Page 65 of Home Town Advantage
“Because Reagan Daulton walked into the training room and he was jerking off to our team photo.”
I let out a laugh. “Oh my god. Are you for real?”
She smiles. “No, but Reagan is smart. She knows he’s a creep. They’re interviewing candidates now. Hopefully, they’ll hire a woman as our next PT.”
We had a great practice.It was fun to be back with my team. It was seamless. We’re so much more familiar with each other than we were only six months ago. I think we’re going to be awesome this year.
Kennedy has gotten even stronger, quite obviously hitting the gym hard since I last saw her. Her dedication is enviable.
I’m loving my new house. It’s small, but it’s homey and perfect. Most importantly, it’s mine. Obviously the cabin is mine too, but it was given to me. My brownstone in Philly is the first big-ticket item I bought for myself. I’m full of pride over it.
With some gentle coaxing from Kennedy, I decided that I’m going to host a housewarming party next week. Layla loves to be the social planner, so I told her to invite whoever she wants. She gave me the name of her caterer, and I booked them. I feel so grown up.
With Layla picking the guest list, I know it will include Vance. I sort of miss him. I hate that I do, and I’d never admit it out loud, but I find myself constantly thinking about our two days together. I can’t stop remembering the way he made my body feel. Every kiss and every touch are forever burned into my memory. I have a few lingering bite marks from him. I keep looking at them in the mirror, not wanting them to fade.
I’m now pulling into Tanner Montgomery’s long driveway until I reach the house. It’s not a house. It’s a mansion. Being a sports agent must pay well.
I can’t wait to see Bailey. I feel like I’ve been a terrible friend, but I haven’t been back in Philly until now.
Before I have the chance to knock on the front door, Tanner’s adorable daughter, Harper, opens it. Her face lights up, and she yells out, “It’s Sulley O’Shea.”
I smile. “Hi, Harper. It’s good to see you again.” She came to several of our games last summer.
“You remember me, Sulley O’Shea?”
“Of course. You were quite memorable given that you told me basketball was your second favorite sport. That you prefer softball. Usually, little girls tell me that basketball is their favorite sport.”
Her face falls. “I’m sorry, Sulley O’Shea, but my mommy says never to lie. If it makes you feel better, you’re also my second favorite basketball player.” She gasps and covers her mouth.
I can’t help but giggle. She may be the cutest kid I’ve ever seen in my life.
“May I ask who your favorite is?”
With her head down, she mumbles, “Kennedy Jeffries. I like her toughness.”
I smile. “I like Kennedy too. I wouldn’t be able to score as many points as I do without Kennedy rebounding and setting picks for me.” Harper lifts her head, and our eyes meet. “It’s okay to be honest. I like honest people in my life. In fact, Kennedy is one of the most honest people I know. It’s probably what I love most about her.”
A grin immediately finds her pretty face. “It is?”
“Yep. Can I come in?”
“Oh, yes. Sorry.” She yells again, “Bails, Sulley O’Shea is here.”
“You don’t have to use my last name every time you refer to me. Sulley is fine.”
She yells again, “Bails, Sulley is here. I told her softball is still my favorite sport, but it’s okay because she likes honesty.”
I hear Bailey laugh as she approaches. I wasn’t sure what toexpect, but she’s walking fine. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect quite yet, but if I didn’t know about her accident, I wouldn’t know.
“That’s because softball is the best sport.” She holds up her arms in invitation. “Sulley, I’m so happy to see you.”
I hug my friend and do my best to hold back my tears. “I’m so happy to see you too. You look amazing. You’re a miracle. I’m sorry I haven’t been around. I just got back into town and had to move into my new house. There were a few issues, and I couldn’t get away until now.”
She pulls back and offers her always sweet smile. “I’ve been a little busy anyway. It works well because Harper’s mom and I want to challenge you and Harper to a game of basketball. I wouldn’t have been able to play a few weeks ago.” She makes a muscle. “I don’t mean to sound like every guy you’ve probably dated, but I was an all-state high school basketball player.”
I let out a laugh. “That’s so true. They all love to brag about that.” I’m reminded of Kennedy’s red flags since that’s one of them.
She nods. “Right? Same with baseball.” In a deep voice, she says, “I once hit a home run when I was sixteen. Your fences are shorter. I’d be a stud softball player.” She rolls her eyes. “Well, I hit about thirty home runs a summer,jerk. Off of all the best pitchers in the world,Chad.”
