Jagger kisses her on the temple. “I’ll be back.”
“He’s always got someone to schmooze.” She stirs the straw in her drink. “How was the trip out here?”
We all make polite talk for a bit.
Yes, I’m six months.
Oh, it’s a girl.
Quinn can definitely lead a conversation.
“Just so you know, Foster is going to ask you why there aren’t more baseball hero stories in romance. Just a warning.” I roll my eyes good-naturedly.
She laughs. “They’re always so concerned about being a hero in a book. I guess it’s those egos. But thanks for the heads-up.”
We chat a little longer, then the game starts, so I take my seat between Angela and Leighton.
Everything is going great, we’re winning, and for a moment, I think Foster won’t even have to come in. But late in the ninth with only one out left to get, he’s called in.
“It’s weird to see it with no music and the lights on,” I say.
The minute he steps out of the bullpen, boos ring through the stadium. A strangled sound comes out of Angela, and her body tenses.
Leighton puts her hand on my knee. “He left. You know how it goes.”
True, but I still feel for Foster.
“You’re fucking kidding me,” Jagger whispers behind me, and I glance over my shoulder to see him walking out of the suite.
My eyes snag on the television screen in the suite, and all the breath whooshes out of my lungs. The headline flashing on the screen reads, Foster Davis bets against himself with big Seattle bookie. More names to come.
My head drops forward, and I excuse myself to go find Jagger. He’s walking in as I’m walking out.
He gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m heading down to the locker room to meet Foster right after the game. Go back to the hotel and wait for us there.”
“No, I want to see him.”
Jagger blows out a breath. “Please don’t be difficult. This is bad, Callie. Like, career-ending bad.”
“Which is why I’m going to be by his side the entire time.” I grab my purse off the counter. “I’m going with you.”
“He did it, Cal. Struck them out, and we won! Take that, Seattle and your shitty fans.” Leighton sounds really tough right now, even though she’s the sweetest person I know.
I look over my shoulder and see her spot Jagger with me. Then Leighton and Angela look at the television and read the caption, their smiles fading.
We’re going to get through this, and I’m going to prove to Foster that he has an entire army at his side.
Jagger agrees to take me to see Foster, and Leighton and Angela decide to come too. I’m hoping that Angela doesn’t make it worse for Foster, but if anything, she can be there for Decker.
Jagger gets into the locker room because he’s Jagger, and the rest of us are put in some room for the visiting team’s guests.
“Did you know about this?” Leighton asks me once we’re alone.
I nod. “He didn’t do it.”
“I know that.” Leighton gives me a look as if she’s insulted I’d dare to think otherwise.
“He’s behind it, isn’t he?” Angela asks.
