But I can’t live a life of what-ifs.
The only thing I need to be focusing on is this new job at ESA and take back what’s rightfully mine.
Chapter 7
Quentin
The last place I want to be after the night I had is practice, but alas, here I am.
I’m not hungover. I didn’t even have a single drink.
If anything, I feel like I’m having withdrawals after meeting the most beautiful and intriguing woman I’ve ever come across.
When she rejected my offer to make it more than a hookup, it stung. Bad. I didn’t go back into the bar. I got in the front seat and drove back home.
Here I was, trying to move past the usual song and dance of one-night stands. And I ended up doing the exact same thing.
I had such a strong feeling that itwouldbe different. But I guess I should’ve asked what her intentions were before we went any further.
As soon as I think about it, though, I know I don’t regret our short-lived time together. While I want more and can’t get her out of my fucking head, I’m grateful to know it is possible to meet someone like that. Someone who makes me see the potential of more with them.
I just wish she did too, but everything happens for a reason, I guess.
“Do you guys think my left butt cheek is bigger than the right?” our catcher, Pauly, asks as he turns around and flexes his ass muscles, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Cole, Ryker, and I all curse as we turn our backs to him, the rest of the guys in the locker room doing the same.
“C’mon, this is a serious debate online recently,” he whines, and Cole takes pity on him, twisting his head to check.
“It is,” he tells him. “Happy now?”
“Yes, thank you.” Pauly beams and the three of us turn back around as we finish getting ready for our game tonight.
It’s only been a week into the season, but things are looking good so far. My shoulder’s been holding up, and the guys are more determined than ever to get us to the World Series this year after having gotten so close last season.
Being a pitcher for the MLB has been my dream since I was a kid on an island off the coast of France. There was a point in time that I didn’t think it would happen, seeing as I was a prince and it wasn’t possible for me to pursue baseball. Not until I withdrew my title and left my family for good.
Well, some of my family, seeing as I’m still close to Camille and keep in contact with my brother Matheo.
Speaking of family, Ryker makes his way over to me and sits next to me on the bench.
“How was last night?” Ryker asks as he ties up his shoes, his locker next to mine, so we’re out of earshot of the group.
“It was…great until it wasn’t,” I say as I lift my baseball cap and run my fingers through my hair.
“What happened?” he prods, forearms on his knees as he waits for my response.
“I met a girl, and she’s stunning, funny, and confident. She piqued my interest, and we had a good time, but she didn’t want more than that,” I tell him, my voice giving away how bummed I am about it.
“What’s her name?” Ryker asks.
“I don’t even know.”
“Damn,” he remarks, his eyes full of pity.
“Don’t worry about it, brother, it is what it is. If she doesn’t want me, I’m not going to make her uncomfortable by chasing her,” I say, hoping she’ll be gone from my memory.
“Maybe you liked her because you’re in the mindset of looking for a relationship now. I say go out a few times and see if anyone else catches your eye like that. I’m sure she wasn’t the one and only. Don’t lose hope,” he says, doing his best to be positive, and I appreciate the sentiment.
