Chapter 65
Chapter Sixty-Five
Foster
Walking off the field, I want to flip off the Seattle fans for booing me, but I’m better than that now. I have to be for Callie and our little girl.
As I’m about to duck my head and step down into the dugout, a woman leans over the railing, with the most venom in her eyes I’ve ever seen from a fan. And I’ve seen some bad looks.
“Your mother should be ashamed. Betting against yourself? I’m glad you’re not with Seattle anymore.”
I stop dead in my tracks.
Fuck.
It’s out.
There’s no way this lady just happens to be the one person who figured it out or has the inside track.
My gaze shifts to the suite Callie was in earlier. I don’t see her, Leighton, or Jagger. Which means shit went down at some point in the ninth while I was pitching a great outing.
I jog down into the dugout and rush into the locker room, but Ripley stops me before I reach my locker. He touches my elbow and nods for me to follow, leading me to a nearby room.
No surprise, Jagger is waiting for me.
“I didn’t do it,” I say to Ripley.
He chuckles and sits in a chair. “I know that.”
“Do you?” I arch an eyebrow, my heart beating a mile a minute.
He tilts his head. “Kid, I’ve known you for how many years? I know you’d never be part of something like this, but I know who would. I really wish you would’ve come to me.”
I look at my lap. “No one else needed to be dragged into it.”
A soft knock lands on the door, and Hayes peeks his head in.
“Come in.” Ripley waves him in.
Easton and Decker file in behind him, and Hayes takes the seat next to me. Easton pats me on the shoulder before taking the seat next to Hayes, while Decker sits on my other side.
“Why are you guys in here?” I ask.
“Because this is bullshit, and we’re on your side.” Hayes clamps his hand on my shoulder.
“I’m assuming this was Dad’s doing?” Decker asks.
I nod.
He inhales a deep breath, but I never hear him release it.
Jagger claps his hands together. “Okay, we’re gonna get out of here and head to the hotel.
I have the suite, so you can come up, and we’ll figure out what statement we want to release.
” Jagger turns to Ripley. “I’ll get in contact with the front office, keep them in the loop, make sure they’re good with whatever we decide. ”
I cross my arms and stare at my lap. “People won’t believe me.”
“You’re right, some won’t.” Jagger’s always one to keep it real.
I already have a shit reputation with the fans and some players. Something like this will be easy for them to believe.
Ripley clasps his hands in front of him, leaning closer to me. “Some people will believe it, but those people don’t know Foster Davis. Not the guy we know.” He looks around the room. “This is your home base, and it’s all that matters. You remember that.”
I nod, anxiety welling up inside me because people will think I did something I didn’t do and there’s probably nothing I can do to make them think differently. It’s a hard pill to swallow.
I was okay with people thinking I slept with too many women. I was okay with the rumors about me starting fights at bars. I did those things, but this… this accusation is the ultimate worst thing I could do.
It disrespects the game, the other players, my teammates and coaches. Hell, myself.
There’s no way I want my daughter thinking her dad would do something as shitty as throw a game to win money on a bet.
I look straight at Jagger. “Tell me what to do.”
He smiles and nods. “First thing we need to do is get you to Callie. If I don’t, I’m gonna have one angry pregnant woman who wants my head on a stick.”
I stand. “Where is she?”
“She’s in another room with Leighton and your mom.”
My head swivels toward Decker.
“She likes to come to the Seattle games.” He shrugs.
Decker doesn’t have to say it. It’s because Dad is here.
“Go shower, and we’ll meet you at the hotel,” Ripley tells us. He comes over to me and puts his hand on my shoulder. “This will pass. I promise it will.”
I was on my way to having it all, but I should’ve guessed that my dad’s drama would throw one more stone. I just hope it’s the last one.