Page 51 of Fastball Fever
"So, how did you two meet?"Lauren asks, leaning forward, just waiting for some juicy gossip.
Alicia and Teddy exchange a glance, a private communication passing between them that makes my stomach twist.
"Actually, we met at a charity event in Denver," Alicia explains."I was there representing the magazine I work for, and Teddy was one of the athletes auctioning off a date for charity."
"Did you bid on him?"Kaitlyn asks with a sly grin.
Alicia laughs, the sound so familiar that I have a brief flashback to our marriage."No, but we ended up talking at the after-party."
Lauren aims her best big-sister stare at me."Charlie, I know you're not jealous of Teddy.That would be stupid."
Kaitlyn grins."No, Charlie isn't jealous.He's protective of Alicia, that's all.They were married for a long time."
"That's over now," I interject."But Alicia is still a good friend, and I'm sure Teddy will be too."
Did those words actually come out of my mouth?
The doorbell rings again, and I nearly trip over my own feet getting to it.This time, it must be Amy.
I yank open the door, and there she is—chestnut hair slightly windblown, green eyes bright with excitement, looking more beautiful than ever in a simple green dress that hangs down just below her knees.Her mother stands beside her—an older version of Amy with the same warm smile but with gray hair instead of brown.
"Charlie!"Amy throws her arms around me, and I hold her tight, breathing in her familiar scent.For a moment, everything is right with the world.
"Hey," I whisper against her hair."You finally made it."
She pulls back, searching my face."Is everything okay?You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Not a ghost exactly," I mutter."More like an ex-wife."
Amy freezes."What?"
I clear my throat."Alicia's here.With her new boyfriend.Who, by the way, plays for the Altitude."
The color drains from Amy's face."The Altitude?As in your team's biggest rivals?"
"That would be the one."I try to keep my voice light."Our surprise family gathering just got a whole lot more surprising."
Amy's mother steps forward, extending her hand."I'm Pamela Keller.You must be Charlie.I've heard so much about you."
I shake her hand, grateful for the momentary distraction."It's great to meet you, Mrs.Keller.Please, come in."
"Call me Pam," she insists with a warm smile that reminds me so much of Amy.
I lead them inside, my hand firmly clasping Amy's.Her fingers are cold, and I give them a reassuring squeeze.I whisper "it's going to be fine," though I'm not entirely sure I believe that myself.
We enter the living room together, and everyone turns to look at us.Alicia's eyes widen slightly when she sees Amy, then she quickly composes herself.Teddy watches the exchange with interest, his arm casually draped across the back of the sofa behind Alicia.
"Everyone," I announce, "this is Amy Keller and her mother, Pam."
My sisters immediately swarm them, offering hugs and introductions.Amy handles the onslaught with grace, laughing at something Kaitlyn says while Pam starts chatting with my mom who's appeared from the kitchen.I stand here like an idiot, watching the two halves of my life collide.
"Hey Charlie," Alicia says, suddenly beside me.I didn't even notice her approach."This is awkward, huh?"
"No kidding.As long as my sisters don't turn this into a block party, I think we'll all be okay."
A few minutes later, Lauren corners me and Amy in the kitchen where we're hunting for booze.She announces, "Charlie, you picked the right one this time."
Yeah, I finally did.
