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She grabs a pillow wedged between her and the arm of the couch and throws it at me. “Why are you still here? I’d think you’d be busy getting pampered or waited on or fawned over on your limited time off.”
I slump into the couch even further, stretching out my legs, remembering why I came. We need to talk about the event, but I came because I needed a distraction, and I definitely got one.
I feel her eyes on me. “Go ahead, boyfriend, relax and make yourself comfortable.”
I put my feet up on the small table in front of me, knowing it’ll irritate her further. “Actually, I’m kind of taking a break from the superficial, self-indulgent kinds of things. I’m looking to do more meaningful things with my free time.”
“Annnnndddd…sitting here with me qualifies as meaningful in your newly found sense of humility?”
I look around, trying to choose my words carefully. I don’t know much about this woman, but I know she’s different. I might even venture as far as special. For sure, she’s nothing if not real, and it’s a bit addicting.
She’s been through a lot, and even though I’m not sure I can compare my life to hers, I can’t help but feel we might have some things in common. I know she doesn’t want to be my friend, but I could use a non-friend who doesn’t give a shit about who I am or what I do. So it feels good to sit here and have her tell me straight-up what she thinks, holding nothing back. She has absolutely no idea how good it feels and how rare it is for me.
“Actually, yes. I wanted to check on you, but we need to finalize the event details. Now, I’m glad to know lowlife tabloid photographers aren’t camping out and making your life hell.”
She studies me for a long second, biting the corner of her bottom lip just barely before peeking down at Ax, who’s fallen asleep against her. “I’m sorry you have to deal with that all the time. I know it comes with the territory, but it shouldn’t have to.”
“It doesn’t bother me so much until it affects someone else.” Silence fills the room, but there’s no awkwardness. I figure this might be a good time to break some bad news to her. “I need to tell you about something.”
Her head tips in my direction. “Is it going to make me want to kick you in the balls?”
“I hope not.” I cringe at the thought. “Miranda stopped me the other day. Ed McNeil is throwing a party for the team and the organization. He’s big on team bonding. He wants us to attend to help spread the word about the event.” I put my hands behind my head, waiting for her to say no.
“So he wants us to talk it up to make him look good?”
I have to think about the question. I’ve known Ed since I started with the Tigers, and he’s never struck me as that kind of person. “I don’t think so. I’ve always considered him pretty generous. He loves outreach and likes to support when he can. I think this is his way of trying to get more of the team involved and those working behind the scenes to put the effort in to make it great.”
I pause, my mind returning to the trade rumors, but I stop the thoughts. “Some of the guys have taken Morgan’s side, but if the event gets Ed’s endorsement, more of them will pay attention.”
Andie’s head rolls in my direction. “Seriously, your teammates think that Morgan’s story is legit?”
I rub my temples. “Some of their wives and girlfriends are friends with her. It’s what I get for trying to be discreet about our break up.”
“It’s a crock of poop. I don’t know how anyone can believe those crocodile tears. I’m sorry. That really sucks.”
“Yep.” It really does.
She adjusts Ax’s position. “What about your other friends?”
I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “What friends? I’ve recently discovered the people I was spending time with weren’t even close to being my friends.”
She eyes me briefly, but I can’t look at her. I know how stupid I’ve been. Whatever look she has on her face, I don’t want to see it.
“So you and I have to go together? Do you think that’s a good idea? People will talk for sure.”
“Andie, they’re already talking. Some of them know Morgan made it all up, and they’ll be at the event. The rest of the organization…”Think I’m a lying, cheating bastard and want to trade me.“Whoever is there will hopefully have a better understanding of why this is important. If we go together or separately or I go by myself…they’ve all already made up their mind about us anyway.”
She kisses the baby’s head. “People suck. I want this to be a success and for the families to feel honored. That’s what’s important. When is it?”
“Next week. I wasn’t going this year, but I guess I am now.” Not only because of this event but because my relationship with the Tigers may be on the line. I choose to keep that to myself. It doesn’t affect Andie or the event, and for now, it's just more rumors circulating. “I feel like I owe Ed for being supportive and helping make it happen.”
I hear her exhale. “Well, great. I guess I better find a dress.”
The dog at Andie’s feet pops up.
“What is he–”
“Shhhh.” Andie hushes me as she carefully leans forward and gets up, walking to the window where the dog stands with his ears perked. “Nooooo.” Andie spins back to me. “No. No, no, no, no, noooooo.”
