“I can try, but I'm not sure I can unsee that,” he mumbles under his breath.
“Jamie!”I chuckle, shaking my head at him.I don’t really care about him seeing the photo, but it’s a little embarrassing to have him view me that way when I'm trying to convince him to give me a job taking care of his daughter.“I promise I will always put Tali first, even if that photo makes you think otherwise.”
“I don’t think you taking a sexy photo means you won't take care of her, Winnie.You’re not her parent, you’re free to have a social life… But when I'm gone-”
“You wouldn’t need to worry.Everyone I hang out with works for the Pit Bulls.Even Liliana goes to the games now that she’s reporting for the team.And when she's in different cities for games, she’s able to meet with athletes around whatever city she’s visiting and interview them for the podcast.It’s working out great for her.I'm extremely lonely during baseball season, but I'm used to it.Honestly, having Tali with me will make it easier.”
“Then I think I just have one more question for you.”
“What is it?”
“When can you start?”
Chapter 3
Schmidt
Winnie’sgorgeous.Notjustthe normal pretty you see all over the place, she’s stop you in your tracks gorgeous.Her long brown hair is so dark it’s almost black and she has striking light blue eyes.She looks so much like Ellie, yet so vastly different.
Ellie was sweet and innocent, where Winnie comes off as someone who will get in trouble for what comes out of their mouth and she has a rebellious streak in her, I can see it in her eyes.Yet, I know I can trust her with Tali.
I can't explain it and it doesn’t make sense, but I feel comfortable with her in my home and with my daughter.I'm hoping to get some time with the two of them before I have to leave Tali though.Anything to make me feel a little more at ease with this transition.
“I can start today, tomorrow, next week, whatever works for you.My lease on my apartment is up at the end of the week.I was planning on moving in with Wheeler until I figured out my next move.I know you’re busy with spring training, do you want me to move in with Wheeler for a few weeks or move in here?”
“I think you should move in soon.I want to make sure Tali’s comfortable with you before I start traveling for the season.”
“Ok, no problem… My only issue is, I’d normally have Smithy and Wheeler help me move my stuff.”She nibbles on her bottom lip.
“I can hire movers.”
“I really think you should just tell them, Jamie.”Winnie moves a little closer to me so she can peek at Tali, still asleep on my shoulder.
“Why?”
“Because I’ll have a hard time keeping this to myself.Because I think it would be better for you and her to have a bigger group of people to rely on… Because I’d love to be able to bring her to your games and let her see her daddy do something he’s amazing at.As she gets older, she’ll want to watch you play.She’ll want to be included.You can’t keep her in the dark forever.What kind of life is that?”
I frown straight ahead at the blank wall as I let her words wash over me.She’s right.I can’t hide Tali forever.Eventually, she’ll feel like I’m doing it because I’m ashamed of her and I don’t want her ever feeling like she isn’t the most important thing in the world to me.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped.I shouldn’t be telling you what to do, it’s not my place.”She ducks her head as her cheeks pinken the smallest amount.“I don’t have children and I have no idea what I would do in your situation.I’ll just go.Have a good night.”She stands, but before she can move, my voice stops her.
“You’re right,” I say softly.
“What?”She peers down at me with a furrowed brow.
“You’re right.About it all.”
Winnie slowly lowers herself back onto the couch and watches me carefully.She’s not relaxing back into the cushion, but sitting on the edge like she isn’t quite sure if she wants to stay or go.
“It’s not fair to ask you to keep your life and job a secret.I can’t stop you from inviting Liliana over to hang out or from letting your friends help you move.I can’t control every aspect of your life.But also, I don’t want Tali thinking she isn’t important or that I'm embarrassed of her.She’s the only thing I care about and she’s shown interest in my games according to Martha.I think she’d love to go to the games… but maybe sitting in a box and not in the crowds.”I rub the back of my neck, more than a little uncomfortable with the thought of Tali sitting among the fans.
“I think she’d love that and personally, I’d rather sit in a box too.”Winnie flashes me one of her bright smiles before glancing at her watch.
“If you need to go, you can.I don’t want to keep you from any plans you might have.”
“Oh, no!Nothing like that.I’m just getting hungry.I’m trying to fast and it might kill me.”She chuckles, her sweet laughter filling the living room.
It’s so weird to see a woman in my home.This isn’t the home I owned when Ellie was alive.That one is three thousand miles away and it feels like a lifetime ago.
