“Actually, a few of us do.” That’s the voice of Kayden Cross, and Bryce Mackenzie follows him into the open space of the gym.
“What’s this, a fucking intervention?” Three of my teammates stand shoulder to shoulder, glaring at me. I step up to them, letting them know that I’m not afraid of them.
“As captain, I’m asking you to stay away from the clubhouse and stadium until Stone has issued a release stating that you’re still an active member of the team,” Bennett says.
“Excuse me?”
“Being charged with rape—” Cross starts to say before I interrupt him.
“Accused. There’s a difference, scum jammer,” I say to Cross. “Know the fucking facts before you start spouting off through your whore fondler.”
“Kidd, do you take anything seriously?” Mackenzie asks.
“Yeah, I do. Like right now with my motherfucking teammates coming at me with this bullshit. I’ve met with Stone, and unlike you, he’s not willing to throw me to the wolves for something I didn’t do.”
“Your reputation is enough for everyone to be concerned. As your team, we feel it’d be best if you didn’t come around until you were clear of all the charges,” Bennett says.
I laugh and take the tape off my hands. Once it’s wadded up, I throw it at the guys. “You know, next time you might want to make sure you have the entire team standing behind you, because as infielders, I don’t give a fuck what you think. The captain of the outfield has my back, and so does our third baseman. Not to mention the man who we all depend on to bring in the runs. So the next time you want to be a fucking douche farm, better make sure you have every single team member’s backing.”
I leave the men I once considered my friends standing there as I calmly walk out of the gym. They don’t need to see that I’m more upset than I’m showing or see that their words tore at my heart. We are supposed to be a team, and teams stick together through thick and thin.
On my way out, I call Jeffrey and leave him a message. “I want a trade.” That’s all I say before hanging up. I can’t play with a team that doesn’t have my back. My next call is to Saylor, but that goes to voice mail as well. I tell her that I’m sorry for yesterday and ask her to call me. More than anything I want to spend Christmas with her, Lucy, and her mother, even if it’s only for dinner.
I thought it would be a benefit to have my car back. I thought I’d be able to come and go from my house and no one would notice. Except the reporters who are hell-bent on following my every move have put eyes in the back alley. I don’t know what they’re waiting for. Do they expect me to have an orgy at my house? For me to parade a harem of women in and out of here every night?
“Don’t you have a family?” I ask as I get out of my SUV.
“Sure do, Mr. Kidd.”
“Then go the fuck home. It’s Christmas,” I say as I step through my gate. I make sure it’s locked before going into my house and right out the front door. As soon as I step out onto my stoop, everyone is scrambling for position.
They all look confused and shake their heads. “What a bunch of scum fuckers you guys are. Seriously, go home. I can promise you that you won’t miss anything.”
Stepping back in, I slam my door. It’s dark and dreary inside my house, making me long for Saylor’s. Even the few presents I did manage to buy for her and Lucy don’t brighten my place like I thought they would. Just as I pull out my phone to call her, I hear a knock at my door. Peeking through the blinds, I’m surprised to find Saylor standing there.
“Hey,” I say, reaching for her arm to pull her in, but she avoids my reach as she steps inside. “I just called you,” I say, closing the door behind her.
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Jeffrey called.”
“And that’s why you’re here?” I ask, only for her to nod. “Do you want to take off your coat and stay for a little while?”
Her smile fades as she shakes her head. “I can’t, Travis.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“A bit of both, I guess.” Her lips go into a thin line, telling me that whatever I thought we were building is now gone, but I don’t want to believe her.
“I’m sorry about yesterday.” I hedge, hoping that my attitude is the reason for her reluctance to be here.
“I’m here because Jeffrey called. He’s away on vacation and asked me to stop by. Are you sure you want a trade? You have two years left on your current contract, but there’s an out if you want him to execute it.”
I reach for her again, only to have her shy way. “Saylor?”
“You’re my client, Travis.” Her voice breaks when she sa
ys this, and I know something has happened since I left her. It can’t be because of what happened at the restaurant. She’s believed me from day one, so I know that hasn’t changed.
“I’m more than your fucking client, Saylor.”