Page 35 of Losing Faith

I feel my face morph in confusion as I glance over at Chase’s innocent smile. “What are you talking about? You guys are teammates,” I remind him.

Rome lets out a huff as he tells me about them fighting for the same girl and how Chase wasn’t being a team player at last night’s game.

“Rome, are you kidding me right now? He’s myclient.I don’t care if he outshined you yesterday for a chick’s attention. If this girl wanted you, you’d have her.” I rub my temples when I feel a headache coming.

“He didnotoutshine me. I got the game ball and I do have her.Hecan’t take a damn hint.”

I’m truly at a loss for words.

“Did you know the Dodgers sent him an offer? Is that what you’re meeting with him about right now? Did youhelphim?” He nearly yells now.

“You’re joking right?” I can feel the veins in my temple about to burst. “I cannot discuss this with you because he’s myclient.This isn’t a competition.”

“It quite literally is. The Dodgers are only taking one person this year.”

“Who told you that? That’s not how it works, Rome.”

I can hear him pacing from how loud he’s walking around his dorm.

“Don’t let him sign with the Dodgers. I just—”

I hang up on him before blocking his number and returning to my meeting with Chase. His mom is on the call with us and she looks so proud of her son as we discuss his offers.

“You don’t have to decide now.” I step in when he asks his dad for his opinion. “You all can take a few days to think about it.”

His mom turns to me, tears in her proud eyes. “What do you think he should do?”

“Well, it depends on what you care more about. Everyone wants the Dodgers, but if we’re being realistic, with the lineup they have now, you won’t see much pitch time. Griffin and Cane never see the bench.” I know Rome would probably do a backflip if he heard my words, but I don’t voice them for him.

Chase lets out a short laugh. “I think I’ll gladly be a bench warmer for Sire Griffin and Noah Cane.”

A laugh escapes me at his words. “The Yankees are—”

“No.” Chase shakes his head. “I’d be such a hypocrite if I played for them.”

I nod in understanding. “I get your loyalty, but in a few months you won’t be a fan cheering in the stands or booing the Yankees, you’ll be playing beside these guys. If their pitcher really is injured, there’s no doubt you’ll be pitching half the season.”

His shoulders sag as he weighs his options.

“The Cubs are lowballing you though,” I admit. “You said you wanted to move back to Chicago for your grandparents and you’d have a great season with them, but I can get you a better offer and you can have everything you want.”

His parents express their gratitude, and I’m emailing Chase about a brand deal when my eyes land on an email from Rome.

Subject: DID YOU BLOCK ME?

Jones I need you’re head in the game right now. I understand he’s your client but I was you’re client first. Do you know no loyalty??? I thought we were closer then this? Your being so selfish!

I genuinely can’t help but laugh at him. “It was great talking with you Chase. I just emailed you a few endorsements to look over. I’ll see you on Tuesday. Keep in touch.” I end the call before replying to Rome.

Subject: Yes, I blocked you.

Then= Sequence. Ex: You were being a brat andthenyou pissed me off, so I blocked you.

Than= Comparison. Ex: I prefer Chase ratherthanyou.

You’re= You + are. Ex:You’rethe one being selfish.

Your= Ownership. Ex:Yourattitude is getting old.

---