Page 34 of The Cleat Retreat


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How could you say no to your brother when he spelled it out like that?

“Hmm, what’s the pay?” I countered a giddiness that I might have found the perfect job finally. “If I have to be around you and a bunch of smelly baseball players, then it better be good.”

“Ha ha.” But when Bryce told me the starting salary, I almost choked on my own saliva.

“Shut. Up.”

“I know it’s not great,” he started, misunderstanding, and I wanted to shake him for thinking 50K a season, with bonuses and travel expenses paid, wasn’t that great. I got that he was a professional baseball player, and his signing bonus alone with the Blue Devils had been in the millions. And even though he was playing in the Minors now, he still got paid out of his Majors’ contract. But for most people, that was a dream salary. Considering I’d been living off of less than that for three years combined, it was a massive jump in income for me.

“When do you need me back?” I asked, flitting my eyes over to Emory. She patted my leg and gave me a knowing smile. We always knew I’d leave one day, but it didn’t make it any easier to say goodbye. She’d become the best friend and sister I’d always wanted. Though, I wouldn’t tell Bryce that. But there were some things you couldn’t tell your brother, no matter how close you were.

“In three days. Opening day is right around the corner.”

I could hear the grimace in his voice as the bottom fell out of me. Three days.

Three days to say goodbye to a family and life I’d carved for myself.

Three days to mentally prepare to return home, determined not to be the same boneless Blake.

Three days to convince myself that seeing Hawk again wouldn’t rip out my heart. Especially since he’d moved on.

“Okay. I’ll do it. I’m coming home.”

The cleat retreat was officially over, and there were no more excuses to stay away. It was time to start the next inning of my life.

Yellowjackets, get ready because this Bee is coming for you.

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