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She was fascinated. Few people were privy to a behind the scenes glimpse of the making of a baseball star. And she had no doubt that’s what she was witnessing today. Luke was going to be a star.Herman would take baseball by storm.
Abbey watched, glued to her seat as Luke took advice from his coach during practice. When their practice game began, he struck out the first two batters immediately, their bats not even coming close to touching the ball. It was amazing to watch.
“You’ve been coddling that boy, Darren. He should have been bumped up from middle reliever last year. He’s got one of the best and fastest arms in the MLB, for fuck’s sake,” Earl whined.
“Earl, don’t make me tell you again to shut up. The stadium has nearly forty thousand empty seats.”
Earl raised a hand in surrender and shut the hell up.Thank God.
“I’m sorry, Abbey. Earl Jepson is one of the best sports agents in the country. His personality leaves a lot to be desired, I know. And trust me, if needed, he can be replaced,” Darren whispered in her ear.
She smiled. That was good to know. She didn’t trust Earl. There was something about him that struck her the wrong way. He wasn’t trustworthy. She felt it in her gut, but she trusted Darren to do right by Luke’s management and representation.
Abbey sat beside Darren and watched on, thrilled, as Luke pitched an entire game himself. A “test” that would determine his future with the Cobras. She was so nervous for him, but from what she could tell, he pitched one hell of a game.
Several hours later she sat with all of them at Chicago Cut Steakhouse on LaSalle for dinner. She’d never been to such a fancy or expensive restaurant before. The dining room was huge with high ceilings and large windows overlooking the Chicago River. It was fun, lively, and loud.
Abbey enjoyed her perfectly cooked marinated skirt steak and lobster mac and cheese. She stayed silent and listened intently as the men around the table discussed Luke’s future with the Cobras.
“I think I could have pitched a no hitter today,” Luke stated calmly at the table.
Earl Jepson grunted as he stuffed his face with the most expensive thing on the menu, a double cut porterhouse steak. He was such a disgusting pig, Abbey thought.
“We know, Luke,” Jesse Richards, the Cobras’ team manager, said. “We wanted to see how you’d perform through a more typical game. How’s your arm feeling? Are you tired?”
Luke shrugged. “It feels pretty good. I’m not that tired. What do my stats show?”
“Not much change in speed from the first inning to the ninth. You did really well out there today, Luke,” Jesse replied.
Abbey hadn’t sensed too much difference. Luke had been like a machine. He’d pitched an amazing game.
“Here’s what I propose. We move you up from middle reliever to starter, at the already agreed upon salary. I decide how to use you when we get to the playoffs and the World Series. I believe you’ll help us get there,” Jesse offered.
Abbey held her breath. She was thrilled for Luke. It was his dream come true. Luke wasn’t smiling though. Why wasn’t he excited? Luke reached for her hand under the table. She squeezed it, offering her support.
“Finally,” Earl exclaimed. “And I’ve got the endorsement deals all lined up and ready to go.”
“Calm down, Earl.Idecide which endorsement deals I’ll accept,notyou. Got it?” Luke said, low and composed.
Earl’s mouth fell open, and he looked stunned for a second. Abbey almost laughed.Good for Luke.
Earl regrouped and nodded. “Of course, Luke. Whatever you decide.”
“Thank you for the opportunity. I won’t let you or the team down,” Luke said confidently and finally smiled, showing off his dimples.
Everyone at the table murmured with excitement. Luke leaned over and brushed his lips against hers, and her body immediately warmed up. She felt her nipples pebble. Her face warmed, and she suppressed a giggle. The middle of a busy restaurant was not the place to get turned on.
She took a quick sip of ice water to cool down. “I’m so proud of you, Luke.”
“Thanks, princess. So, when do classes start at U of I in the fall?” he asked.
Thrown off by the sudden of change of topic, Abbey hesitated for a second. “Oh … Wednesday, August twenty-second, why?”
“I have to leave for Arizona tomorrow. Would you like to come out on the road with me? I’ll have you back in time before classes start. I promise. What do you say?”
****
Luke washed his hands in the restaurant’s men’s room with a smile on his face. It was all coming together. All of his hard work was finally starting to pay off. His only regret was not being able to share it with his parents and grandfather.
