She’s right, though. I need the married title more than she needs me.
She’s close enough that I can’t help my eyes from peering down at her lips, desperate to kiss them. Instead, I place a gentle kiss on her cheek before pushing myself back up. “Alright then, Mrs. Byrnes, let’s get you to work.”
17
HUDSON
The day has gone by incredibly fast. I’ve spent it meeting the crew behind the team.Mynew team. The coaches, trainers, assistants, and, for me, specifically, the physical therapist for the team. Coach Raymer insisted he was the first person I met. I don’t know if that was meant as a compliment to take care of my injury, or a slap in the face that I need to be babied about it.
Either way, I’m still grateful.
This is the second chance I’ve been waiting for. Timing couldn’t be worse, with my current situation with Ember, but I can’t help but think this was somehow fated for us.
Meeting her on the plane, then running into her at the strip club. One in a million.
Us separately moving to the same city after a drunken marriage in Vegas. One in a trillion.
I just hope fate isn’t a tease. Because I want her. I want all of her.
I’ve spent the last half an hour setting up my locker, getting my gear ready. My athletes’ locker is alreadydisplaying my last name, stationed next to our starting pitcher. His is stuffed full of his gear and a boatload of pictures and personalized cards from his kids.
I’ve brought in all my personal gear, and still, after all these years, I only have one picture that hangs in mine. A picture of me and my twin brothers playing ball together during high school. It’s my favorite picture of the three of us. Not only is it a core memory for me, but it doesn’t include Henry. Seeing him just induces thoughts of resentment and bitterness.
I hope one day I’ll be able to get over that.
“Where’s Henry?” Coach Raymer steps beside me as he glances at the one solo picture I just hung up.
“He had already graduated when this picture was taken.” Keeping my reply generic.
“I mean, you have a picture of all your brothers, except for him. Is there animosity between the two of you because of your injury?”
“Nah, we’re good. We just don’t get to see each other much.” The lie feels like razor blades on my lips.
There has always been tension between Henry and me over the years. He’s the oldest, I’m the youngest. He spent our childhood making everything between us a competition and creating strain on our parents, making everything a fight or a challenge.
Oh, and the tiny, insignificant fact that he stole my ex-fiancé in college. Other than that, he’s not so bad.
Our reunion when I was drafted tohisteam for my first year of pro ball was a match made in heaven for the team and everyone that followed the Byrnes brothers. The pitcher and the catcher, together again.
Until my injury happened.
Maybe one day I’ll rid myself of the bitterness I’m holding. One day.
Coach just hums at my reply.
“I can’t say it wouldn’t be amazing to get the two of you together again.” His eyebrows raise, turning his statement into a question that I refuse to answer.
I just hum back.
“So, what time is Ember coming by?” His question kicks up my heart rate a couple decimals.
“She said earlier she could come by around four-ish.” I peek at my watch. “So, anytime now.”
“Come by when she gets here. I have the keys in my office and the rest of the paperwork for you.” He pats me on the shoulder and begins to make his way out of the locker room.
“Hey, Coach?” He stops and turns back to me. “Thank you,” I say, sincerely.
He knows what I mean. Thank you for believing in me, trusting me, taking a risk, giving me a chance. Everything.
