“You bet your ass, CFD. I want to beat this team so bad. I heard their coach badmouthing you and that pisses me off.”
“First off, I love that you’re standing up for me. Second, language. Third, get your ass up to bat and show us what you got, kid.” I hoped I gave him a convincing grin. He jogged toward the batter’s box and watched two pitches go by.Hitters pitch. 2-0.
“Believe, GT!” I shouted and almost lost my voice when he connected with the ball in a perfectly placed hard line-drive, straight into the outfield. We won.Ohmygod. Yes!I waved Chris to go home and the dugout exploded in cheers. It wasn’t a big game, but we were acting as though it was. Our entire team jumped up and down, pairs of arms hugging me at all angles. It was in my top five favorite moments of my life.
“Gentlemen, please shake hands and sprint out to left field. Remember to always be good sports and exemplary athletes. Win or lose,” I said between fits of smiles and laughter. Gideon came up behind me and put his hand on my shoulder. I tensed when his lips were inches away from my ear.
“Proud as shit of you right now. Try not to look too proud of yourself, though. Their coach might have a hernia.”
I giggled. He gave me another squeeze and walked in front, letting me be the final person to shake hands. It was often reserved for the head coach and I held my head high when I shook all their hands. It was no surprise when the sexist man avoided my stare and my handshake, but I didn’t let it fluster me. I loved our team, Gideon included.
“Nice win, Fiona. I’m proud of you.”
Those words coming from Gideon would be forever cherished. I wanted to record him saying that and put it on a mixtape, just to listen to on sad days. He smiled at me, the warmth in his expression almost too much to handle. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now hustle out to the field. We need to do a post-game before getting a celebratory drink.”
I laughed and enjoyed the post-game analysis. Gideon took the lead and it wasn’t until Big Al spoke that I had to fight another fit of giggles.
“I heard him say to Coach Titan how could a man like him let a woman coach in front of him and I got so mad. CFD, I can’t believe he said it!” Big Al almost shouted his words and I had to laugh it off. “But you should’ve heard what Coach Titan said.”
“Yeah? What’s that?” I slid my gaze toward the man in question and he gave me a shrug.Interesting.
“He said, and I quote,‘I’m sorry your dick’s so small that she threatens you.’”
“Oh my god. You can’t…you can’t repeat that.” I wanted to laugh, cry and throw my arms around him again. But I needed to act like a coach.
“CFD, I’m in high school. I hear things that would make you cry. If anything, it taught me to always stand up for women when men are dick shits.”
“Language.” I tried scolding, but the high of the win was too much. They all grinned at me, no sign of their teenage snark or attitudes. “Fine. Just know, I love the shit out of you guys.”
“Love you too, CFD. Nice win!”
We all high-fived each other, Garth getting to pick the final cheer since he had the big hit. The punk choseCFD for MVP, and I fought back tears again as they all walked off the field. This was one of the best feelings ever. The best.
“I got an interesting email.”
“I don’t care.Nothingwill ruin my moment right now.Nothing.” I stuck my nose in the air. He matched my pace and let out a whistle. Uh-oh. It was too cheery.
“Okay. Well, just let me know what time you want me to pick you up Sunday to head to a boozy brunch. With your sisters and Jade. No biggie.”
“What the hell did you just say?” I stopped walking and glared.Jade found him? That traitor.
“Does ten work for you, or did you want to get some foreplay in first?”
“I will hurt you one day, Gideon. Mark my words.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Gideon
Two wins later, one tearful lunch with Cheryl, and it was finally Sunday. I wasn’t sure if what I felt was excitement or annoyance. It kept switching between the two. The thought of eating fucking brunch—where they’d better have Bloody Marys—with Fiona’s family felt like I’d overstepped some boundaries.
Then again, Fiona was supposed to invite me and didn’t, so irritating her ranked high on my list. I honked my horn twice outside her weathered apartment building and chuckled at her disgruntled expression. She’d opted for tight-fitting black jeans and a snug leather jacket.Hm.She looked good. Better than good.
“I don’t understand how the hell you’re invited. I chose not to ask you after she suggested it,” she said the second she flung the door open. Her floral perfume flooded the car and it distracted me for a second. She smelled like a goddamn dream. “Explain.”
“Ran into Jade at the stadium, next thing I know, I got an invitation.”
