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Epilogue
TALYNN - THE NEXT DAY
I’m physically drained. My body feels jet lagged from all of yesterday’s highs and lows. But Tackett’s hand never left my body the entire night, even when Evita, the sexy Latina, showed up to the party. Tackett thanked her and Raul for coming and introduced her to most of his teammates, but Ortega is the one who was the recipient of her smile.
I’m scared because Archer and Megan call and ask Tackett and me to meet them at the office, remembering Tackett asked to be traded. Tackett and I get ready and head over.
“I’m starving. They better have breakfast.”
“I’ve got sausage.” His laugh comes from deep inside. He’s so funny.
“Thanks, I’m already over my quota.” I smirk.
When we arrive, Kandi gestures for us to go on in. As I open the door, Archer’s arms are around Megan and they’re gazing out at the field. They are wonderful role models for Tackett and me. And God, I’ve never seen two mega successful people so in love. Tackett squeezes my hand like he’s thinking the same thing.
“Hey, we’re here. What’s so important? You do remember it’s the day after my twenty-first birthday.”
They turn around, Archer says, “Tackett, you had one beer.”
“True, but my girl here has me drunk on love.” This makes everyone smile.
Tackett notices a table set up with food and he lifts up the covered edges to biscuits with a blueberry compote. “Eat My Biscuits? Archer, how come you never fed me Eat My Biscuits?”
Megan chimes in, “This is a special occasion. Fix your plates, then we’ll talk.”
As we sit around the coffee table eating Archer presents Tackett with his options. “Atlanta wants you.” Neither Archer nor Megan smile.
“Atlanta? Or Atlanta’s Triple A team?” Tackett asks with apprehension.
This is not good. I can’t stand in the way of Tackett’s success. Megan’s clicking her pen. Archer is rolling one between his fingers. And I’m not breathing. I know I shouldn’t be thinkingArcher, say Triple A. Archer, don’t say the majors.But I am.
How awful of a person am I? I want the best for him, but I also want him.
Archer stands, strides to the window again. “Atlanta, the majors.”
“A major league team wants me? Like when? What are they getting in exchange?” Tackett asks. His hand is running up and down my thigh, over and over like I’m his thinking stick.
“Yes, they want you. Don’t be surprised. You’ve been ripping the ball since you came out of the slump.”
Megan interrupts, “I’m sorry Tackett, I tried to make it happen with the Kodiaks, but we need pitchers in the system. Atlanta’s giving us three pitchers, a catcher, and a boatload of cash. They want you bad. We couldn’t refuse.”
None of us are jumping up and down. Tackett has a far-away look in his eyes.
Tackett asks, “Can I refuse the trade? Do I have any clauses in my contract, Archer?”
“Afraid not, kiddo. When you signed out of high school, the Kodiaks have rights to trade you at any time. Damn. I knew I shouldn’t have listened to you with the state you were in.” Archer pauses and rubs his chin with his thumb and finger. “The good news is you’ll make your bonus plus their offer.”
All of this is my fault. Wait. Tackett’s dreams are going to come true because of me. “Why are you all sad? Tackett, you’re going to be playing permanently in the majors.” I muster every bit of positivity possible. “It’s your dream.”
“You’remy dream. Did last night not make that clear? I just thought I’d be a Shark or a Kodiak my whole career.” Tackett’s arms slide around my waist from the back. “Will you come with me?”
I nod my head and burst out in tears. “Yes.”
We kiss like there’s no one else in the room.
“One more thing,” Megan says. “ESPN is hoping you’ll reconsider doing the reality show. The trade to Atlanta will happen after the All-Star Break so they can shoot for a month.”
Tackett looks at me. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
