Adele’s eyes harden. “I trust everything I’ve shared today is confidential, because if I hear gossip spread about Margot, I will revoke my funding.”
Isaacson stands quickly and comes around the table. “Of course, Adele. Of course. I completely understand, and we’re happy to make accommodations in this situation.”
Adele gathers her things. “I hope this also means Rider will be reinstated to the team. That he’ll be able to play this weekend and his eligibility will not be threatened. Because I will not be able to sleep at night if the father of my great-grandbaby is somehow harmed professionally due to this little misunderstanding.”
“Absolutely.” He glances at me before he begins kissing her ass again. “It’ll be like nothing ever happened.”
The little firecracker winks at me as I let out a relieved breath.
Christ almighty.
I have to talk to Gabby. That woman has saved my ass. Again.
But that’s gonna have to wait because Coach pats me on the back and whispers, “No time to celebrate. Get your butt to practice. We have to prep for the game this weekend.”
Sweeter words have never been spoken.
Except…
“Coach.” I cough. “I don’t have a babysitter.”
He rubs the gray bristles on his chin. “Do you have that sling thing? If the coaches can take turns wearing her in that contraption, I think we can handle it. Don’t worry. We’ll keep her off the field so she doesn’t get beaned by a ball or anything.”
Adele comes up to us and gives Sully a big smile. “I can lend a hand if you would like. To make sure everyone has the ropes.”
He nods slowly, his eyes brightening. “That’d be mighty helpful.”
She turns to me and lifts an eyebrow. “It looks like you have a ball game to train for, young man. Best get to it.”
I smile for the first time all week. “Yes, ma’am.”
66
RIDER
After practice,I trot my happy ass over to Gabby’s. I’m dying to talk to her and share my good news. Thank her for everything. Ask her out on a real date where we’re not juggling the baby and pacifiers.
I’ve got my baby, I’ve got a great woman, and I’m gonna win the fucking game on Saturday.
When no one answers after I knock, I check my phone again.
Gabby hasn’t returned my calls yet, but she works at Archer’s on Thursdays, so it’s not a big deal. She often stays late to help with after-school programs.
I head back home and try to focus on the essay I need to write. It’s tough to concentrate, though, when I keep checking my phone every two minutes to see if she’s read my texts or called me back and I somehow missed it.She hasn’t.
Yes, I’ve turned into a fucking teenage girl.
After another hour goes by with no word from her, unease settles over me. For the first time, it occurs to me that Gabby might not have forgiven me.
I figured since she sent Adele, she must’ve realized I blew my cool and didn’t mean the dumb shit I shouted the other night.
“Ba na na gaga!” Poppy tosses her toy right out of her playpen.
“Whoa, baby. That was quite the pitch.” I lift her out and set her on my lap. “We might need to get you signed up early for softball, huh?” Is that a sexist thing to think? “Hell, kid, if you wanna go for MLB, I’m down for that too. With this arm, which I’m pretty sure you got from your daddy, I bet you could give them a run for their money.”
She jams her fist in her mouth, pausing to shout, “Na na na!”
“Want a banana?”
