Page 161 of Drop Three

I swing, sending the ball flying into the outfield net. “That’s how you hit a strike, my friend,” I tell Cal.

He flips me off.Good guy.

“It’s good to see you happy, man,” Cal says nonchalantly, throwing me off guard, but I don’t give my surprise away.

“Oh yeah? What makes you say that?” I ask, short of breath, sending another dinger flying.

“I can just tell. You’ve been different.”

“I’m seeing someone,” I admit.

“Like a woman? Or a man—I’m not judging,” Cal asks, holding his hands up in surrender.

I shake my head and laugh. “I meant a therapist. I have been for almost eight months now.”

“No shit,” he says in what looks like bewilderment. “B, I’m so fucking proud of you. It seems to be working, then, right? Helping you, I mean.”

I nod. “My head hasn’t been this clear in years. Since everything.”

I swing at my final pitch, sending it flying before exiting the cage to find a seat on the bench by Cal.

He pats me on the back. “That’s great, man. That’s really great. You deserve it.”

I should tell him about Navy. I know I should. I can’t keep my feelings for her at bay any longer, and if I want the chance to maintain my friendship with Cal, I need to own up to it.

“Listen, man. There’s something I wanted to ta?—”

“You’re in love with my sister.”

Well, shit. He beat me to it.

I look at him in question. “How did you…?”

Cal smirks. “How did I know you’re madly in love with Navy? I could ask you the same thing, B. How are you just now realizing you’re in love with my sister?”

What the hell is happening? Is this reverse psychology or something?

“I haven’t been obvious about it,” I defend myself pathetically.

Cal throws his head back and erupts in laughter. “Are you delusional? I’ve seen the signs since before Kodi and I were even dating. Dude, you’ve got it bad for her.”

“That was forever ago, Cal.”

“Okay, hold my beer.”There is no beer.

He continues, “You’ve offered her a place to stay countless times, helped her move, and helped her through a horrible breakup with no questions asked. You couldn’t keep your eyes off her at my wedding in Fiji. You prepare coffee for her every morning. You almost murdered Briggs when you watched her leave for their date, and don’t even get me started on the gala.”

Son of a bitch. This smart fucker has known all along.

I’m not ashamed, but I am unsure why he never called me out on it before, especially after he did everything to ensure that I knew to stay away from her.

“Why didn’t you say anything? You never think twice about calling people out, Cal. If you knew, why not make it known? Or beat the shit out of me, at least.”

He laughs. “Just because I knew doesn’t mean it would have been right of me to say something.Youhad to come to terms with your feelings for her on your own. Not gonna lie, B, eight months ago, I was real worried about you.”

I know what he means. I was worried about myself.

That’s why I sought help.

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