I shake my head in response and try to muster up a smile for her, but my face doesn’t budge. She keeps her eyes on me like she’s waiting for an answer, and because I still wish I could turnback the clock and go back to the age where she was able to solve my biggest issues, I tell her about Sage.
“Sweetie,” She gives me a knowing look. “You shouldn't have lied.”
“I know that, Mom.”
Her brows furrow as she gives me a once-over.
“I'm not your mom.” She shakes her head again, and she watches me. “Please don't call me that.” She looks like she's getting upset, so I don't push her.
“Sorry, you just remind me so much of her.” I swallow the lump in my throat as I try to distract her. “Do you have any advice?”
She turns back to the piano as she thinks or tries to remember something, but she never answers.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Liam
“Why are you smiling likethat?”
I try to wipe my smile, but it’s no use. “Because Griffin is mad.”
Jordan breaks into a laugh, and I shake my head at him as I finish putting my gear on. We're playing against the Hale brothers today, and they are losing by a shit ton. Sire is the captain and takes their losses so personally.
I get that this is our job, and I want to win, too, butGod, that kid is dramatic. He’s letting his emotions get in the way, and it’s interfering with the way he’s pitching. Usually, when I piss him off, it bites me in the ass because he channels his anger and pitches ten times better, but now? He’s throwing horribly, and I know he’s going to be swapped out soon.
I doubt they can catch up at this point, but pissing him off abitmore will make him play worse and guarantee our win.
“You look like you’re plotting.” Jordan eyes me suspiciously, and I grab my glove.
“Maybe I am.” I slip my helmet on before stepping onto the field. I glance over at the big screen, and when I see Sire is up to bat next, I shake with a soft laugh.
“Liam, give me a heads up right now if we’re going to fight.”
I roll my eyes at how dramatic he is. “I’m not dumb enough to fight at our game. Coach was a dick the last time I fought Griffin on the field.” I couldn’t play for the rest of the season. We were nearing the end, but still, the end of the season was the best part, and I missed it. Either way, I'm on thin ice with Sage. No way I'm going to put my hands on her brother.
I get in my position behind home plate, and after Jordan throws me a few warm-up pitches, Sire comes up to bat. As a catcher, I watch every batter, and I know all of Sire’s flaws by now. I hold two fingers between my legs, and when Jordan nods in response, I get into position.
Sire takes a swing, and when he misses, I can’t help but laugh. I toss the ball back to Jordan, and Sire glances back at me but surprisingly doesn’t say anything.
I signal for another curve ball, and when he misses again, I genuinely can’t help myself. “This is embarrassing, Griffin.”
“So is your bitch.”
I rise to my full height before his entire sentence is even out of his mouth. In a swift move, I flip my helmet off, and he takes a step towards me.
I hear the umpire calling for us to back up from each other, but when a smirk grows on Sire’s face, my tongue slips. “It’s not very nice to speak of your sister like–”
My words are cut off by his fist, and I stumble back, pulling every will of strength I have not to hit him back because IknowSage will tear me a new one, but he hits me again, thenagain, and reflex takes over.
I don’t stop swinging, and after being pulled apart too soon the last two times we fought, I definitely don’t hold back. Whenhe stumbles, I realize Jordan hit him from behind, and it was definitely a cheap shot, but I don’t stop as he loses his balance.
“Are you fuckingdumb?”
I turn at the sound of August’s voice, and he knocks Jordan on his ass.
With my head turned, Sire takes another swing at me, and a metallic taste fills my mouth.
“You son of a bitch.” I grab a fist full of his jersey and hit him back, but in a quick move, he flips us and punches me back.
