The thing I like about Cassie is I don’t feel awkward when we’re quietly riding together.
Finally, she says, as we’re halfway to Riverbend, “I have to thank you.”
“Why’s that?”
“Something you said. About…having the balls to ask for what you want in life.”
I grin. “Sounds like me. That’s the only way you’re going to get it.”
“So the owner of the team—George?—he came down and visited with our group at the game. I pitched him what I thought was a totally off-the-wall price foronesocial media post. One.”
“How much?”
“Five thousand, with a bonus if it goes viral.”
I nod. “Yeah. Well, that’s legit. They’re trying to get people to come out to the games, and you’re an expert at that.”
“I am?”
“Yes! You are now.”
“I just feel like I got lucky.”
I look over at her as the cornfields fly by on the country road behind her.
“What?” she asks.
“I just wish you could see what I see in you.”
“What’s that?”
“Honestly? I think you don’t realize how great—no. That’s such a vanilla word. How exquisite you really are.”
“My ex didn’t think so.”
I pull over the truck.
“Cassie.”
“Logan.”
“That’s in the past. And I don’t know what this guy did, or whatever—it doesn’t matter. That’s in the past.”
“I know. I just…I gave it everything I had. And he still cheated on me.”
“That’s his loss. Big loss.”
She shrugs. “Maybe.”
“No, notmaybe. It’s the truth. He’ll realize it at some point. Has he called yet?”
“Called? No. Wrote an email.”
I huff. “He’ll call. I guarantee it.”
“How do you know?”
“Cass, I’ve known hundreds of ballplayers over the years. And we talk in the locker room. About women. About life. And every guy has one that they messed up. And looking at you…” My eyes run up and down the length of her. “And knowing your personality, you’re exactly the girl they’ll regret fucking things up with. Trust me.”
