Even though she’s not close by, they take care of her in little ways, sending bulbs for the garden I set aside for her in the backyard. This summer, it should be bursting with peonies, ranunculus, and dahlias. In June, they shipped Kenzie fresh clover honey. We drizzled it on everything from waffles to pizza. It’s surprisingly good on Pizza Diavola. We also get semi-regular deliveries of artisanal cheese from their dairy goats.
“She’s fine, man. Let go of the armrest before you damage it.”
Kai’s voice brings me back to the quiet hush of the plane. Some players are plugged into movies or video games. A few are reviewing tape in preparation for tomorrow’s game, but most are relaxing.
“Sorry.” I release my stranglehold on the seat. “Thanks again for letting me talk to Mallory earlier.”
“No problem. I can’t believe Aaron hung Kenzie out to dry like that. The way Mal spoke about their relationship, you’d think he was crazy about her.”
Kenzie never brought up their relationship, and I never asked—mostly because I couldn’t stomach it—but the gratuitous roses in my house would suggest the same. The floral guy came by so often I knew his grandkids’ names. Aaron would also send Kenzie silver necklaces and bracelets with his number on them, even though her personal jewelry is exclusively yellow gold.
I mindlessly finger the gold chain around my neck—the one I haven’t taken off since I was twelve. “It’s obvious from what she said on top of the dugout that the breakup was a surprise.”
I still remember the most important part of it—'dumped by your assistant.’
If you decide not to marry the woman you’ve asked to be your wife, you should have the decency to explain your change of heart in person. Having someone else end the relationship during a nationally publicized baseball game is not only cowardly, it has the potential to backfire—as evidenced by all the video clips of Kenzie in my arms.
Kai swats my hand away from the armrest before I crack the plastic beneath the leather.
“She’s better off.”
“Undoubtedly,” I say through gritted teeth.
Kai tilts his head. “It’s weird because I had no idea they were even dating. Mal told me when she found out last week, and at first, I doubted her. Because when I thought about the few times I’d seen Kenzie and Aaron together, like at your Christmas party, they never seemed like a couple.”
I try to keep my face impassive. As her supposedly unaffected roommate, I should probably have insight on this. But honestly, I’d avoided Aaron at the Christmas party because I didn’t want to see him wrap an arm around her waist or, worse, kiss her. I’d chatted with Kenzie when she’d been by herself a few times, but mostly I busied myself with hosting.
Kenzie and I talk about everything…except Aaron. She never brought their relationship up, and I never pried. It’d been a master class in avoidance. I told myself I was giving Kenzie her privacy, but really, I was saving myself the heartache. I didn’t even know she was engaged until her slender fingers were broadcast onto the jumbotron yesterday. It’d been a good thing I already had my catcher’s mask on because my scowl would have terrified all the children in the stadium.
My mouth opens, but I’m saved from having to answer when our manager, Patrick Howard, positions himself at the front of the aisle.
“Alright, fellas. Great start to the season. Let’s keep it going. We’ve got everything we need right here in this plane—each other.” His bushy salt-and-pepper mustache twitches as the corner of his mouth kicks up.
I swear, this is Patrick’s favorite thing to do once we level off. We have ample time to have a team meeting once we arrive in Charlotte, but our manager loves leaning against the side of the plane, giving his speech over the PA system.
“Let’s focus and keep that energy up in Charlotte and Atlanta. It’s never too early to be thinking about the postseason.” At this, he breaks into a full smile.
We lost the Wild Card Series by one run last season, and everyone is itching for a chance to make it to the Division Series orbeyondthis year.
I draw in a deep, settling breath while listening to the man who’s successfully turned this team around during his tenure. Patrick advocated for not only my first but mysecondsix-year contract after I’d proved my worth years ago. I’d calmly walk into fire for him—so would most of my teammates.
Patrick says something else that makes Kai shout in agreement, but all I can focus on is the rapid-fire texts lighting up my phone.
Kenzie
I know you said not to Google myself, but Mallory offhandedly mentioned something about media coverage, so I excused myself to go to the bathroom and…
Kenzie
I’m so sorry. I never meant to embarrass you.
Kenzie
Do you want me to move out?
Kenzie
I should probably move out.
