Page 103 of Off Season
I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re telling me that a bunch of single, attractive, professional baseball players, who could basically bang anyone they want, comehereto hang with a bunch of old people?”
Gemma giggles. “I know. I find it hard to believe myself. They eat it up.”
Cheetah agrees. “The young guys don’t come with us. It’s just me, Trey, Layton, and Ezra. Quincy came last year too. We’re not here every day, but maybe three or four times during the course of the five weeks we spend down here for Spring Training.”
I ask Gemma, “Do you visit often?”
She nods. “Whenever I can. I’m unusually close with my grandmother. I told you I have a bit of a strained relationship with my mother. Grammy Jane is my closest family member. I’m just happy that she and Trey have always gotten along well.”
Gemma is so normal. She seems at peace with her apparent mommy issues. Why can’t I be like her?
As if sensing my inner turmoil, she continues, “It’s not our fault that we got dealt a bad hand of cards when it comes to mothers. I don’t know the details of your situation, and I don’t need to. But choosing to live your life differently is how we overcome it. Find your happy place and reside there. Don’t reside in the past because no matter what, you can’t change it. Before I met Trey, this was my happy place when I needed a moment. I’dcome here and watch these people live their best lives with anI don’t give a fuck what anyone thinksattitude. You have no idea how crazy the residents are here. The universe then blessed me with Trey. Lucky for me, my two happy places meshed so well into one big super happy place.”
Trey smiles lovingly at her as he lifts her hand and kisses it. The handful of times I’ve been around them, he’s completely doted on her. I’ve never seen a man love a woman harder than he outwardly and unapologetically loves Gemma.
“How did you two meet?” I ask.
She smiles at Cheetah, and he raises his hand. “It was all me. I’m taking full credit.”
Trey moans in annoyance.
Cheetah continues, “I was a fan of Gemma’s writing and was fangirling over a funny drunken video she posted with some of her author friends. I showed it to Trey. He then became a psycho in pursuing her. Legit stalker, crazy, lunatic psycho.”
Trey rolls his eyes. “I wasn’t that bad.”
Gemma and Cheetah both laugh. She grabs his hand. “It’s okay. It was hot.” She turns back to me. “Despite a few hurdles, it all worked out. I believe it always does. I love my life. Whatever your mother did is on her, not you. My mother is still alive, and we see her now and then, but we’re a lot closer to my grandmother because that’s who we choose to be around. It’s who we choose to have our son around. It’s who makes us happy. I might share genes with her, but I’m not my mother, and I never will be. Something I’m more than proud of.”
I take a long sip of my beer as I let all her words sink in.Find your happy place and reside there.
Gemma stands and grabs for Trey. “I know it’s been a long day for you. We’ll leave you guys to talk and see you in the morning. Prepare for poolside morning margaritas.”
I raise my eyebrows. “They morning drink here?”
She smiles. “They all-day drink here. Honestly, it’s hard to keep up.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “I can’t wait to see it. Thanks again for having us.”
She nods before Trey wraps his arm around her, and they walk back inside.
I look at Cheetah. “I’ve never spent that much time talking to Gemma. She’s very sweet.”
He nods. “She’s one of my favorite people in the world.” He briefly pinches his lips together. “I thought she was a true unicorn until I met you. You guys are a lot alike.”
“How so?”
“Beautiful, smart, loyal, funny, dirty. You both have this inner glow that draws people to you. You innately make everyone around you happy.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. I wish you saw yourself like I see you.”
He swallows hard before he pulls a folded piece of paper from his pocket and tentatively hands it to me.
I look down at the handwritten name Chastity Pearl with an email address and a telephone number. I pinch my eyebrows together in confusion. “Did you get me a stripper?”
He lets out a laugh. “No, but Chastityiskind of a stripper name.” He bites his lip nervously. “I…umm…asked around, and she’s a psychologist who specializes in helping people with parental issues. I thought it might help to talk to a professional.”
My shoulders fall. “You think I’m fucked up.”
