Beyond the Game (Out of Reach 2)

“I d-don’t want to t-talk about it,” I say through my tears.

“I know you don’t, but we need to.”

“Why?”

“I lied to you. I don’t need your help with the training room. However, I do need to ask you a question.”

“What?” I ask, confused. The letter in my purse is long forgotten.

“Why didn’t you come to us, your dad and me, when you overheard our conversation?”

“How do you know about that?” I ask.

“Answer my question, and I’ll answer yours.”

“Because I knew. I knew you were talking about us.” I take a deep breath. “I did what I had to do to save his career. He loves this team, he’s close to his mom, and if he’s traded, that’s all taken away from him.”

He holds my stare. “And you felt calling things off was your only option?”

“Yes. Other teams are not going to want the drama, just like you don’t,” I explain. “And long distance, it will never work. I need him too much.” My voice cracks. “I just—This was the only way.”

“That’s funny because I had a meeting with my new first baseman yesterday morning. He came to tell me he wanted out of his contract. He wanted me to rip it up. He didn’t care about the repercussions.”

“What?” I whisper.

“Cameron.” He gives me a pointed look. “He wants out of his contract. He claims that’s the only way he can have you because you’re stubborn as hell.”

“No. You can’t do that. He’s worked too hard for this. Please. You have to just let him stay.”

“And how is that going to work out for you? Seeing him every day?”

“I’ve been looking for other positions.”

“Since when?”

“Yesterday.”

“No.” He stands and walks back around his desk. “You’re not quitting.”

“You can’t tear up his contract. He’ll be fined, and just… no.”

Uncle Drew shrugs. “It’s what he wants.”

“No. It’s not what he wants. He’s being stubborn. He’s not thinking clearly. He can’t just throw away his career.”

“It’s his choice, Paisley.”

“No. He can’t do that.” I stand from my chair. “I can talk some sense into him,” I tell him.

“Yeah?” he asks.

“Just… don’t do anything. Not yet.” I turn and storm out of his office and to the elevator.

I can’t believe Cameron did that. I’m trying to save his career while he’s trying to ruin it. He’s fighting against me, and I don’t understand it. When the elevator doors open, I rush off, heading toward the workout room. The closer I get, the madder I get at him. I did this for him, and he still makes moves to ruin his career. What the hell is he thinking?

Pushing through the door of the gym, it’s eerily quiet except for the low hum of the treadmill. I glance that way and see Cameron with his headphones on, staring straight ahead as his feet pound away on the belt.

Seeing him here, working out in his first week into the off-season, I see his dedication to the sport he loves and to his career. I don’t know why he told Drew to end his contract, but that’s not happening. Not on my watch.