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I rest my head on the back of my couch, needing my mind to stop.
After running into her at the hospital, I put my traitorous hormones back in the box where they belong. All it took was another perusal of the stories and comments Morgan continues to spread to make me remember why I’ll remain single and focus on playing football while I still can.
I know the day is coming when my body won’t allow me to play the game my team and organization need me to play, but that day isn’t today. So that’s my main focus. That and getting my priorities realigned, which I’m making significant progress on.
I’ve removed much of the noise plaguing my life, and I’m beginning to settle into the stillness I’ve been craving–the calm, safe freedom of my own space.
My phone buzzes next to me, and I hope it’s Andie. Besides finalizing the last-minute details, I need to tell her about a little thing Miranda is requesting. It's something I’m pretty sure Andie’s not going to be excited about.
I flip my phone over, and my hope deflates. It’s Rob.
“Hi, Rob.”
“Hey, Sean. How are things?”
He and I are still getting to know each other, but he’s been more helpful in the past few days than Craig was in a month. He’s not someone I can read yet, but something about his tone has me bracing myself.
“I’m good. I’m having a rare quiet day today.” I force myself to stay relaxed, hoping I’m misreading his tone.
“Well, that’s good. I have some information for you that I’m not sure you’ll like. I’ve been poking around and asking some questions. I’m hearing rumblings of a possible trade deal.”
My stomach folds in on itself.A trade? The Tigers want to trade me?
I’ve been with the Tigers for the past four years. I have one more season on my contract. Then, I can evaluate my options orconsider retiring if I’m ready, but I never imagined not finishing my career with this organization.
“What? They’re talking about trading me? To where?” I feel betrayed and try to keep my emotions in check. I can’t imagine starting with a new team and leaving all my teammates.
“I’m not sure. I’m hoping it’s just rumors. Apparently, Craig was quietly shopping around. I don’t know if that was on his own or if he had a conversation with the Tigers. As far as I can tell right now, the Tigers either aren’t looking to trade, or they’re keeping all talks behind closed doors.”
There’s silence on the line, but my head is beginning to pound with uncertainty. I was such an idiot to stick with that dick for so long.
“Sean, don’t worry about this yet. Let me sort out fact or fiction.”
“Ok.” I take a deep breath and push it out. “Thanks. I appreciate you letting me know. Whatever you find out, I want to know right away.”
“Will do. I’ll be in touch. Hang in there.”
Rob hangs up, and I squeeze my phone so tight I’m surprised it doesn’t break. I can’t even think about picking up my life and moving it somewhere else. It’s not like I have a family or much of a life here besides the Tigers, but this is just...
I run my hand over my head as my body tenses with thoughts of being sent off to another team.Why? Why would they do this? Why now?
All this shit with Morgan and people looking at me like I’m the scum of the earth was one thing, but I never thought my team would kick me out for this. Something I didn’t even fucking do.
I sit forward, resting my arms on my legs and letting my head fall into my hands. I try to breathe, closing my eyes so I can thinkclearly about what this will mean. A wave of nausea rolls through me as I consider being sent to a team looking to rebuild.
I can’t sit here all day thinking about this and wondering if the inside of my organization is talking about trading me. I pace my living room, staring out at my backyard. I need something to do.
I look at my phone and back at Andie’s messages. I think about texting her, but she said she’s stuck at home. I contemplate it for only a second and then decide to screw it.
I grab my keys and head out to my truck, dialing Miranda’s assistant.
“Hi. Yeah. It’s Sean. I need a favor. Would you be able to pull an address for me?”
Chapter 23
ANDIE
I tiptoe from Axel’s room, relieved to be able to put him down. The little booger fussed all night, and I’m pretty sure we only slept a total of four hours. I don’t know if it’s a cold, or teeth, or his apparent decision that I should hold him All. The. Time, but this is the first time I’ve been able to lay him down in his crib since yesterday afternoon.
