“Okay. Okay.” He retreats a step, both hands up.
I walk ahead of him. When we hit the locker room, I shoot Drew a look that says fuck off, and Hayes drops into the chair at the locker beside mine.
“I know I’ve been so busy with Leighton and the kids. But you know if you need to talk, I’m here. I’ll find the time—even if you’re doing pickup with me.”
“I know.” I yank off my jersey and unfasten my pants.
“Thanks again for having my sister. I’m sure that’s not helping your mood. She hasn’t found anything yet, huh?”
“No,” I say a beat too quickly.
“I heard about Maren Hale. That’s amazing. Who else do you have lined up?”
I sit on the seat, more mentally wrecked than physically tired. “I’m working on some people.”
I have two other people already lined up, but I still need two more.
“I’m not sure who was more excited about Maren Hale—Leighton or Callie. You started big, man.” He works the straps on his chest protector.
“Don’t doubt my skills.” I toss him a grin, trying to play it off, but it’s forced and I’m sure he sees it. “I’m gonna go shower.” I pat his shoulder and don’t wait for an answer before heading to the showers.
“Don’t forget we’re going to Peeper’s after,” he calls.
I want to correct him that actually the plan entails that as soon as we get outside, we’re going to let everyone else go in, then Callie and I will take Hayes and Leighton upstairs to our condo and tell them the news. Then I’m gonna pray he doesn’t get blood on my new sofa that Callie’s fallen in love with.
“Yeah, man. I remember.” I lift my hand in a wave even though he probably can’t see me.
I shower, get dressed, and stay away from Hayes because I’m so close to the moment, I’m about to crack. I want the secret out. I want it over with. I don’t know how I’ve kept it in as long as I have, but every time he looks at me like you okay? I want to tell him. I fucked your sister, and she’s pregnant. Hey, we’re tied together forever now, buddy. Lucky you.
“Let’s go, media room, guys,” Wentzel points at Easton, Decker, Hayes, and me.
Just another fucking delay.
Chapter
Twenty-Nine
Foster
* * *
Wentzel ushers us into the press room, and I step up on the platform and head to the far end of the table. Decker follows, which I’d normally be pissed about, but I’d rather have him next to me than Hayes at the moment.
Once we’re all seated, Hayes takes charge as usual, pointing at one of the reporters.
“Foster, today didn’t feel like a normal loss.”
“Is there a question there?” I ask the reporter, and Decker hits his thigh against mine.
“Is something going on in the clubhouse?” the reporter asks and sits.
I lean forward on the table, hands linked. “Nothing happening in the clubhouse. I didn’t execute. Fell behind in the count, missed spots. Those mistakes led to hits and a run. Sometimes two.”
“Next.” Hayes points at another reporter.
“Hayes, do you feel like the team’s connecting right now?”
“Me?” He laughs. I hope to be him one day—not taking each and every loss so personally. “Yeah, I think we are.” He glances down the line of us and back at the reporter. “It’s not just one pitch. It’s the stack of stuff that’s been building. Breakdowns, loss of communication. We’re connected. We’re just not always communicating like it.”
