Page 56 of Embers in the Outfield

CHAPTER 24

Kennedy

It’s beena week since River stood in my office and pretty much confirmed what I was thinking: he can’t make this more than what it already is. Pretty much, pursuing anything further with me wasn’t in the cards in his eyes. The sting that comes with that realization isn’t an easy pill to swallow.

Too bad life doesn’t give me the reprieve to wallow in this pit of sadness that I want to throw myself in. Instead of sitting at home, wearing comfy sweats and letting the crumbs fall on my clothes while I eat my feelings, I have to sit in this box seat at the stadium and plaster a smile on my face.

Don’t get me wrong, on a normal day, I live and breathe baseball. I love the Gaels and soak the love from the fans screaming them on. And I absolutely love seeing them bask in the glory of their winning streak.

Since that fateful day that I had to see River’s stunned face as I walked out of my office, on the other side of the building, Brett Henry was turning a new leaf. And that leaf has led to fewer articles of his sexual exploits and more headlines focused on what he was hired to do—win baseball games.

The stadium is full of green-and-white-donned fans cheering for their favorite Boston team. They’re screaming, following the lyrics across the teleprompter, where they sing the fight song to root their beloved Gaels to victory yet again.

The smell of baseball games—peanuts, hot dogs, cheap beer—seems to excite everyone who’s out here tonight, using their hard-earned money to celebrate with the city they love.

As much of a slump as my personal life is in, I’m trying to put it behind me as I let my gaze sweep the stadium to take in the fans who are showing such pride in this sport.

I’m sitting next to my uncle, who looks tan after his trip to the Caribbean with my aunt. I’m glad I’ve been able to take on more responsibility, hopefully granting him some much-needed time off to enjoy quality time with Aunt Gennie.

“I love the way the team is playing, Kenny. They’re doing great.” My uncle pulls me into a half embrace. He is the spitting image of my dad. They were only a year apart, Irish twins, which is fitting due to the fact that my great-grandparents immigrated from Ireland when they first got married. Top that with his now white hair, which was once blond like mine, somehow adds to his handsome features.

He looks over at me and beams that smile my way, and I feel like I’m accomplishing something quite extraordinary.

We look on as the minutes turn to seconds, and soon, we are celebrating yet another W for our beloved baseball team. My aunt and uncle join me as we jump and cheer for the players while they make their way through the tunnel to their locker rooms.

I’m gathering my things when I look down at my phone to see a text from Ashton. I hate to admit it, but I’ve kept my distance this past week, too caught up in all the things that happened between River and me. I just needed a moment to recalibrate after that whole thing blew up in my face.

It was naive to think we could fool around and leave it at that. I’m disappointed in myself that I pretty much thought with my vagina instead of my head on this one. I learned something—a dick is never just a dick.

I pull myself from my thoughts and open the text, only to feel my heart fall when I read the message:

Ashton

Hey, Kennedy. I’m so sorry to text this, Sam said you’d be at the game tonight. We are at the hospital. Had a bit of a scare with some cramping. She thought she was going into early labor, but everything is ok. The twins are fine and Sam is now on modified bedrest. I thought I’d let you know. We have to stay the night and then we’ll be back home tomorrow.

I put my hand over my heart, trying to calm it down as I read his text a few times over. The guilt is clawing at me because I let what happened between River and me seep into my relationship with my closest friends.

I’m so sorry she had to go through that. I will swing by tomorrow with some food once you’re home. Does that work for you?

Ashton

That would be great. Thanks, Kennedy. I’ll keep you updated on how she and the babies are doing and on what time we’ll be home. See you tomorrow.

Of course. Let Sam know to text me if she wants me to bring anything particular she may be craving. Also, give those babies a pep talk from Aunt Kenny to be good for their mama. ??

Ashton

Will do. ??

I click the phone off and grab my purse. I start to make my way through the suite, saying my goodbyes to all the people who hang out in the box seats to schmooze my uncle and me.

Once I get into the hall, I take a deep breath, composing myself for the whirlwind that the media circus outside will be like. Sure enough, the moment I step off the elevator, the vultures are waiting.

“Ms. Sparen, what do you think is going on that the Gaels are now on this seven-game winning streak?”Maybe Brett not getting his dick wet every night makes a difference.

“Do you think it will last?”I obviously hope so.

Of course I keep my answers cordial as I make my way through the crowd. I give a quick thank you to everyone for watching the game and for their constant support. I drop some kind words to our fans, and I’m off, moving quickly to get to the car that’s waiting for me outside the stadium.

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