Page 104 of Stolen Bases

Something is wrong. I can feel it in my gut. She needs me.

Now, I’m halfway to her mom’s house, and she’s still not answering her cell.

The line rings and goes to voicemail again. I don’t bother waiting; I hang up and hit redial for the fifth time in a row. The sound of her voice fills the car as her greeting tells me to leave a message.

“Tals, I need you to call me back. I’m spiraling here, itty bitty. At least let me know you’re okay. I’m on my way to you.” Unable to hide my unease, my voice cracks as I leave another message.

Our secret relationship is about to end because I can’t live like this. I’m not sure how I’d handle her family keeping me away from her. Not being able to see her if something is wrong is out of the question.

I hang up and press down on the accelerator. Lights blur as I speed past, racing to get to Talia. The hands-free rings, and my shoulders ease as Talia’s name pops up.

“Baby, are you okay?” I shout as I answer.

“Umm, no. This is her cousin, Sofia,” a low, raspy voice whispers. “Listen, I only have a minute. You have to stop calling. Everyone is getting suspicious.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t give a fuck. Just tell me… Is she okay?”

“Yes,” she sighs. “No. I don’t know. She came home from work crying. She’s locked herself in her room and won’t come out.”

“Fuck.” I knew something was wrong. I’m just glad she isn’t physically hurt. But if I know my girl, she’s upset about one of her patients. “Sofia, I need to see her.”

“Are you crazy? You can’t come here.”

“Too late. I’m already on my way. She needs me, and I need her. I can’t let her go through whatever she’s going through alone, so you can either help me or I’mbreaking down the door.”

“You really care about her, don’t you?”

“I love her. Now, are you going to help me or not?”

“Yeah, I’ll help you. But don’t make me regret it. If you hurt her, you won’t have to worry about Nico. I’ll cut your balls off, cook them, and then feed them to you.”

I bark a laugh. “I know. Talia told me as much.”

“Really?”

I pull off the highway with a snort. I don’t know why she’s so shocked. I probably know them all better than they know each other. “No. But she said you were the best chef and I should be more worried about your mom.”

Sofia lets out a husky laugh. “Yeah. My mom can be vicious if pushed.”

“My GPS says I’m fifteen minutes out.”

“I don’t think I can sneak you inside the house with everyone here. But there is a way in if you’re willing to climb.”

“I am.”

Sofia explains her plan before we hang up. She suggested I park down the block, where she would meet me and lead me to the backyard. She doesn’t know me, but what she’s hinting at is overkill and, frankly, a little insulting.

Does she think all professional athletes are like her cousin? I’m nothing like Romero, who drives a loud-as-fuck, flashy sports car.

Okay, fine. A Mercedes G-Wagon is a little flashy, but it’s also practical.

When I pull up, Sofia—who I recognize from the family picnic and carries a striking resemblance to Talia—is standing on the sidewalk waiting for me. Per her suggestion, I step out and pull a hat over my head.

“Hi, Cameron. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She holds her hand out for me, and we shake.

“I’m sure you have,” I mutter. I can only imagine the shit she’s heard from Nico.

She chuckles. “I know what you’re thinking. But I meant from Talia.”

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