Chapter 4 #3
There was no holding back the way my jaw dropped that time.
"I know it sounds completely ludicrous. Most people think I'm delusional for saying such a thing to someone who's expected to try and help me make a lot of money. But I believe honesty is the best policy. At the end of the day, I just want to be in Bellport. Whatever that takes."
I could not have been happier with the conversation we were having. Paxton was everything I looked for in a potential client. He was almost too good to be true.
"Do you have any hidden secrets? Is there something I need to know?" I asked. "Because this is a bit too on the nose in a too-good-to-be-true kind of way."
Paxton dimmed his smile some, but I could tell it wasn't because he was upset. He was focused, determined. I had seen him look like that when he stood to bat. When he spoke, I listened to every word and watched his expression closely.
"You’re taking a risk with me, and I appreciate you even carving out time for this call.
What I will say is that I firmly believe in this sport and in your company, and I wouldn’t lie or try to pretend to be someone I’m not to get into your good graces.
When we meet in person, you’ll see how true that is.
You’re welcome to get references from other people if that’s something you need. "
He paused briefly before continuing. "I’m not a perfect individual.
I can be a hothead when it comes to this game, mostly because I’m passionate about it.
And I’m stubborn. But in my personal life, there’s no room for drama or chaos.
I’m a private, quiet individual who would rather stay at home cuddled up watching a movie than be out on the town for a night. "
The thought of cuddling up with him came to mind, and I knew my cheeks were red. I could see it in the tiny box in the corner of the screen. But there was nothing I could do about it.
Paxton shifted in his seat. I wondered if I was making him uncomfortable. I pushed aside my own feelings to tell him what I was considering.
"You seem to be a good fit," I admitted.
"There are a lot of logistics involved, including me talking to Royce about the possibility of drafting you.
As you know, it won't happen until the summer. Depending on what you have going on now, we could bring you down early. Maybe find you a place to stay that’s inexpensive.
Keep you in the sphere of Bellport so that if everything works out, you'll already be on the ground and ready to move. "
He smiled, nodding quickly at my words. "That sounds perfect. And I graduate in a few weeks, so that's it. My pops has been looking at rentals in Bellport. He won't mind if we have to live together. In fact, he would probably be overjoyed—at least until we knew for sure."
My heart ached at the thought of having such a loving family. It was a desire of mine, one I knew I'd probably never get to live out. Even if I found a partner, they might not have adoring parents either.
"I'm glad he’s supportive," I said. "And if he needs to know of the best places to live, he can shoot me an email as well, or I can just send them to you, and you can pass them along.
I happen to know quite a few of the major players here.
They'll be able to get you settled into something just right, whether it's leasing or long term. "
"Thank you." His words were simple, yet they felt almost as if he had said, "Good boy," or, "Well done." It was the equivalent of a gold star and a pat on the head.
My cheeks, still red, only got warmer.
"Well, it was lovely to meet you, Paxton. I have another meeting to get to. My apologies for being abrupt."
He tilted his head just a tad, enough to give me a curious look.
"There's no need to apologize. You're doing your business. I should be thankful you even took time out for me today, like I said before. And anything you need, I’m here to answer via email or call.
The minute I know where we're headed, and when we're headed to Bellport, I’ll give you a ring, if that's okay. "
"Yes, that's fine. Let me give you my personal number.
" I rattled it off to him, watching as he typed it into his phone.
Then I got a text that lit up mine. I didn't dare look at it, because I just had a feeling whatever it said would be enough to make me squirm on camera.
Even a simple smiling emoji would do it at this rate.
"Have a good day, Grizzly," Paxton said in a low voice.
"You too," I choked out.
The minute the call ended, I dropped my head to the desk with a thud. Moseley stomped into the room, clapping. "He’s perfect, boss." I heard him stop when he saw me. "Why is your head down? Is something wrong? Is he not as nice as he sounds?"
I shook my head, rubbing my forehead into the wood of my desk. "He's absolutely perfect," I replied. "And that’s the problem."
Moseley didn’t ask me to elaborate, thankfully, and I wouldn't have been able to had I tried. Because this was layered. It was complex.
It was a dream and a nightmare all at once.