We’re happy to report that this will be the last blog post on this matter.
Case closed! Now bring on spring training!
The BoRe Blogger
Thirty-Eight
Saylor
In the few weeks since Travis and I have been married, our lives have been crazy. I’ve tried to stay busy by signing new clients to my roster, one of whom is Cooper Bailey. It’s not a bad start, even if it’s incredibly stressful. Having to sell myself has been a challenge but one that I’m welcoming with open arms.
And it is still my focus to get Travis to reconsider leaving Boston, although I’ve told him that Lucy and I support any decision he makes. My mother has also given him her blessing if we were to move to Florida. It seems she and my mother-in-law have hit it off, and my mom has been invited to stay on the Kidds’ yacht anytime she wants.
Travis and I still haven’t moved in together or moved out of my apartment. It makes sense that we move to his place, but until my custody trial is over, I’m not leaving. The last thing I want is for Elijah to say I’ve uprooted Lucy or find some other convoluted way to use a new home against me. Travis doesn’t seem to mind, though, even if we are a bit cramped. Other than to grab his clothes and his daily living essentials, he hasn’t left my side, which, for the most part, is fabulous because I love spending time with him, but it makes it hard to work. If he retires from baseball, he’ll need another job or I’ll have to maintain an office away from him in order to get my work done.
“Your view is amazing,” I tell Ryan Stone. I’m looking out over Lowery Field from his office. The crystal-clear day is a sure sign that spring is coming early, and with the sun shining down on the field, it truly makes this view unbelievable.
“Definitely a perk of the job.”
“I can see that. Was this office always like this?” I turn away from the window and take a seat at the small conference table in his office.
“No; funny enough I joked about it when they were in the process of luring me away from the Yankees. There were these standard windows that didn’t let enough light in. The office felt stuffy and drab. I wanted something different. I wanted my office to feel warm and inviting. When I walked in on my first day, the wall and windows were gone and nothing but this glass was there. I think I spent my first week staring out at the field.”
“Do you find it hard to focus when they’re practicing?”
“Always,” he tells me. “I love this team, the city, and the fans. The early day games, like on Patriot’s Day, make it hard to work, and I often find myself cutting out so I can watch the game.”
“Well, I’m sure you know why I’m here.”
“I do. Jeffrey was kind enough to let us know that he is no longer representing Travis. He assumed you would be taking over but wasn’t very forthcoming with information.”
“I imagined not. We didn’t exactly part on the best of terms, but nonetheless, I represent not only Travis but Cooper as well.”
Ryan jots a note down on his pad of paper and smiles at me when he’s done. “This is probably a good thing for Cooper. He needs someone in his corner who cares about him and not the bottom line.”
“That’s what he said, too,” I say, laughing. “Anyway, I’m here because of Travis and his situation. As you are aware, all charges have been dropped, and the state has issued a public apology.”
“I was very happy to hear that. Travis has maintained his innocence from day one, especially with me. He was very forthcoming.”
“But he is still pondering retirement.”
Ryan sighs and drops his pen so he can rub his hand over his face. “That I was hoping would change.”
“Honestly, me too. And I’m trying. He only had the support of a few players, and others publicly bashed him in the media as well as in person. Travis feels like he’s let everyone down, and his biggest fear is being disliked by his teammates and booed by the fans.”
“Understandable. Does he have any public appearances scheduled?”
“Yes; as a matter of fact, he’ll be at the Children’s Hospital tomorrow, and he’s organized a Valentine’s Day toy drive that will take place outside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where he’ll sign autographs and pose for pictures with each toy donation.”
“No kissing booth?”
I can’t help but smile because not only was that a brilliant idea, but also knowing that he will never kiss another woman again makes my heart skip a beat. “Unfortunately that is something I can’t approve.” Ryan laughs right along with me. “However, I could set one up for Branch. The publicity is very good.”
“Please do. I think the fans would love it.”
“A joint effort on Valentine’s Day,” I tell him as I write the idea down in my notes. “Back to Travis. How long does he have to decide?”
“If he doesn’t report to spring training, he’ll be fined daily until we can come to a settlement on the remaining term of his contract. If he announces his retirement beforehand, you know he won’t be allowed to play for another team until his contract with the Renegades has expired.”