Page 24 of Fastball Fever
I slump into the cushions."Just leave me alone, Alicia, okay?"
She jumps up, hands on her hips."No, it's not okay.I won't leave your side until you've recovered, and that's nonnegotiable."
I groan.The woman I want has left me, and the ex-wife I don't want refuses to go away.Perfect.
Chapter Thirteen
Rock Bottom
Years have gone by since Alicia Jones decided I wasn't worth her time anymore.Now, I can't seem to get rid of her.Everywhere I turn, there she is offering me a bowl of soup or a box of crackers or, heaven help me, a plush pink blanket to keep me warm.She even tucks me in at night, I swear to God she does.This mothering instinct is starting to get creepy.
Hard to believe I used to sleep with this kooky woman.
I finally put my foot down when she tries to get in the shower with me to help soap me up—in the nude, of course.That's where I draw the line.I slam the shower door shut before she can climb in."Alicia, you lunatic!Jeez, can't a guy get some privacy?"
She sighs."You're so finicky, Charlie."
Thankfully, my ex-wife leaves me alone—once I'm fully dressed and ready for today's practice.She did not try to dress me this morning.But she did feed me apple sauce, claiming it's good for my pitching arm.How, exactly?Alicia never explained.
Yeah, this is what they call rock bottom.At least my ex-wife hasn't followed me into the bathroom so she can try to wipe my ass for me.
"I'll wait in the car," she states, pulling up in front of the training facility.The chilly autumn air whips through her blonde hair.She's not staying out in it long enough to mess with that expensive hairdo of hers, though.She shuts the door before I get a chance to respond.
The muscles in my shoulder cramp up a touch as I carefully maneuver myself out of the car.The stupid thing still gives me trouble.It's getting better, but every minute longer it takes to heal seems like an hourglass dripping my career away.
A familiar figure flounces onto the field.Alicia receives wolf whistles from my teammates and clearly enjoys it.So much for her staying in the car.She installs herself near the dugout to watch the team.Alicia has been making sure I get to and from practice as if I can't manage the pain myself.She wasn't this attentive when we were married.
Hell, she wasn't around at all.Her career came first.
I try to shake off the memories of those lonely nights, focusing on the real problem.Why is she suddenly glued to my side?I can't tell if she feels guilty, wants something, or just craves an audience.The truth is, I don't have the heart to send her packing.
Phil greets me inside the locker room, clipboard in hand, just the way Amy had always done.
My throat thickens at the memory of Amy, but I chase it away as best I can.
"How's the shoulder, Charlie?"Phil asks.I can hear the question beneath the question.How much longer before you're back on the field?I give him a noncommittal shrug and try to sound convincing."It's getting there."
Alicia waltzes in behind me, a gust of chilly air following her.I don't know how to tell her I'm in the middle of a meeting, so I don't bother.
"What time should I come back to pick you up?"she asks, her eyes darting from Phil to me.
"Give me an hour," I say, feeling Phil's eyes burn a hole through my pride.
"Charlie," he starts, "we need you back at one hundred percent."There's an edge to his voice, like he's trying to assuage the burn of a hard truth."Ray's worried about his investment in you.But he's got faith in your talent.We all do."
Alicia raises a perfectly arched brow."Does that mean he'll be back in time for opening day or not?"
I rub the back of my neck, feeling the weight of their expectations."I'm working on it."
Phil gives me a look that suggests he's getting tired of my excuses, and I don't blame him."We need you fully committed, Charlie.That means no ex-wives clinging on."
My ex-wife bristles."Of all the nerve—"
"He's right, Alicia.You're, uh, kind of…getting in the way these days.I appreciate that you want to help, but I'm a big boy now.It's inappropriate for you to keep hanging around."I give her hand a light squeeze."Please go.You've got your own life to live."
She wipes away a few tears, then nods."Okay, I'm leaving.If you ever need anything—"
"Goodbye, Alicia."
