Page 5 of Stolen Bases

His switch in demeanor lightens the mood and reminds me why I love playing for him. He might be a hard-ass on the field, but Anson truly cares about us players. He’s invested in our lives professionally and personally.

I shoot him a wink and my signature Miller smile. “Can’t help it if the paparazzi think my dates are as pretty as me.”

That gets a chuckle out of him, and I preen like a peacock at his reaction. It’s difficult to get something more than a scowl from him.

“Cocky asshole. You need a good woman, not some pretty little thing with nothing to offer. Just you wait until the right one knocks you on your ass. I hope I’m around to see it.”

“I welcome the challenge.” With a wave, I head out of his office and make my way towards the locker room for a shower.

With how the conversation went, I desperately need a good stiff drink to prepare myself for the shit I am about to endure being strapped to Romero for the upcoming season.

One thing is for sure: I will not let Nico fucking Romero get to me. He can lug that chip around by himself.

My job is to win the whole damn thing this year. No one is worth giving up my dream for.

two

Talia

Can I be morepathetic?

No, you can’t, you weenie,my inner snark says, hitting me with the painful truth. But avoidance is my best friend.

Music plays softly overhead as I sit in the corner booth of our family’s little Italian bistro, Belladonna, doing side work before tonight’s dinner service.

My hands deftly fold, roll, flip, and tuck the royal blue fabric laid out on the walnut table in front of me into delicate napkin roses for the place settings. I watch my fingers move quickly, the muscle memory ingrained bone deep, as pots clang and my cousin Sofia yells from the kitchen.

My stomach growls at the savory scent of tomatoes, garlic, and basil wafting through the air. I missed being here for family dinner. It’s been too long since I have ventured out of the house to do something besides studying for my nursing boards.

A wave of anxiety rolls through me, twisting my stomach in knots. I breathe through it, focusing on the starchy fabric between my fingers.

It’s going to be okay because you passed,I remind myself, repeating the mantra.

Pretending I live in the stone age without access to the internet isn’t working. I don’t know why I’m afraid to check the results of my nursing board certification.

After endless nights of studying, I was prepared. I walked in confident to take that test. What I wasn’t prepared for was walking out like a baby deer walking on wobbly legs, unsure of what move to make next.

It’s unlike me to harbor these types of anxieties. Being ready to tackle the next challenge without reservation is what I’m good at. I’ve had my life mapped out from a very young age, with an extensive list of accomplishments waiting to be checked off.

I’m about to be a nurse practitioner at Los Angeles Mercy Hospital—one of the best hospitals in the state. My dream job is in the pediatric ward, just like I always wanted.

After graduating from nursing school with my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and taking my board certification, I expected to be settled and stress free. I worked my butt off throughout my schooling and hospital training to prepare for that exam. I knew the answer to every question, and I should have left that testing room relieved.

But I’ve yet to experience any sort of peace. Instead, I’m spiraling.

All I’ve ever wanted was to be a nurse. Take care of people, especially kids. I love children—their simplicity, their honesty, and their sweetness.

I have a knack for understanding people and getting a sense of someone’s needs before they can put a voice to them—a talent I have honed while working as an emergency room nurse throughout grad school.

My aunt, Zia Rose, says I have a strong bullshit meter, but I think it’s more than that. I’ve always had this innate ability to bond with people and get a read on them. Being a nurse allows me to use those abilities to connect with patients and their families on a deeper level.

I want to use my gift to help pediatric patients and their families during the medical process; most of them are overwhelmed and suffering to come to terms with varying diagnoses. My role as the medium between doctors and nurses will be critical. I’ll beplaying the role of primary caretaker during their hospital stay, and educating patients and their families throughout the process of their disease.

I hope to bring light to my tiny patients and just maybe experience small, daily miracles in an otherwise dark world as some of those kids recover and live the full lives they deserve. It’s because of this I’m excited about starting my new position.

But what comes next?

I haven’t got a clue. All I know is that outside of work, my life is … boring, lackluster. I can’t put my finger on why. I have a wonderful family who loves and supports me and a fulfilling career ahead of me.

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