Shit.
“Nope.”
“Slater…”
“Did you really think I would? Dude, come on. I have done everything humanly possible to put distance between me and him. Why would I want to celebrate the career that destroyed my family? And how do you even know about it?”
“Evie mentioned it the other day. She heard a couple of guys in the office talking about it and I was just curious.”
He muttered a curse. “I hate that people even think about him. Anyone who knows me knows I wouldn’t go to anything that honors that bastard.”
“Okay, but…”
“Look, am I grateful for the career that basically sent me to the resort as a kid because he was traveling? Sure. Those summers were some of the best times of my life, and it’s how we all became friends. But other than that, his baseball career did nothing but bring grief, pain, and embarrassment to my family. It destroyed my mom.”
“Slater, I know things were rough, but your mom…”
“Don’t, Milo. Just…don’t, okay? You weren’t there, so you have no idea. Believe me, if I could, I’d write to whoever the hell is in charge of these ceremonies and blast them for giving that bastard any kind of honor. Sure, he was one of the best pitchers the league has ever seen, but he’s a shitty human being.”
“Unfortunately, they don’t look at that sort of thing. They only focus on career accomplishments, and, like you said, he was one of the best pitchers in the league. And then his coaching career…”
“Whose side are you on, anyway, huh? Are you saying you think I should actually go to this thing?” he asked incredulously. “Because you don’t know my father, okay? You may have met him once or twice and got taken in by his charm, but it’s all an act. The only person he has ever cared about is himself.” He muttered another curse, feeling more frustrated than he had in a long time.
“I just thought you might go, that’s all. I didn’t mean to piss you off.”
“Yeah, well…any time my father comes up in conversation, it pisses me off. Do you have any idea how many people have recognized me over the years and tried to cozy up to me because I’m Cal Slater’s son? I’ve had women throw themselves at me while they wearing his damn jersey.” He shuddered. “And I’m not talking women his age; I’m talking all ages—young and old. How creepy is it for someone to hit on you while talking about how much they love your dad?”
This time, Milo shuddered with him. “Okay. Point taken.”
“Thanks.”
“I remember witnessing that a time or two. But…come on. When was the last time that happened?”
“Last week.”
“No!”
“Yup. Right here at the resort while on a hike. I was on a hike with a group, and they were all baseball fans. I nearly jumped off a damn cliff just to get away from all the questions!”
Milo chuckled and then instantly sobered. “Sorry. Just the image…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s hysterical. I felt like a hunted animal.”
“Damn, Slater. I don’t even know what to say. I kind of hate the thought of you taking off and disappearing again.”
In the distance, he heard people and knew it was Nora and her group coming back.
“I think I hear Nora’s group,” he said. “So what are you going to do about her going there? Is she going to take the flight with all the layovers?”
“She swears she’s fine with it, but I’m not. I even had Evie checking all the airlines in case we missed anything.”
“If anyone can find it, Evie can.” Milo’s assistant had a way of making everything look effortless. Slater had met her on his trips to Seattle and always enjoyed catching up with her. She was pretty, personable, and quick-witted—and easily one of Milo’s greatest assets.
Not that Slater had ever given much thought to seeing her anywhere other than Milo’s office.
“I wish. She’s had no luck.” He paused. “Any chance you have any pilot friends who might be okay with chartering a flight?”
“I’ll do it.”
