“Nah, the longer he doesn’t have a phone, the better. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
I don’t like it, but I give in, mainly out of exhaustion, both physically and mentally.
Once we’re back at my place, we settle in to watch a movie. Comfortable and cozy, I wish we could shut the world away just a little bit longer.
41
CARTER
“Well, well. Look who’s graced us with his presence after all,” Coach Dundee quips, stepping into the bullpen as I release another pitch before looking to him. “Here a little early aren’t we, Lowe?”
I haven’t been late to a practice since my suspension was lifted, but Dundee hasn’t missed the chance to bust my balls at every opportunity. And it’s refreshing because I know what his intentions are and where his loyalty lies, just as I know where Avery’s are. I know I have two people in my corner who are looking out for my best interests.
“So, what are we going to do tomorrow if Cash shows his stupid ass?”
“I’m good. He won’t get to me again.”
“No comment, right?” Dundee repeats my stance on the topic that the news stations have reported on for a week.
Thankfully, it hasn’t inundated the headlines, it’s only stirred up the die-hard fans. Avery had a difficult time with the last week of school with a few reporters who waited for her in the parking lot, but she did wonderful. Keeping her cool, she avoided the issue. Thankfully, it was the final week of the school year, so she’ll be at the feed store for the summer. I don’t worry about anyone hounding her there because I know her dad will make sure to keep the vultures prying for a juicy story away. Though, I’d told her to speak to them if she wanted to. It happened to me, but I’d also brought her into it, so if she feels the need to say something, I’ll support her decision because I know it’ll be made with our best interest at heart.
With tomorrow being my first start in weeks, I was on edge, but when she agreed to come to the game, a weight was lifted. Cash used her to get to me because he knew she must be special, and I allowed him to make me question someone I care for deeply. It won’t happen again.
As Dundee walks off toward the bullpen door, I call his name. “Coach. Thank you.”
He steps back to me, tilting his head to give me an appraising look. “The way you do that is to be on this team next year.”
“Yes, sir.” That’s why he rode my ass so much when I screwed up. Those few innings weren’t what he was worried about, it was my career as a whole.
Warm-ups come and go, and when the game begins, I park my ass on the bench. All I think about is Avery straddling me on it. Maybe that’s the secret. I need her in every part of this damn place to replace the old memories with new ones.
I’m just about to leave the stadium, lingering longer than normal in hopes of outlasting any persistent reporters waiting to get their shot at me. The coast is clear, though, even on the public side of the fence as I make my way to my truck and hop in the driver’s seat.
My phone rings, the screen lighting up to show E.J. calling. Avery’s student doesn’t call often, but when he does, it’s a nice relief and usually entertaining to chat with him.
Only today, he doesn’t sound like his usual self as he asks, “Do you remember when you said I could call you if I ever needed anything?”
“Yep. Whatcha got?” I attempt to sound casual, but dread fills me as I predict this has something to do with the concern I saw on Avery’s face as she’d watched her sleeping student in her classroom. The same look that prompted me to give E.J. my number to begin with.
“I need a lawyer.”
“A lawyer? I’m going to need you to elaborate a bit more on that.”
“I’ll pay you back. I almost have all the money; I just can’t wait any longer.”
“E.J., it’s not about the money. I’ll pay whatever, but I need to know why you need one.”
“I need to be emancipated.”
I fear the answer but ask anyway. “Why?”
“Because my dad is a punk-ass bitch too.”
That’s how he saw through the Cash Barlowe Show. He knows a monster just like him. “Are you safe? Did something happen?”
“Nothing new. I’m good now. He’s passed out.” There’re a few seconds of silence. “He went after my little brother. I can take care of myself, he can’t.”
Every muscle in my body constricts as my fingers squeeze the steering wheel. “Tell me your address.” I crank up my truck’s ignition and drive out to the edge of the parking lot.