That’s all the confirmation I need to move forward.
There’s only one thing left to do before we kick off what I hope to be the demise of Senator Damien Fischer.
“Martinez, Vega, and Middlebrooks.” I meet Daisy’s trusting eyes and smile as I shout, “Move over to channel one, we’re going live.”
fifty-four
I’m like a kidon Christmas morning.
I should be mortified that Luke and the guys moved over to live streaming their conversation. Should be digging a hole to hide after he told Tom to have a camera on him at all times, along with the other mic’d players.
But if this all goes to hell after Luke is done with whatever devious plans he’s concocted in his head, it’ll be worth it.
Because the sight before me is one that will be cemented in my mind, and on the internet, for all of time.
Mateo steps up to the pitcher’s mound.Hispitcher’s mound.
Interrupting Damien’s ramblings that have honestly gone off the rails at this point. Even if Mateo hadn’t interrupted him, I’m sure there are some people scratching their heads, wondering what the hell he is up to.
I quickly texted Luisa and Nick to stand down and let this play out, that Luke had it handled.
Nick’s question about whether EMTs should be sent down to the field almost made me chuckle, but my eyes are fixed on my ex, who’s starting to break a sweat as Mateo towers over him.
Mateo smiles and holds out a baseball, and Damien releases a deep sigh and returns the smile.
But as he goes to reach for it, Mateo drops it and mouths “oops” as he shrugs and smiles up at the laughing crowd. He returns to the dugout without a backward glance.
Damien’s smile falters, and his eyes find mine in the dugout, hardening momentarily before fixing his mask back into place.
If he thought he could fuck with the Monarchs family, the one he so dismissively spoke about in my presence during our relationship, then he’s about to become a case study for “fuck around and find out.”
He bends over quickly, scowling over his shoulder as Tom flashes his camera at the unflattering angle of him bent over and straightens.
Torres punches inside his mitt, signaling where Damien needs to throw the ball. Before Damien can take his stance, Torres starts to fuck with him, by walking closer and closer to him, miming where he should stand, assuming Damien can’t throw the ball far.
The crowd erupts into laughter as he continues to do this for far longer than socially appropriate.
Behind me, Vega and Middlebrooks hold court with the rest of the players. Talking about things they’ve heard about Damien. Things I’ve shared with Ace and have given him the go-ahead to speak on. After emphasizing to death that he needs to say the word “allegedly” to make sure he doesn’t land himself in hot water.
Apparently, he took that advice to heart, because I can hear him talking, “So, allegedly, and this is what the streets are saying, so if I’m off base here, y’all take it up with the streets,okay? But yeah. So allegedly, that Damien dude was cheating on Daisy the entire time they were together. Can you believe he would dog on our sweet little Daisy like that? Anyway, that’s not even all. Apparently, I mean, allegedly, this dude got a thing for nose candy.” He sniffs as he rubs his nose, acting as though there isn’t a camera pointed one foot away from him. “And, uh, let’s just say that allegedly, all those family values he drones on about are a cover for his real lifestyle. But that’s just what I’ve heard.” He raises his hands up innocently. “And the streets don’t lie. Allegedly.” He discreetly sends a smile my way.
“Nah, I’ve heard that too. Allegedly,” Vega starts, and it takes everything in me to not fall over laughing.
Torres finally stops torturing Damien and squats down to take position to catch the ball. Damien looks flushed at this point, probably dying to get off the field and reevaluate his strategy.
He throws the ball, with terrible form if I may say so, and as it approaches Torres, he stands quickly and ducks to the side while exaggerating a yawn. Throwing the crowd into another fit of cheers.
I knew the showmen in these boys had no bounds, but damn are they good at fucking with my ex.
Luke turns my way. He’s been standing in front of the dugout this whole time, baseball hat pulled low, eyes on his prey. And if I weren’t so damn turned on at the sight of Luke’s broad shoulders and the arms crossed over his chest, I might find it in myself to be terrified for Damien.
His piercing blue eyes find mine, and he calls me over silently.
The players go quiet behind me as I make my way toward Luke, the crowd shouting my name, staring back between Damien and me.
If they think they’re about to get aNever Been Kissedmovie moment with my ex, they are sorely mistaken.
“You ready?” Luke asks lowly.
