Long Ball(23)

I shrug and give the bat a firm swing, pretending I was hitting Octivio’s head across the field. Really, I should thank him, but he also knew we were a thing, however unofficial, and he swooped in. “We haven’t talked much.”

“Is there another girl on the horizon?” George talks out of the corner of his mouth. “Something that’s got you distracted?”

“Nah.”

“Mmhmm.”

“You got one?”

“You know I’m perpetually single.”

“Mmhmm.”

And that’s how the rest of practice goes. Octivio won’t look at me during batting practice, but that’s for the best. I don’t think I actually care. These last few weeks with Megan and Cora have been the best of my life. Never before have I been so certain of what I want in life, but it’s clearly them. I think about them constantly, dream about them every night, and text Megan all day when I can.

Everything feels perfect.

It’s just shitty Octivio is running his mouth. I thought we were all bros. Some lines, bros aren’t supposed to cross. Then again, he got her off my back? Maybe instead of being angry, I should send him a thank you card.

Things with Megan are moving slow. I get the feeling she’s had her trust broken a lot, and she’s so protective of Cora. It’s amazing to watch her love for our daughter. Sometimes, I feel ashamed that I don’t feel about her like that, but Megan has had five years of taking care of Cora herself, grew her in her belly. We’ve only had a few brief weeks together, and only recently together. The night we went out for tacos, just the three of us, was one of my best nights ever.

I would do anything to make this an everyday occurrence. Anything.

The next day is our off day. They are so rare during the season that everyone disappears for a while and pretends the rest of us don’t exist. Doug invites me to a barbeque, but all I want to do is sleep and catch up on Netflix and stalk Megan some more on Facebook.

While I’m heating up my breakfast, she updates her status to say she’s taking Cora to the zoo with Kate. Immediately my brain starts churning and I shoot out a few texts.

Two hours and three stops later, I’m ready to make a hell of an impression. Carlos, George, and Edwards meet me in the parking lot. George cocks an eyebrow at the huge bouquet of flowers and gift bag in my hand.

“I knew there was another girl.”

“This stays between us, amigos.” I point at all of them. “I don’t want to scare her off, okay?”

“A girl who doesn’t like the limelight?” Edwards gapes. “Does she have a sister?”

I crack a grin. “Roommate.”

“I’m in.”

We make our way through the zoo, signing autographs and posing for pictures. This never gets old, meeting the fans. Kansas City really does have some of the best fans in the world. They are so protective of us, and cheer us on so much. It’s times like this that make me feel like the luckiest guy in the world.

And then I see them, and my heart swells. I really, truly am the luckiest guy in the world. Megan spots us and a beautiful smiles breaks out on her face. She taps Cora on the shoulder and points my way. Her little face brightens instantly and she makes a beeline for me. I scoop her up in my arms and give her a big hug. She smells like lavender and fits in my arms like she’s always belonged there.

She has.

Behind me, Carlos lets out a low whistle. “Girl with a kid. That’s ballsy.”

I shoot him a glare and meet Megan, giving her the flowers. “Beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl.”

She blushes and smells the bouquet. “They’re lovely. Thank you!”

I hand the bag to Cora. “This is for you, princess.” She tears the bag open and finds a stuffed Sluggerrr. Megan cocks an eyebrow, but I grin. “Every kid should have a Sluggerrr.”

I introduce everyone, noticing the special attention Edwards pays to Kate, and we make our way around the zoo. We keep stopping for pictures and autographs, and Megan makes fun of us and Cora gets excited to see so many cameras around. Aside from the fans and the guys, it almost feels like a family outing. Going to the zoo? It’s so perfect. It’s so American Family.

“I didn’t know you’d be here today.” Megan says Cora presses her nose to the glass at the Polar Bear exhibit.

“Neither did I,” I admit with a wink. “But a little hometown showboating is good for morale.”

“For you or for the city?” She teases.

“Both, obviously.” I lean in conspiratorially. “Edwards live for this stuff.”

“Just him, huh?” Her eyes sparkle. “He seems very interested in Kate.”

“She single?”

“Maybe.”

“You know, I long for the day that you don’t keep things from me.” I say quietly, walking up behind her. “As much as I enjoy you being coy, and as cute as it is, I wish you’d trust me.”

She turns to size me up. “Trust is earned, Jamie.”

“I know, I know. And I’m working hard to earn it.”

She doesn’t say anything, but smells her flowers again, smiles, and walks away with Cora in her hand.

“Yo, Jamsey.” George claps me on the back. “I’m going to jet, man. Doug’s barbequing and there’s going to be tequila.”