I suspect he laughs more at home than he does out in public.
Just like Addie.
Tillie Jean sighs on my other side, half smiling as she rises. “I’m going back to the suite. But Duncan, seriously—if you’re planning on trying something with Addie, just…just don’t, okay?”
Nothing’s funny anymore. This is givingsomeone hurt Addievibes, and I don’t like it. “Why?”
“Because no one gets as tough as Addie is without going through shit. And she doesn’t deserve more shit. From anyone.”
“What kind of shit?” I ask.
“Don’t know, and I wouldn’t tell you even if I did. But I stand by what I said. You don’t get that tough without going through shit. She deserves to be happy.”
“Tell Max we said hi,” Nick says.
“And that we’re sorry for what Zeus and Ares did to him at the game bar last week,” Felicity adds.
“No worries,” Tillie Jean says. “Glitter bombs are only outlawed in Shipwreck. They’re fair game in Copper Valley. Andit turns out Waverly and Max are really great prank partners, so it’ll all work out in the end.”
Felicity freezes and glances at Ares.
Not often you see the big guy look guilty. Or worried.
But he’s definitely both right now.
He should be.
I hear Max Cole is a quiet pranker.
And Waverly Sweet has basically unlimited funds.
She could buy the Thrusters if she wanted to.
I’m smirking as I glance back at the field again.
Addie’s two fellow coaches are still looking our way.
She’s demonstrating a batting stance for Francisco Lopez. Still not using her left arm though.
I’ll see her again tomorrow.
We’re making a guest appearance at a pickleball league sign-up.
And I can’t wait.
Plus, we have ourCroaking Creaturesdate in two weeks. After this home series, she has a road trip and then a day off.
She’s giving me her day off.
Nick pokes me after Tillie Jean leaves. “If you ever want to talk to someone about retirement and what happens when you hang up your skates, I have a really great life coach recommendation.”
“Who said anything about retirement?”
I’ve told Addie.
That’s it.
As far as the Thrusters know, my agent is in talks with me about what we’d want in another contract when mine expires at the end of the year.
