No, he’s just called me while I was naked in the bathtub.
“Well, we should start using that form of communication going forward. There’s no reason for you to call or text my personal line unless it’s an emergency.”
He searches my face, his brown eyes etched with hurt, and I feel like an absolute piece of shit for making him feel that way.
But it’s for his own good. It’s for both of our own good. He wants to coach here next year? He wants to work in the same city where his daughter lives? Well, that’s not going to happen if rumors start flying about an inappropriate relationship between him and his boss.
“Did something happen?” he asks softly, taking a step forward.
I take a step back. “Of course not. I’m just resetting some boundaries we seemed to have forgotten about. For our working relationship.”
I watch as his expression shifts when he realizes what’s happening here. “Right. Our working relationship.”
“Yes. So, good luck to you and the team this week. I’ll see you when you’re home.”
“Are you sure you’re allowed to say that to me? That’s not too inappropriate for you?”
“Emmett—”
“No, you’re right, Reese. The conversation was needed and I got it. Loud and clear. Thanks for the reminder,boss.”
14
Emmett
When the team plane landed back in Chicago, I didn’t go from there to my apartment.
I probably should have. There’s no reason for me to be at the clubhouse on a Friday night when everyone else has gone home to their families.
But I guess that’s also exactly why I’m here, and already forty minutes into a grueling leg workout.
My job and my daughter are the two biggest pillars in my life, and with one of those occupied tonight, I’m left with my work. And even if there’s technically no work to be done with the night off from practice and games, I’d still rather be alone here than alone in my apartment.
Miller invited me over for dinner, but Kai was on the road all week too, and as sweet as her offer was, I know she’d rather spend time with just the three of them.
I’ll grab some takeout for dinner on my way home, but until then, I plan to waste as much time here as possible. The gym connected to the training room has enough equipment to keep me busy for hours, and with how frustrated I’ve been this week, I could use the outlet.
With my music blasting over the gym’s speaker system, I add another plate on either side of the squat bar before ducking under it to position myself for another set. I haven’t lifted the bar off the rack just yet. I allow myself to stand and fume a little first.
A couple of months ago, I would’ve appreciated a little time away from my boss. I probably wouldn’t have even noticed if a stretch of time had passed without seeing or speaking to her.
But this week, I fucking noticed.
I noticed the stench on the team plane without Reese sitting behind me. I’ve grown accustomed to her perfume distracting me on those flights. I noticed her absence from the dugout pregame. I noticed the extra room key that was left behind at the front desk when we checked into our hotel.
And the worst part about it is I have no idea what her sudden distance is all about. Last time Reese gave me the cold shoulder, I earned it. But I thought things were good between us now.
Something new I learned this week? How Reese signs off on her emails.
Best Regards, Reese Remington.
Initially, I didn’t listen to her request that I only contact her via email. After our first game on the road, I texted her about an injury that was bothering one of our players and letting her know I was going to sit him for game two.
She didn’t respond.
I called her after our second game to keep her in the loop of why I needed to pull our pitcher in the middle of the fourth inning.
She didn’t answer.
