“Nope, you just can't hold anything I say against me until you can see the bottom of the ceramic.”
“That’s fair.”I nod my head as a smile takes over my features.I could get used to living with Winnie.
When I get to work and see Smithy and Wheeler, I almost make a comment about Winnie.There were a few close calls, but I was able to keep quiet.The last thing I want is anyone finding out Winnie’s working for me as my nanny before they know I even have a daughter.
“Do you want to come out with us tonight?”Smithy asks before taking a big bite of his protein bar.
The closer we get to the season starting the harder we’re all working out.Levi’s been a fantastic coach and knows exactly how hard he can push us without going too hard.I’ve really enjoyed having him as our coach over the last year.I think he’s doing a great job.Quite a few people are saying we have a good shot at the world series if we continue playing like we did last year.
“I can't.I have a meeting with my agent tonight.”I give him a tight-lipped smile, unsure of how else to respond.I hate telling them no, but Tali means so much more to me.
I know soon she won't be my little girl anymore.She’ll want to go out with her friends and leave me behind.She’s the last piece of Ellie I have left and I want to cherish her for as long as I can.
“One day we’ll all figure out what you’re hiding.When that day comes, I better be the winner of the bet.”Wheeler drapes his arm over my shoulders and leans in like we’re sharing a secret.
“The bet?”I arch a brow.I know Winnie made a comment about a bet too, but I thought she was joking.
“Oh, yeah.We’ve been betting since you joined this team about what you’re hiding.”Smithy chuckles.
“And what does everyone think?”
“Covey says you’re a secret agent with the CIA.Wheeler thinks you have an underaged wife you keep locked up at home.I think you have a secret life where you’re a computer hacker.Wyatt says you have a secret family.”Smithy rolls his eyes like Wyatt’s ridiculous.“Cord says you’re a homebody and we should leave you alone.Leo says we need to stay out of your business.Holden and McLaren refuse to make a bet because I think they’re secretly scared of you.”Smithy shrugs.
“Some of the other players have made comments, but we only included the starting lineup in the bet,” Wheeler adds with a big grin.
“And what happens if you’re all wrong?”
“Then you get the money.”Wyatt steps up behind me with a chuckle.“I told them they only have until the end of the season, then it’s over.They can't keep this bet going for another year.”
“And what if no one knows what I'm hiding by the end of the season?”
“Then you get the money.”Cord chuckles.“They didn’t think this through very well.”
“How much do I win?”
“Nope!Don’t you dare tell him!”Wheeler dives between us, blocking me from seeing any of the other guys.“If you tell him how much it is, he might double down on keeping things quiet just so he makes the money!”
“You know we all make millions of dollars a year, right?I don’t need more money.”I roll my eyes at how ridiculous he is.
“It doesn’t matter.It’s the principle of the matter.”
“Alright, guys!Let’s get back to work!We have less than two weeks to get this team in shape for the opening game!”Levi motions for us to get a move on it.
Chapter 8
Winnie
“You’relivinginmyneighborhood?”Wheeler asks as I give him directions to Jamie’s house.I know they live pretty close to each other, but I'm not sure if he knows where Jamie lives.
I’ve spent the entire week with Jamie and Tali.I’ve gotten used to living with other people and Martha’s filled me in on Tali’s schedule and everything Jamie didn’t tell me.
He’s right, she really runs the household for him and handles everything.I don’t think he’ll be lost without her, but it will definitely be harder.I'm hoping to fill in the gaps and help as much as I can.
Jamie’s been great this week.I feel like we’ve settled into an easy routine.Every morning, I have coffee ready and waiting for him when he wakes up.We chat in the kitchen while we drink and then he begins getting Tali up.He says he likes to wake her up in the morning and get her ready, even though I’ve assured him I'm happy to do it.
After dinner each night, we watch TV together or chat while Tali plays on the floor.I know this time together is going to happen less and less often once the season starts and that really makes me sad.
“It doesn’t belong to you, Wheeler.”I roll my eyes, but don’t try to hide my smirk.
