Page 50 of Fastball Fever
I shake his hand on autopilot while my brain scrambles to process what's happening.My ex-wife is at my family gathering—the one where I'm supposed to be introducing my girlfriend to everyone.
"Who is that?"my sister Sydney calls out from behind me.Her tone is way too interested for my comfort.
"It's, uh…" I fumble for words, still blocking the doorway.
Alicia peers around me and waves."Hi Sydney!Hi Lauren!Hi Kaitlyn!Long time no see."
That's all it takes.My sister Kaitlyn practically bulldozes me aside, throwing her arms around my ex-wife like they're sorority sisters at a reunion."Oh my god, Alicia!Mom didn't tell us you were coming!"
I shoot a desperate look at Sydney, who has appeared in the hallway.She gives me a sympathetic grimace and a tiny shrug.Her meaning is crystal-clear.Everyone knew about this but me.
"Come in, come in," Lauren is saying, practically dragging Alicia inside.
Teddy offers his hands to my youngest sister."Pleasure to meet you, Kaitlyn.Are all the Braddock women as lovely as you?"
He's laying it on awfully thick.But I guess he's trying to impress…somebody.Can't be me.If he's hitting on my sister, I'll deck him.But he keeps his compliments pretty tame as everyone returns to the living room.I'm still standing half-dazed at the open door when my phone vibrates in my pocket.
It's a text from Amy:About 15 mins away.Mom is SO excited to meet everyone!
My stomach drops to somewhere around my ankles.Fifteen minutes.I havefifteen minutesto figure out what the hell is happening and why my ex-wife is currently making herself comfortable in my parents' living room with some guy called Teddy.
"Charlie, honey, close the door.You're letting all the air conditioning out," my mom shouts from somewhere inside the house, probably the kitchen.She must've sneaked out to fix a snack for us.
I step back inside and shut the door, feeling like I'm sealing my own fate.When I return to the living room, Alicia is perched on the sofa, Teddy beside her, while my sisters have formed a semicircle around them as if they're the main attraction at a zoo.I settle onto the sofa and cross my arms to study the new guy more closely.
"So, Teddy," I begin, emphasizing his name."What do you do for a living."
He whispers something to Alicia, then faces me."I'm the pinch hitter for the Aspen Altitude."
I think I just did a double take, like a cartoon character.The world tilts slightly, then rights itself.Of all the teams in the league, he had to be with our biggest rivals.I can feel everyone's eyes on me, waiting for my reaction.
"The Altitude," I repeat slowly, keeping my voice neutral."That's…interesting."
Alicia's eyes widen a smidge.She knows exactly what this revelation means to me.The Admirals and the Altitude have the fiercest rivalry in the league, and here's my ex-wife dating one of them.
"I'm their utility man," Teddy continues smoothly."But I've been getting more regular starts lately.Coach says I've got a good eye."
"Uh-huh."
"Charlie's with the Admirals," Kaitlyn pipes up helpfully, as if anyone in this room doesn't know that.
"Yeah, I 'm aware," Teddy confirms with a slight smile."Been following your career since college.You've got quite an arm."
I can't tell if he's being genuine, or if there's a hidden barb in there somewhere.Athletes from rival teams don't exactly exchange friendship bracelets.
"Thanks," I reply stiffly."Your batting average has been decent this season."
"Decent?"Alicia raises an eyebrow."He's hitting .320."
Of course she knows his stats.Of course she's defending him.I grind my teeth but then force myself to relax and give him a polite smile."That's what I said.Decent."
The tension in the room ratchets up a notch.
Sydney clears her throat and jumps up."Anyone want something to drink?Mom made her famous strawberry lemonade."
"I'd love some," Teddy says, breaking our staring contest.
Sydney disappears to get the drinks, and I'm left staring at my ex-wife and her new boyfriend.The boyfriend who plays for our biggest rivals.The boyfriend who is currently sitting in my parents' living room like he belongs here.
