“Yeah, he’s ours,” Pauly adds.
“What is wrong with you two?” Ian deadpans, making all of us laugh.
Ryker enters the circle we’ve formed, holding his fist out to Ian, who bumps it.
“Solid work tonight. I was seconds away from doing it myself.” Ryker crosses his tattooed arms as he leans against the cubby.
“You all know I caught the ball, right? I’m fine.” I try to get them to calm down with that, even though I know it likely won’t work.
Going after the pitcher in baseball is like going after the goalie in hockey. It’s just something you don’t do unless you want a war.
“Doesn’t matter,” Ryker gruffs. “You’re one of us, and we’re not letting intentional shit like that go.”
I won’t be one of you for much longer,I think to myself.
They’re going to be devastated by the news, but everyone has to move on eventually. In a few years, it’ll be Ryker too. Our careers can only go on for so long.
“Ryker?” I hear my sister call from the locker room door she’s holding open just a sliver.
“C’mon in, baby, you’re good,” he calls back.
Camille opens the door the rest of the way and runs into Ryker’s arms. He cradles the back of her head as she says, “I was so worried.”
He chuckles softly. “You know I can handle myself.”
“Still, I don’t want to see you fighting. Okay?”
Ryker kisses the top of her head and softly says, “I’m sorry, princess.”
“You’re such a softy.” Pauly giggles.
Camille and Ryker whip their heads around, glaring at him.
“Sometimes you just shouldn’t talk,” Cole says, putting a hand on Pauly’s back as he passes by.
The interaction reminds me of Teagan, and I open my phone to find a text message from her.
Teagan
Fuck that guy. I hope he gets the worst charlie horse in his sleep tonight and can’t play the rest of the series.
Teagan
Also, I hope you’re okay. I didn’t love watching that.
I smirk.
Me
It’s all good, no harm done. How are you and Blueberry?
Teagan
The baby is demanding cuddles.
Me
I didn’t know she could talk already. Impressive.
