Chapter Sixteen #2
Dawson laughs but shoots me a wary glance. Since checking out of the hotel this morning, he hasn’t left my side. On the plane ride home, he decided keeping an eye on me was more important than emptying his very small bladder.
“What did Shay say?” he asks.
A lot, and my chest tightens. I don’t care that I admitted I hate being the golden boy because it’s time I told her the truth.
All that matters is that dozens of articles about Shay came out this morning, and I read them all.
No wonder she thinks it’s normal for people—men—to talk so callously about her as an agent.
They were practically think pieces about her physical attributes, completely ignoring the hard work she has put into her career.
“She spoke with Rio this morning, which I guess is why he wants to talk.” I stop in front of the coaches’ area. “You guys didn’t have to walk me here. I’ll be fine.”
A look passes between them before Dawson takes the lead. “Rio never takes meetings after we get back. The guy is obsessed with his wife and runs home to her after trips.”
Marcus nods. “Him calling you in is a big deal.”
I swallow hard. “Like getting demoted big deal?”
For the last month, I’ve worked my ass off to keep my spot in the majors. Studying Jon’s notes in every free moment. Staying up all night to prepare for upcoming games. Smiling as if everything is golden in my world.
I’m not ready to leave the Pilots, but I’d do it all again if it meant standing up for Shay.
Rio’s office door swings open, and he somehow looks even more annoyed than usual. “Go home, you two,” he barks, and my friends blow him a kiss before heading for the exit.
He retreats to his desk, and I step inside. His office is as tidy and clean as the first time I sat here before spring training with Jon, who gushed about how great I would be for the Pilots’ organization.
“He never causes problems. Does whatever you need because that’s Cade.”
That’s what makes Jon’s texts this morning so ironic.
Jon Sweeney
See. You can’t do this without me.
I’m tired of these games. Call me back.
Instead of freaking out like I did the first few times, I deleted those without hesitation.
My butt isn’t fully seated before Rio turns the television-sized monitor toward me.
Scott Butts’s cheeks are red with what I hope is shame, while I stand behind the podium, giving him an earful.
It’s odd to witness an emotion on my face that isn’t happiness or contentment.
I look furious, and it’s nice to see and feel something else.
Something real.
“I’m not going to apologize,” I say quickly. “Not to Scott.”
I didn’t say anything last night that wasn’t true. Shay doesn’t deserve disrespect, and I’ll personally make sure she never has to hear that shit again. If that means I get demoted, then so be it.
Rio’s brows lift. “And why is that?”
“Is it not obvious?” I jab an angry finger at the screen.
“That’s my agent. When have you heard of reporters bringing up how attractive male agents are and letting that trump professional conversations?
Nobody has asked me if a man I work with distracts me from my job, so why was it okay for him to say that about her? ”
Rio clasps his hands together. “It’s not okay. I actually don’t have an issue with anything you said or did last night.”
Now I’m stumped. “You don’t?”
“Nope. PR isn’t happy, so you’ll be hearing from Amber soon, but I’m proud.
” He turns the monitor back toward him. “I like Shaylene. She’s smart.
Before your player development meeting, she walked in with a list of questions for me.
It was refreshing to see an agent who worried about your physical and mental health.
It’s clear she has your best interest in mind. ”
A brief smile touches my lips. Even with our history, she keeps proving that she’s always on my side.
“And this morning,” he continues, “she emailed me an article by Summer Moore with the Carolina Gazette that got me thinking.”
The Energizer Bunny from the farmers market. “What did it say?”
“So much.” Rio chuckles. “But my favorite part is when Summer tore Scott Butts a new asshole for his comment about Shay. Then she listed off every great thing Shay has done for her clients. It’s impressive.”
“She’s impressive as hell, and I’m glad everyone will finally see her like I do.” I stand. Dawson and Marcus will be happy to know I didn’t need to stress about this meeting. “Thanks, Rio. See you tomorrow.”
“Oh no, rookie. Sit your ass down,” he orders, bending over to rummage through a drawer. “Do you know the average amount of time a player spends in the league?”
I’m confused by the switch in discussion. “No, sir?”
“Me either, but I know it’s short. Wanna guess why?”
I shrug. “My first guess is injuries. Especially for pitchers. The body isn’t meant for this high-impact lifestyle.”
Rio nods. “What about the mental side of baseball? Do you think that could have any sway?”
“I don’t know,” I say, but it’s a lie. I’m sure it is. I’ve spent many nights wondering if quitting would free me.
Ink fills my nose as I take the yellowed and worn newspaper Rio hands me. It almost looks like it could be from the nineties until I see my face looking back at me. Fifteen-year-old Cade had no idea what this headline would do.
Golden Boy Leads Bryan High to a State Championship!
That was the year I became the golden boy to the world. The reporter overheard my teammates chanting it lovingly and ran with it.
“You appeared on my radar after this,” Rio says, sorting through the newspapers. “Little freshman on varsity. Not only were you the tallest on the field, but you were the star.”
Of course he loved the golden look. Everyone does.
“Why are you showing me this?” I ask.
He taps the page. “Because I don’t see this kid. I know you were fifteen when the photo was taken, but it’s more than normal aging. I know what it looks like when a player who once bled baseball is going through the motions.”
Damp palms rub against my sweatpants. “Rio—” I start, but he waves me away.
“You aren’t being fined for last night’s outburst. Well, you are, but you’re not paying for it.
If someone had said that about any woman I know, I would’ve reacted the same way.
” Clearing his throat, he stands. “One day, you’re going to explode, Cade.
Be honest with yourself. Take a break. Find someone to confide in. This shit gets heavy sometimes.”
I watch him as he rounds the desk. “You sound like someone with personal experience.”
His lips quirk slightly as he pulls me out of my chair and basically pushes me into the hallway. “Now get out of here. I want to go home and see my wife.”
Home is calling my name too, but Shay’s text from earlier means home will have to wait.
Agent Shay
Meet me here at 6
Current Location