Chapter 48
Quentin
“That is not going to happen again,” Coach Tran seethes, his words full of anger despite his put together demeanor.
“With all due respect, Coach, it was bullshit. Landon is one of the best hitters in the League. He did that on purpose,” Ian speaks up, silencing the room.
Ian’s been making an effort to be a part of the team, but no one’s seen him do this before. Speak up against the coach for the team. Hell, no one on the team has ever done that before.
“It’s nice to see you come around to the team, Ian. But it’s not going to happen again, got it? We’re here to win a series, not a brawl.” Coach Tran’s words are final as he spins on his heel and exits the locker room.
Chatter erupts around us, and guys all make their way to Ian, giving him a clap on the back or a fist pound as they pass him.
I don’t miss the shy smile on his face or the pride in his stance.
“You didn’t need to do that tonight,” I say to him as I sit and undo my laces.
“You’re family, and no one messes with family,” Ian says, his eyes set on me with sincerity.
“Hey, cool it, buddy.” Cole slides beside Ian, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “Quentin is bromantically involved already.”
“Yeah, he’s ours,” Pauly adds.
“What is wrong with you two?” Ian deadpans, making all of us laugh.
Ryker enters the circle we’ve formed, holding his fist out to Ian, who bumps it.
“Solid work tonight. I was seconds away from doing it myself.” Ryker crosses his tattooed arms as he leans against the cubby.
“You all know I caught the ball, right? I’m fine.” I try to get them to calm down with that, even though I know it likely won’t work.
Going after the pitcher in baseball is like going after the goalie in hockey. It’s just something you don’t do unless you want a war.
“Doesn’t matter,” Ryker gruffs. “You’re one of us, and we’re not letting intentional shit like that go.”
I won’t be one of you for much longer, I think to myself.
They’re going to be devastated by the news, but everyone has to move on eventually. In a few years, it’ll be Ryker too. Our careers can only go on for so long.
“Ryker?” I hear my sister call from the locker room door she’s holding open just a sliver.
“C’mon in, baby, you’re good,” he calls back.
Camille opens the door the rest of the way and runs into Ryker’s arms. He cradles the back of her head as she says, “I was so worried.”
He chuckles softly. “You know I can handle myself.”
“Still, I don’t want to see you fighting. Okay?”
Ryker kisses the top of her head and softly says, “I’m sorry, princess.”
“You’re such a softy.” Pauly giggles.
Camille and Ryker whip their heads around, glaring at him.
“Sometimes you just shouldn’t talk,” Cole says, putting a hand on Pauly’s back as he passes by.
The interaction reminds me of Teagan, and I open my phone to find a text message from her.
Teagan
Fuck that guy. I hope he gets the worst charlie horse in his sleep tonight and can’t play the rest of the series.
Teagan
Also, I hope you’re okay. I didn’t love watching that.
I smirk.
Me
It’s all good, no harm done. How are you and Blueberry?
Teagan
The baby is demanding cuddles.
Me
I didn’t know she could talk already. Impressive.
Teagan
It’s a feeling I have.
Me
Just say you want to cuddle.
Teagan
You’ll never get it out of me.
“Teagan?” I call out as I kick my shoes off at the door.
“I’m here,” she yells back from what sounds like the living room.
I find her sitting on the couch, the sports channel still on with highlights from tonight’s game.
“Hi,” I say as I sit down beside her and press a kiss to her lips.
“Mmm, hi,” she hums happily.
“Hi, baby.” My head lowers until it’s at her belly, and I kiss her there too, saying hi to both of my girls.
“Where are Kaya and Clara?” I ask as I sit back up.
Teagan side-eyes me. “I sent them home not long ago. I don’t need someone to sit here with me every second of every day.”
“Teagan, you’re supposed to rest—”
“And I’m doing that, whether I’m alone or with people. You make sure I don’t have to cook. The most I’m doing is getting up to eat and use the washroom.”
“Ugh,” I groan. “I just don’t want to risk anything with you two.”
Teagan places her hand on my thigh and squeezes it. “Look, I know it’s hard for you. Being out of control with this, but we’re doing the best we can. And like the doctor said, it will be okay.”
This is the thing I struggle with the most, my need to take care of those I love versus what I can’t control. It’s maddening.
“I hate that I’m leaving you for four days,” I grumble as I intertwine my hands with hers.
We had a two-week stint that was already hard, but now that we’re together, I’m dreading these four days more than I ever thought possible.
“I’ll be fine. I pinky promise I won’t move much other than going to work, the bedroom, to the kitchen, to the bathroom, and to the couch.”
“That sounds like too much moving.”
“Quentin,” Teagan groans.
“I’m sorry,” I huff. “Are you sure the girls can’t stay here?”
“Clara has to leave for England tomorrow, and Kaya has games in New York this weekend. I’m a big girl, Quentin. If we weren’t in this situation, I’d be dealing with it on my own anyways,” she says, as if that’s no big deal.
“You’ll never be on your own,” I remind her and decide to switch the subject. “What were you saying earlier about you wanting to be cuddled?”
Teagan looks away, a cheeky smile on her face. “I said nothing. That was all the baby.”
“Yeah, yeah. C’mere,” I hold my arms open for her, and she immediately goes into them, her head on my chest as she drapes an arm over me.
I’ve been to a lot of places in my life, and I can confidently say right here is my favorite place in the world.
Just me and my girls.