How did Owen get Tali?Has he had her all day?I thought Liliana or Macy were watching her.
“Liliana passed her off to me after she fell asleep.I was happy to hold the little princess so Lils could get some work done.”
“I can't go to the away games next week,” I blurt out.
“I know, I was just waiting to see how long you’d try to pretend you had your life in order for.”Levi doesn’t even lift his gaze from the notepad he’s scribbling something on.
“What?”I whisper, a little confused.
“We know what’s happening on our team, Schmidt,” Owen says softly.“Just because you think you have secrets; doesn’t mean you do.I'm assuming Winnie’s still recovering and you have no one to watch Tali.You know I value you as a person, not just a player.Your family should always come before the game.”
“Take your time and get your life in order.Your position will be here when you’re ready to come back.You’ll still be on the starting lineup,” Levi adds.
“Seriously?You aren’t going to give me a hard time?”My eyes fill with moisture again.I feel like an emotional disaster and I don’t know how to stop it.
“You’re the best center fielder I’ve ever seen.I'm not going to penalize you for having a life off the field.”Levi shrugs.
“Here’s the police report from the accident.”Owen tosses an envelope of paper towards me.
“How did you get this?”
“Charlie’s uncle used to be a cop and now he has his own security company.I asked him to pull some strings.I'm not ok with a paparazzi pulling the stunt Oliver Sinn did.I think you need to sue him.”
“I don’t need the money.It’s not worth it.”
“I know you don’t need the money; I already pay you too much.You need to make these lowlifes realize you’re not putting up with their games before someone else tries to do the same thing again.If you want to protect Tali, you call Hunter Jackman and get him on the case.He’s Leo’s step dad.He’s also Charlie’s uncle.”Owen chuckles.“One of the best attorneys I’ve ever dealt with.He’ll bring as many charges as he can against Sinn.I'm sure he can get attempted murder on there after he physically assaulted Winnie and then made her crash.That with her ruptured spleen and Tali being in the car, I’m sure a judge would happily put him in prison.”
“How did you-”
“I know everything, Schmidt.When are you all going to realize that?I have friends everywhere and I pay attention.”He tosses a thumb drive at me and nods at it.“You might want to take the rest of the day off and watch the videos on there.It took a lot to get them, but I think you need to see them.”
“You don’t want me to work?”I arch a brow.
“I appreciate you coming into work and bringing Tali with you.I love this little girl.”He glances down at my daughter.“But you need to be home.Take a few weeks.Do what you need to do.Get your life back in order, then give me a call.And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me about that either.”
“Thank you, Owen.I couldn’t ask for a better boss.You too, Levi.You’re the best coach I’ve ever worked with.”
“Don’t be a stranger, Schmidt.Keep us in the loop and please know you’re always free to bring Tali to work with you.We’ll figure it out.I'm thinking about starting a daycare here anyway.I don’t see Charlie and Macy letting strangers watch their kids and eventually they won't just be sleeping in the corner, they'll be running all over.”Owen shakes his head.“The things I do to make my girls happy.”
“You just want to be able to see your grandbaby whenever you want.”Levi snorts with laughter.
“That is a plus.”He chuckles.
“I’m looking for someone willing to work when the games are, and possibly willing to travel with us.”
“That would be amazing… But I’m hoping I can get my nanny back.”
Chapter 28
Winnie
“You’rebreakinghisheart.”Wheeler leans against the door frame and folds his arms over his chest.He’s watching me closer than I’d like.I don’t have the energy to slip behind a mask and I know he’s able to see everything.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine without me.”I roll my eyes.
“Win, you’re breaking your own freaking heart.You love him so much.Why don’t you put both of you out of your misery and talk to him?”
“Because… Ugh!Can you just leave me alone?”
