can guarantee isn’t as comfortable as this plush mattress I sleep on each night.”

“That’s okay,” she says quickly. “I don’t mind. Really.”

“No, Ana. It’s not just that. I have practice and another three game series at home before I’m on the road. I don’t mind you being here when I am, but you’ll be all alone in a city you’ve never been to, and it’s much bigger than Slidell.”

“Uncle Nix. That’s what GPS and Uber are for. I’ll be fine.”

I truly don’t have a problem with her coming. If anything, it’ll keep me from drinking the thoughts of Vivian out of me. But there is no way in hell my sister is going to just let her sit in a hotel room with carte blanche to room service and pay-per-view movies.

“Please, Uncle Nix? Just a couple days. I promise to be good and I’ll get to watch you play. I haven’t been to one of your games in a long time and I miss seeing you pitch. And–”

“Ana, stop. I’ll figure something out with the sleeping arrangement, then I’ll call your mother and talk to her,” I tell her.

“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. I just really, like, need a break from her.”

“I’ll get you a ticket and text you the details once I clear it with your mom. In the meantime, go clean your room like Martha fucking Stewart is coming for dinner, and pack a bag.” No doubt my sister will be pissed that I’m giving her an out, so the least I can do is make sure Ana leaves with one less chore for her to do.

“Thank you, Uncle Nix. You’re the best,” I mumble my agreement and she laughs. “Love you. See you soon.”

“Love you, too, brat. I’ll text you in a bit.” We say goodbye and I fall back on the bed, again.

All I wanted to do is finish my dream about fucking Vivian, get rid of this hangover before practice, then come home after and sleep.

Now it looks like I’ll be playing doting uncle all weekend.

After a long talk with my sister–in which she informed me that the entire blowout was because of a boy who I am going to track down and tear his eyes out for looking at my niece–I booked a ticket for Anais to stay for the next three days then texted her the information. She responded with a screaming gif and told me she would text me as soon as she was on the plane.

Next, I called my trainer and asked him if we could meet this morning before practice as opposed to after due to a family emergency. If I planned it out correctly, I would get out of practice with just under an hour before she lands. Enough time for me to drive out to the airport and be waiting for her when she gets off the plane.

Now the only thing left to do is figure out if I should rent another room for her, rent a double suite for the two of us or beg my best friend to let us crash at his place for a few days, given that he’s not busy.

I tap Bishop’s name on my phone and set it on speaker while I finish getting my bag for the stadium together.

“Nix. What up, brotha?”

“Hey Bish. Sorry to bother you so early,” I start with.

“It’s not early and you’re not bugging me. You forget…I’ve got players too and they’re already working out.” I hear the clanging of metal and realize that he must be with his team.

“Shit. I’m sorry. I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Nah nah. It’s no problem. I’m in my office now, so tell me what’s up.”

I blow out a breath and shove my slides into my bag. “I kinda have a huge favor to ask. And I feel really bad for asking but–”

“Nix,” he says, interrupting me. “Just ask. Do you need a liver, ‘cause I’ve gotta tell you…I wasn’t very kind to mine in college.”

“Nah man. Nothin’ like that. My sister and niece got into a huge fight last night and Anais has asked to come visit for a few days to let the two of them cool off. This suite is just one room, so I was going to see about getting a double suite or just getting a separate room for her but–”

“Say no more. Don’t waste money–even though I know you have a shitload–on another room. I have two extra bedrooms that are not being used that you two are welcome to. I’m close to campus so maybe she’d like a tour while you’re at the stadium.”

This is why he’s not just my best friend, but my family.

---