“So, you both know we just clinched a playoff spot, and a big part of that has been your contributions since you’ve joined us.” His gaze lands on me. “Especially considering that catch today. Make sure you see the trainer about that cheek.” He turns to Shane. “And your run stealing home.”
We murmur our thanks, and I shift uncomfortably. I never know how to receive praise.
“It’s been a great year for our clubhouse. Low-A and High-A have secured spots in the playoffs this year,” he adds. “We have been extremely impressed with the both of you. As much as I want to be greedy and keep you both to myself, that’s not fair to the organization, nor to you.”
I glance at Shane with wide eyes, and he’s leaning forward in his seat just like me. My hands tighten on the arms of my chair. Shit, shit, shit.
Coach’s face splits into a warm smile. “Pack your things, boys. You’re headed to South Carolina. You’re going up to High-A for the playoffs.”
Shane and I jump to our feet in unison.
“No!” I breathe.
“You’re shitting us!” Shane shouts.
He’s barely containing his excitement, and I’m right there with him. My body vibrates with it. With the need to jump, holler, somehow let out the pure jubilation flying through my veins.
Coach’s smile splits into a full-on grin. “Not shitting you, boys. Your flight leaves tomorrow night. You’ll finish out the season there.”
Shane and I lock eyes, and then we hurl ourselves at each other in a violent hug. We almost go down, but I stumble and manage to keep us upright. A part of Shane bumps into my cheek, and pain streaks through my face, but I don’t even care. It’s worth it. I’d bash my face again for an opportunity like this. Coach’s laugh mixes with our cheers and exclamations.
Shane and I are flying high when we walk back into the locker room. Most guys are already gone; only a few stragglers drying off after their showers. I plunk my ass down in front of my locker and take out my phone. My fingers shake lightly. I can’t believe this. A little over a month, and I’m already moving up. I know what this most likely means, too. That next year I’ll be starting in High-A. This is huge. Fucking enormous.
I open my text messages. I can’t wait to tell Maddy. My pulse stutters, and I freeze as I read the last message in our convo chain.
You didn’t do anything wrong, East. I just need some space. I’m sorry.
And just like that, the buzz in my chest dies, crushed flat by the weight of the sledgehammer that just landed on my ribcage.
Right. Would he even want to know?
I swallow hard. My fingers hover uselessly over the keyboard.
The screen times out, black as the hollowness spreading inside me.
That tiny word—space—echoes around the empty locker room like a gunshot.
I slam my phone into the locker, strip down, and storm for the showers.
He wants space. So, I guess I should give it to him.
ten
Maddox
“Hey,Barnes!There’sagirl here for you.”
I frown but push off the couch and head toward the front door. Jacobs squeezes by me as he leaves our small entry, and my attention falls on the petite, dark-haired woman standing just inside our apartment. Shelby.
“Hey, Shelbs. What are you doing here?”
She holds up a bottle of tequila, and my brows shoot up. “You have a minute? Or maybe a million of them?”
My stomach wraps itself into a knot. “Of course, come in. Want to make margaritas?”
She shakes her head and shoots me a quivering smile. “Think tonight calls for straight from the bottle.”
Fuck. I already know where this is going.
