Page 67 of Home Run

“Try and stop me.”

I waited until they’d walked out of the main atrium, safely guided by Radley’s security, before making my way back to the locker rooms. I found Lux jogging down the corridor to the spot I’d left.

“The girls went home already, I said we’d see them there.”

I could almost feel the weariness on his face, it had been a long season already—even if we were pumped for the next month.

“Cool. Let’s get the hell out of here then. Shower at home?”

“Deal. It’s just us two. Parker’s taking Scout home, and Ace is heading to Payton’s. I need to grab my stuff, meet you at the car?”

Jupiter was keeping the media entertained, and I rushed past, grabbed all my things, and rushed back out until I reached the parking lot, quick enough they didn’t notice me. My phone had been buzzing in my pocket for the last five minutes, and I pulled it out while I waited for Lux.

I should have known who it was.

SIMPSON FAM CHAT

Lucas: Favorite son strikes again. Nice game, buddy

Riley: Tanny, was that Millie? The girl on the close-up on the jumbotron next to Radley Andrews?

Holiday: Yes, that’s her

Riley: Ooh, Tanny, she’s cute. You’re going to make a very gorgeous baby

Mom: That’s what I’ve been saying

Riley: We know, Mom

Lucas: Favorite child makes a favorite grandchild. Ry, best warn our kids they’re getting relegated

Mom: I’m going to knock your heads together. No one is a favorite, I love you all equally

Asmirk grew wide as I typed out my response

Tanner: Except me, Mom. You love me the most, right?

“Hey,” Lux called out as he approached the car. “Ready?”

“You bet.”

It took less time than usual to get back to the apartment, and we found Radley on the couch watchingThe Tonight Show.

“Where’s Millie?”

“Getting ready for bed.”

I was tempted to go next door and find her but decided to shower first. It was close to two hours since we came off the field and I didn’t think she’d appreciate how ripe I was turning.

It had to be against the building fire safety code, but we’d taken to leaving the stairwell doors on the latch so we could all come and go as we pleased. At least during the day, before Radley’s security locked everything.

“Mills?” I called out, following the sound of the television. “Millie.”

The apartment was an exact mirror image of ours, yet it couldn’t look more different. The same incredible view, only of north Manhattan, but with ours, you knew four guys lived there, just like you could tell this place was girls only. It was all cashmere throws the color of the beach, and pale couches I wouldn’t want to spill anything on.

I found Millie fast asleep, thick dark hair fanned around her, hand tucked under her cheek. She looked like one of those retro Calvin Klein ads, but way more beautiful.

I’d never seen her asleep before, her face completely relaxed and absent of the scowl she usually shot my way. Although the scowl had been much less present these days, replaced by a smile I thought would take me years to earn. Who knew I’d only have to get her pregnant?

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