“I’ll let you think you’re fooling me. Now tell me the guest.”
I stop in my doorway, sliding my arms into my jacket. “Ready?”
I’m so excited. I haven’t even told Leighton yet just in case Foster didn’t come through. I wasn’t ready for the pity or questions.
Lex rolls her eyes. “Stop with the antics.”
“Maren Hale.” My eyes widen, and my smile grows.
“Wow. Foster got you Maren Hale?”
Maren was a hugely popular influencer who was once engaged to a professional baseball player before her current husband. She documented their entire wedding planning, and it appeared as if the entire country was following along. So when he jilted her at the altar, it was big news.
She moved away from the influencer thing, but now she’s back, but her star has risen even higher because everyone admired the way she handled the humiliation of what happened.
I nod and rush across the room. “That he did.”
“Did he fuck her once upon a time before she married Eli Hale?”
I freeze as I grab my purse. I hadn’t really considered it actually. From what I know, Eli Hale and Foster have never played on the same team. Eli never played for Seattle, and I would know since Hayes played there too. Would Foster really set up an interview where I’d have to chat with a woman he’s slept with?
“I’m not sure.”
“Sorry for putting the pin in your happily-ever-after balloon. I should’ve thought about it before saying it out loud.” Lex grabs the equipment. I can tell from the look on her face that she legitimately feels bad.
“What are you talking about?”
“You and him playing house. You can’t tell me that your imagination hasn’t run away from you.” She opens the door.
I would unload a lot of what Lex is saying, but I don’t really want to dig into myself that much at this point. “We don’t want to be late. Let’s go.”
“You’re the boss.”
I’m thankful Lex allows me the reprieve, and we walk out of the condo, heading down the stairs.
“I asked her to meet me at Peeper’s.” I push open the security gate.
“Do you want her to run away before you’ve even spoken to her? Ruby isn’t exactly the welcome wagon.”
I turn to face Lex after we’re through the gate, seeing a new Dugout sign posted with a white piece of paper and Reaper written on the front of it.
Lex lifts the piece of paper and reads it. “‘Reaper, I’m desperate for your slider to hit me deep and hard.’” She pretends to gag but puts the note back on the sign.
I resist the urge to rip off the note and tear it in two, or worse reply back that he’s taken. He’s definitely not taken.
“Yeah, I don’t miss those.”
We both turn to see Maren Hale standing outside of the bar.
She’s as fresh-faced and beautiful in person as she is on social media. Her dark blonde hair is messy but somehow still appears styled. Her gold nose ring and her no-makeup rule somehow make her look younger than she is. She’s wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and walking shoes.
Maren pushes off the door. “Callie, right?”
“Yes. I’m sorry—were you waiting long?” I break the distance, and Lex leaves the sign, following me.
“No, but that lady in there isn’t very friendly.” She laughs. “I told her that I knew Foster, and she told me that he’s got more important things to worry about than getting laid.” She shakes her head. “I tried to say I was a friend, but she wasn’t having it. Thought I was here to screw him even after I showed her my wedding ring and a picture of Breelyn.”
“She thinks everyone wants the guys,” Lex chimes in next to me. “It’s her thing.”
