Maverick
“I don’t have much experience with relationships, but I’m pretty sure the guy normally picks his girl up to go places.”
“Hello to you, too,” Sadie replies to my grumble with a smile as she gets out of her car. She’s not dressed as a librarian today, although the dress she’s got on is still pretty modest, covering up a lot of her curves. But her hair is down, flowing over her shoulders, and I’m annoyed at myself for noticing and for liking it.
It doesn’t slip my attention that she ignores my statement about picking her up. But this is the fifth time we’ve met up over the past week and a half, and every time she’s insisted on driving herself. I can’t figure out why, and it’s frustrating.
“Okay, remind me. Who do we have to focus on today?”
“Everyone,” I retort as we walk toward the restaurant where most of my teammates and their significant others are waiting.
Every year, at the end of the All-Star break, the guys rent out a local restaurant for a team dinner. And every year, I come up with a reason not to go.
This year, I was given no choice but to come with Sadie. And it’s make-or-break time. The press has been surprisingly easy to fool so far. The photos Colin’s arranged to be leaked have painted a pretty picture. But tonight, we’ve got to convince twenty baseball players and their respective partners. Up close and personal, they’ll notice everything.
I take her hand, lacing our fingers together as we walk inside. The room is already loud with boisterous conversation and laughter, and I immediately want to leave.
“It’s okay, we got this,” Sadie whispers, leaning into me slightly as she squeezes my hand. And I feel my breathing even out.
“Mav!”
Monty, one of the catchers, weaves his way through the tables and chairs to reach us, a goofy grin on his face. The guy is permanently happy, and while I’d never admit it, I admire that about him. Even if I secretly wonder just how legit his good mood is. I mean, how can someone be so fucking happy all the time?
“Hey, Monty. This is Sadie. Sadie, Dan Montgomery, catcher.”
“Oh, we know each other.” Monty grins at Sadie. “She always stops by when we visit the children’s hospital. But I gotta say, you’ve become somewhat of a legend around here.” Monty smiles again.
“I have?” she asks, looking from him to me with a confused smile on her face. “Why?”
“Because you got our boy Mav smiling. It’s a fucking miracle.”
“Fuck off, I smile,” I grumble, but Monty and Sadie are both just laughing at me. Which stings a little. Am I really that grumpy, even around my team?
Who the fuck am I kidding? Yeah. I am.
“Come on, Sadie. Let’s introduce you around to the players you don’t know yet so this guy can go get a drink and find a quiet corner to chill.”
Monty gestures to lead Sadie away, but I pull her back to my side. “I can take her around.”
He looks at me, surprised. “Of course, man. Sorry. Not trying to overstep. I just figured with how you don’t love crowds, I’d do you a solid and handle the intros.”
Well, now I feel like an ass. “It’s fine.”
“Okay, cool.” Monty gives Sadie one more quick grin before walking over to another group of guys. Sadie steps in front of me, her big eyes staring up at me. She’s not wearing her glasses today, making them seem even larger than normal.
“What was that all about?”
“I didn’t know you already knew some of the guys.”
She tilts her head as she looks at me, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Not well, but yeah, I sometimes stop by to see Willow when they come for a visit. The relationship between the Tridents and the hospital is good for the foundation; they help bring in a lot of money.”
“Well. You’re here with me. I’ll introduce you to everyone, not Monty.” It comes off sounding more controlling than I mean it to, but damn it, I don’t need Monty charming her.
“Fine.” Her easy acceptance makes me breathe a little easier until she shifts in closer. “But I’m asking what Monty meant when he said you don’t like crowds.”
I shrug. “It’s not a big deal. I’m just not a fan of socializing with big groups.”
“You’re a professional athlete. You’re surrounded by crowds all day, every day.”
