“I’ll be back with a water.”
All I can manage is a nod. I get a small beat of relief when Foster starts kicking my stomach, and I count them both for my sanity and per the doctor’s recommendation. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Alright, that’s got to be a good sign, or…well, a normal one at least.
Harry places a pint glass full of water in front of me. “It was the first cup I found.”
“I’ll take it.” I start with small sips in between what I hope are calming breaths. I can’t say it’s helping entirely—I’ve never felt such unbridled rage before.
Harry takes the seat across from me. “You understand I won’t sell to him, right?”
I blink. “What?”
“I won’t sell the Blues to him. I will, however, sell them to you.”
My jaw drops. “I—hold on.” I snap my mouth shut and let my brain replay everything that just happened. “Is this, like, pregnancy brain? What are you talking about right now? I’m not understanding.”
Harry raises an eyebrow. “You do realize I own the Boston Blues, correct?”
“Does it seem like I know that?”
Harry falls back with a laugh. “That asshole didn’t realize it was me either. I’m not sure if I should be offended, but I highly doubt he personally looked me up. You, however, surprise me. How did you think I knew Adam?”
“I didn’t think youknewhim. More justofhim from my parents and the fact that he’s the father of my child.”
He weighs his head back and forth. “To be fair, it is that I really only know him from the team, not exactly on a personal level like Olsson may. That’s beside the point—I can’t say I know who that man was. I may be old, but I can put two and two together and say it’s not a good relationship for you or Adam. He wasn’t wrong in saying that I do plan on selling the Blues. Your grandfather always said he wanted to buy them from me whenever I was ready to give them up. He loved the team and the atmosphere…so, when talking to the commissioner of the MLB, I pitched you.”
“Me?” I bring my finger to my temples. “As Adam’s wife, how am I even an option?”
“Typically, you wouldn’t be. I have your father as a backup. Again, I can’t say I know who that man was, but he wasn’t wrong about one thing. Anyone who understands what a good investment is knows you’re one of them. It took one presentation for me to get the entire board to agree that you were the right choice to make this offer to. You can pass if you want, that’s okay, but?—”
“Sold.” I won’t hesitate, not on something like this. “I don’t care the price. Point me in the direction of a contract and I’ll sign.”
Harrison may like to play chess, but I’ve always been a poker girl myself.
Call me real quick if you can.
No, I’m not in labor.
Adam
I think we should lead with your second message from here on out. Give me a sec to get out of the clubhouse.
“You’re sure you want to do this, Mia?” my dad asks, sitting at my dining room table. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited for my daughter to own a baseball team, but this will be one of the hardest business ventures you’ve ever taken on. There haven’t been a lot of women sport owners.”
“I’m aware, and not running this by Adam before signing the papers really makes my stomach turn in knots, but this has to be done. I will not let that man have that kind of power over him and pull our friends into, too. I don’t even want to think about what he might pull when Foster’s born.”
Pain radiates low in my stomach at that one.
“Sweetie, you okay?”
I breathe through the pain until it subsides. “Yeah, I think I’m just having more Braxton Hick contractions from the stress. They’ll stop after a while.”
Dad doesn’t seem entirely sure, but what’s he going to do? Argue with me about being in labor?
My phone lights up on the table. “It’s Adam, I’m going to take this real quick.”
“I’ll give you a minute. Harry should be here soon.” My dad stands from the table, and I wait for him to leave before answering.
“Hey, All-star, I know you’re busy so I can keep it quick.” I hate this. I hate this. “Would it be okay if I stayed home tonight? Everything’s fine. I’m just tired and I don’t know if I’ll manage a crowd well today.”
