“How’s my favorite client?”
“I don’t know. I’m not with any of the Falcons right now.”
He laughs. “Ah… you boys have to stop. I love you all, I just love them a little more. Win me a series or two, and you guys might get the jump on them.”
“That will be hard to do when I play for another team.”
“Nah, don’t be talking like that. It’s not over ’til it’s over. We’ve got time, but I am calling with some good news.”
I sit on the edge of Penelope’s bed. “I can’t imagine what.”
“Money. You like money, right?”
“Who doesn’t love money?”
The truth is that as arrogant as it sounds, I have enough money. I’ve been single since I came into the league, scored some great signing bonuses and contracts, invested well. I could retire this season and still want for nothing, mostly because I don’t live a lavish lifestyle. I want to play because I love baseball, but I’m not going to play for less than I’m worth.
“Good. Graham Sutter called and threw his hat in the ring.”
“New York?” They have the biggest bank roll for players. Which means I have a chance of making even more there than I do in Chicago. And they win a lot of titles.
“Who’s your daddy? Ah… don’t answer that until you sign on the dotted line. But this is big, and it means options. So, get ready to sublet that condo to Harkins or someone.”
My eyes scan Penelope’s room. “I don’t know about moving. I really don’t want to leave Chicago.”
Sure, the walls here need to be painted, and things need to be updated, but it’s Penelope’s space with her things. I want to be here with her and Hazel.
I’ve never had to think about anyone but myself in all the times I’ve played in other cities.
“Well, if you want to play baseball, you better start getting used to the idea. Maybe we’ll see if the Trojans bite, but that new GM, Bianca Banks, is a real trip. I don’t think she likes me.”
“I can’t imagine why,” I say dryly.
“Okay, gotta go. I’ll be in touch. You score a big contract with New York, and it’s a big fuck you to Shane Whitaker. Talk soon.”
He hangs up, and I hold my phone in my hands.
I stuck to all three of my rules, but I’m not sure it will matter.
I didn’t take what wasn’t mine—Penelope was mine.
I didn’t stay where I didn’t belong—this is where I belong.
If I take an offer in a different city, I did promise what I can’t keep. A life here in Chicago with Penelope and Hazel.
“We’re back!” Penelope yells extra loud.
I scramble to my feet and walk down the stairs.
“Hi, Deck.” Hazel flies by the bottom of the stairs into the kitchen with a drawing in her hand.
Penelope looks at me. “You might be right.”
“What is it?”
“Another dog drawing.”
I laugh and hug her quickly, but I don’t pull away fast enough. I hear Hazel’s footsteps stop. We both look at her and find her mouth is hanging open.
