The Trade(7)

“Classic.” I nod, undoing my wrapper as well.

She takes a small bite. “And then there’s the water bottle chucking at a journalist when they ask you a preposterous question, followed by storming off.”

“Ah yes, water bottle to the head. Love that one.”

Icing attaches to her upper lip and I watch in fascination as her little, pink tongue sticks out and licks it off. “If you’re feeling really rabid, you could punch a paparazzi in the face outside the ballpark. But not sure if you want to be sued or not.”

“Never been sued. I’m not opposed to the idea.”

She finishes off her cupcake. “And the last one, although a little crazy, I’m pretty sure would make you an idol in the eyes of the Rebels’ fans.”

“I’m listening,” I say, leaning forward.

She drums her fingers on the table and asks, “How do you feel about steroids?” I go to answer when she holds up her hand. “I know, I know. Big leap here, but, if you take them, get caught, and then get banned for some games, boy, oh boy, will you receive one hell of a welcome back.” She can’t keep a straight face as she sips her water.

Playing along, I say, “You know, the idea is crazy, but it just might work.”

“Perfect. Steroids it is.”

“Now if only I knew someone who sells them.”

Smiling devilishly, she answers, “Ask your teammates; half of them are using them already.”

“Ohhhh.” I shake my head. “From that little comment, I’m going to guess Bobbie for life?”

She nods. “Always. Sorry, Potter.” She picks up another cupcake for each of us, and I love that she doesn’t care that we’re scarfing these down together. “It’s painful knowing my brother is going to be a Rebel, but there is one good thing about it.” She looks up at me, her clear blue eyes shining with excitement. “It means he’s back in town and closer to us again. When he was in Tampa, it was hard on Joseph, not being able to go to his home games. We made a few trips, but Joseph isn’t a huge fan of travel, so now that Jason is back, he negotiated a seat for Joseph in his deal, giving him the chance to go to every home game.”

“Wow, that’s . . .” I look over at Jason. I wasn’t aware of just how good of a person he is. “I had no idea he was such a family man.”

“He is. Loves Joseph so much. We all do.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet him. Wishing I did now.”

“I’m sure you’ll meet him once the season starts up. Jason is very demanding when it comes to his brother being a part of the game. I know it’s already in the works to have Joseph throw out a first pitch during the season, preferably on a day where we can promote the foundation as well. Despite the Rebels being known as the dirtiest team in baseball, they’re pretty nice when it comes to the front office.”

I nod, not really saying much because, honestly, I don’t have much to say. Natalie is talking about the Rebels as if they’re a great team, which in her eyes, I’m sure they’ve become, given everything they’re doing for Jason, but he has yet to go through a season with them.

I’m sure the team will take its toll on him at some point, like it has on me.

But Natalie isn’t obtuse. “I guess you don’t agree with me.”

I rub the side of my jaw, my cupcake already downed. “I have had a different experience, but who’s to say that won’t change next year.”

“Bitter about the midseason trade still?” Nailed it. “I would be too. But hey, you’re closer to your family again too, so that’s something to be happy about.”

I tilt my head, studying her, the positive attitude that seems to exude from her so easily. I like it . . . a lot.

“You’re right. I do get to be closer to my family. I already told Milly she’ll be working with me all off season so when the season starts back up again, the fans have no reason to boo me.”

“Only Bobbies fans will.” She winks.

Acting offended, I ask, “Would you boo me if I walked out on the field?”

“Of course. It’s part of my duty as a Bobbies fan.”

“Ouch, Natalie. That’s”—I pat my chest—“that’s hurtful. And here I thought we were bonding over cupcakes.”

“You’re tough, you can handle it. More than my brother, that’s for sure.”

“I have a feeling I’m going to have to coddle him a lot next season.”

“He’d probably kill me if he knew I was telling you this, but he’s said a few times how he plans on nuzzling you in the dugout every chance he gets.”

“That does not surprise me.” Wanting to get off the topic of Jason, I ask, “Is this what you planned on doing, running a foundation?”

She chuckles and shakes her head. “Not even a little. I actually graduated with a degree in business marketing and planned on working for a big firm here in Chicago. I wanted to be that kick-ass girl in a business suit, taking the world of marketing by the balls. But I graduated at a bad time, when jobs sucked. So I worked at Bath & Body Works for a good amount of time until Jason told me what he wanted to do. That’s when I told him I would step up and help him. It’s been two years in the making, but we’re finally at a point where I can see the cash flow, where I can see us making a change.”