Page 49 of Saved By the Pitcher

“He’s my son,” Vicksburg replied, sounding almost sentimental. “I know how much he can handle. You know, maybe I should tell him how this deal transpired. It might change the way he thinks—make him realize the men on pedestals, including the man he thought should be on one, are there by asserting their will. You may not believe me, but I care what happens to James, despite his failings. He’s still my son.”

“It’s up to you whether you tell him,” Mike replied. “But not until the deal is done. We don’t need him interfering.”

When Vicksburg nodded his agreement, Mike opened the door and was met by the dark-haired security guard. Mike eyed him from head-to-toe, then gazed back up his body again, winking and smirking. He glanced back at Vicksburg, who grunted with disgust, making Mike smile.

Chapter Sixteen

Mike waited for Billy to find where he and Maria were sitting in the NYC Public Library. Maria had texted Billy directions to the mostly secluded spot she had selected, but had led Billy to believe she would be alone. She had agreed with Mike that Billy wouldn’t have come if he knew Mike was present. He was still angry with Mike because of how James had characterized his breakup.

When Billy entered the cavernous room, he scanned it and saw where she sat and gave her a small smile. His expression darkened, however, when he spotted Mike sitting next to her. Billy approached with a deliberate pace, but his expression showed a mix of anxiety as well as hostility.

“What’s he doing here?” Billy rasped.

“Please, sit,” Maria coaxed. “I’ll explain everything to you.”

Billy jerked the chair from the table in anger, scraping the legs across the marble floor and creating an echo that caused patrons’ heads to turn. “Maria, how can you meet with him after what he did to James?”

“Billy…” Mike began.

“Shut up! I wasn’t talking to you,” Billy snapped, raising his voice as much as he could without disturbing others around him.

Maria placed her hand over Billy’s to calm him. “Billy, please listen. I asked you to come here so the three of us could meet unwatched by your father’s henchmen. Mike and I have something important to tell you. But I must warn you, it will be painful to hear.”

Billy’s eyes showed momentary panic. “Did something happen to James? Is he hurt?”

“No, nothing like that,” Mike interjected.

Billy darted his eyes back and forth between the two, then his jaw dropped when he reached a conclusion in his head. He shot visual daggers at Mike. “You can’t be serious. You’re dating Maria now?”

Maria began to choke on a cough as Mike tried to suppress a laugh.

“I’m old enough to be Mike’s mother,” Maria managed after clearing her throat. “What is wrong with you?”

Relief spread over Billy’s face, followed by a scowl. “Well, you said you think he’s attractive. Who knows what this animal would do?”

“He’s not an animal,” Maria scolded. “Do not talk about him that way.”

“Maria, he dumped James for another person just as he and James were getting close. I’d call him something worse, but I’m trying to be civil,” Billy fumed, turning to Mike. “Lucky for you we didn’t meet outside. You may be bigger, but I’m younger and quicker. I’d like nothing more than to kick your cheating ass.”

“Billy!” Maria chastised like a mother.

“It’s okay,” Mike stated, placing his hand on Maria’s arm. “He doesn’t know. I’m glad he cares so much about James.” He returned his gaze to Billy. “I didn’t dump your brother. He broke up with me. James wasn’t being truthful with you.”

Billy’s eyes clouded in confusion. “No. You’re lying. Why would he make that up?”

“To protect you,” Mike answered. “Billy, it’s a long story. Just let me tell you what happened, okay? I’ll answer any questions you have when I’m done.”

“Why isn’t James here to tell his side of things?” Billy pressed.

“Because we didn’t invite him. I’m not sure he would want to see me,” Mike explained.

“Hmm,” Billy huffed, crossing his arms. “Because you did hurt him.”

Mike shook his head. “I promise, I didn’t. Please, let me explain.” Once he saw Billy blink and keep his mouth closed, Mike took it as permission to proceed. “A couple of months ago, I went to see your brother after his matinee. I didn’t know it at the time, but you had been assaulted a couple of days earlier. He never mentioned it. Instead, he told me that he didn’t want to see me anymore. The truth is, I was shocked and hurt. I thought we had something good going, but he assured me it was one-sided.”

“That’s not true,” Billy whispered.

“Unbeknownst to me at the time, James told you a very different version of what happened,” Mike continued.