Nada.
Okay, so Theo is being a baby and giving me the silent treatment. Shocker? No, no it isn’t.
I place my phone on the nightstand. He won’t be calling me anytime soon. He needs time to digest the situation and realize nothing is going to happen to me.
I make my way down the stairs, the house buzzing with excitement. I can’t help the smile that pulls across my face. Although Vic, Mason, and Tim were hesitant to accept my offer, Connor (he prefers Hayes), was not. He hopped in the car with almost no coaxing at all. Maybe he thought he had nothing to lose or maybe that’s just who he is. Flying by the seat of his pants. Living life to its fullest. After chatting him up in the car, I’m leaning toward the latter.
My four new veterans are stretched out all over the living room furniture, Sports Center playing on the TV.
“Yeah, he’s the best I’ve ever seen.” Hayes is talking animatedly to Mason, who looks rather cute all cleaned up. His short hair is clean, giving the light brown color a nice shine.
Mason started talking a little in the car, growing more relaxed as we put miles between us and the city. I can tell he has been through something terrible. When I examined him, I found out his leg was shattered by an explosion in the war. He wouldn’t say any more than that but the way the scars are jagged and uneven tells me they must have repaired the worst of the injuries in the field. A good plastic surgeon could help with the scarring but he wouldn’t hear any talk about it. I’m not giving up though.
“You think so? I think he’s a self-righteous prick.”
I peek in to see who they’re talking about and wouldn’t you know, there, on screen, is my Teddy, the self-righteous prick. I giggle. He’s a prick, but not a self-righteous one.
I enter the living room, halting their conversation. “I personally think he’s the best damn pitcher in the entire league. Self-righteous or not, you can’t argue with his talent.”
Hayes is nodding his agreement while Mason’s lips tighten. It’s clear he wants to argue, but he’s scared to pick a battle with me this early in our relationship. I try to prompt him. I never back down from a good argument.
“Do you not agree, Mason?”
He chews his lip for a moment, considering my question. Finally, he nods, “You’re right, his talent is indisputable. I just don’t care for his attitude.”
I’m about to argue my stance that people are not always as they seem when Cade’s voice raises in the kitchen. “Why the fuck are you yelling at me? How was I supposed to stop her?” Cade’s voice carries throughout the house as his anger sparks.
Only one person can bring out violence in Cade. Theo.
“Excuse me, gentlemen.” I exit the living room, abandoning my plan to get to the know the boys a little better to find Cade. If Theo has unleashed his fury, I don’t want it to be directed at Cade. It will be a war in seconds if I don’t break it up fast.
Cade’s in the kitchen, gripping his phone like he may throw it with one more nasty comment from Theo.
“Cade.” My voice is soft as I cover his hand with mine. “Let me talk to him.”
He eyes me warily while Theo lashes out on the other end of the phone. After a minute he sighs, handing me the phone. “He’s in rare form,” he whispers as he passes by. “Good luck.”
I nod at his retreating back before I suck in a breath and press the phone to my ear. “Theo.”
The phone goes silent. He’s not so mouthy when it’s me. He might ream Cade, but he won’t me. Well, not as bad anyway.
“Are you going to answer me?”
His heavy breathing is the only response I get. It’s labored as he tries to reign in his fury.
I attempt to diffuse the situation by changing topics. “Who are you up against tonight?”
“Don’t you fucking change the subject!”
Ah, well, at least he’s speaking. And as I predicted, extremely pissed.
“How many more? Huh? How many more, Anniston?” His voice trembles with rage as he spews each question from his lips. “Until one kills you? Is that what you want!”
I wait until he breathes through the rage that has taken over him. God help the batters against him tonight. I have kicked the hornet’s nest and set it on fire.
“They won’t hurt me.”
He roars, “FUCK!”
