I smile, loving how Luisa has taken this outrageous gift from my brother—one inspired by unwarranted jealousy—and turned it into a real hotspot. Isabella continues reading. “Fair Trade martini. Vodka and fresh lemon juice, with sugar free simple syrup and orange liqueur. And absolutely no fruit.”
Luisa nods. “It’s my take on a lemon drop martini, except this one is almost sugar free, making it a PCOS-friendly cocktail.”
My smile broadens. “God, Luisa, you’re so incredible.” I continue to read the list. “You’ve literally thought of everyth—wait. What is this?” I look up in time to see her do a terrible job of covering up her smirk as she looks over her shoulder to flag down a waiter.
“Hmm, are you referring to our newest cocktail, Home Runner?” Now she doesn’t even bother hiding her devious smile.
“D-did you name it after Luke?”
Must be, since that’s what broadcasters called him when he played.
“I’ll let you be the judge of that. Read the description.”
I look back down and do just that as I read out loud. “Our version of a rum runner. Dominican rum and blackberry and banana liqueurs with fresh pineapple and orange juice. Adorned with a fresh… daisy.” I look up in astonishment as she smiles sweetly at me.
“Thought I’d have something sweet and not too strong on the menu for you. And the name was too good to pass up. Oh!” She turns in her seat and points. In the middle of the bar is what looks like a dugout, but instead of a long, deep bench, multiple short ones make up the shelves for the liquor bottles. And carved into the center is an old-school phone painted in Monarchs colors. “Almost forgot the best part.” She nods at Valentina, and I know what she’s about to say. “That’s our bullpen phone. Only Nick has the number to it. When he calls, the whole bar lights up in navy, maroon, and white. And that’s the signal that all the men are to leave the premises, their food and drink tab fully covered by Nick. Hence the name, No Boys Allowed.” She beams.
Valentina laughs. “And the guys aren’t pissed about being told to kick rocks?”
“Nope. Besides having their whole night comped, they love the anticipation of coming to the bar, not knowing whether they’re going to drink for free. Social media has been buzzing about it. But people started to catch on that the phone only rings when I’m here, so now I have to remind Nick to call when I’m not in to keep the mystery alive.”
“Should we expect him to call the line tonight?” Valentina asks.
I groan. “Of course he will. Mateo and Luke had to stay back for team business, but Nick was free, and I had to peel this one off him.” I hitch a thumb at Luisa.
“Of course he’ll call,” Luisa laughs. “But I’m so excited for him to do it tonight since we’re all together. The place goes absolutely mental, and if there aren’t any baseball games currently playing live, the TVs switch to Bravo and whatever Real Housewives episode is due that night. I swear the women stay double the time and spend triple the money than the men would have anyway.”
Valentina taps her phone to check the time. “The new episode ofThe Real Housewives of Salt Lake Cityis on in an hour. Any chance he’ll call by then?”
She elegantly lifts her shoulders. “I can send him a steamy email. That usually gets him going.”
“Home runner,” I blurt to the waiter, who has come to stand by me. “Please,” I add on. “And keep them coming.” I’m going to need it if Luisa goes into detail again of how she and my brother like to send sexy emails to one another like the weird and horny executives they are.
The women laugh, Valentina chiming in first when they’ve all settled. “This is an amazing spot you’ve got for yourself, Luisa. I don’t know how you manage to have a side gig and own an entire baseball team.”
“She’s still the general manager too,” Isa adds proudly.
Luisa smiles as she looks around her establishment. “I call this place the baby before my baby.” My eyes widen, but before my mind can form a single thought, Luisa beats me to it. “We’re not actively trying. Although we’re notnottrying.” I groan, but she ignores me as she continues. “Nick and I are loving the phase of life we’re in. And even though that man makes me want a million babies with him, there are still goals I want to reach in my career before we start adding members to our family. And it’snice to also know that it’s okay to wait and enjoy our marriage. Especially since we started off… under unique circumstances.”
“That’s one way to put it.” I smirk at the memory of how those two got together in the first place.
“And actually, Nick and I have been talking, and…”
I lean forward. “Go on. Don’t leave us hanging like that.”
“Well, nothing is set in stone, but we will be starting the adoption process soon. We want to get all the necessary approvals out of the way in case a child needs a home next season, or the one after that, we’ll be ready. Nick and I feel very strongly about adoption, and not as a second choice or a failsafe.” She faces me. “You and Nick had no one step forward when your mother passed, and we often talk about how different things may have been if there had been a loving family willing to take you in.” My eyes immediately well as she reaches for me. “Please don’t cry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t.” I firmly tap a folded napkin against my lash line. “I just really want that for you guys. I know you’re going to make the best parents someday.”
“Thank you.” Her watery gaze meets mine. “PCOS made me feel like motherhood was unattainable. Pregnancy announcements would come with a guilty pinch of jealousy. But now, they bring a smile to my face, because I know that Nick and I will move mountains to grow our family, however that may look, when the time is right.” I chuckle because I know that to be true. “But tonight…” She straightens. “We drink and order every appetizer on the menu. Then we see how long it takes for the men to come barreling into this place like overeager puppies.”
“Valentina, do you live in the city? I’m surprised I haven’t seen you around the stadium,” Isa says after her second cocktail. I’m still on my first and giggle, knowing that Luisa and Valentina are well onto their third.
“Mmm.” Valentina continues to take a long pull of her martini as she nods. “Yeah, uh. I moved back recently. I was living in the Dominican Republic with my extended family for a while. I’ve always bounced between New York and DR. But I think I’m back for good now.”
“What do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?” Luisa takes a bite of a mozzarella stick.
“Freelance photographer.” She lifts her glass to her lips as she murmurs, “Who seems to be more free than booked lately.”
