The Game Changer (The Perfect Game 2)

“Did you know at the wedding?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“No. She was still lying to everyone then. ”

I didn’t care. “Get to the point. ”

“After seeing you at the bar and hearing the things she said to you, I tried to talk to some sense into her. But she won’t listen. She got even crazier after that night. Like more determined or something…” Her voice trailed off.

Annoyed, I huffed into the phone. “Vanessa, I don’t have time for this. Either get to the point or I’m hanging up. ”

“I’m trying to say that I’ll testify on your behalf. I’ll talk to your lawyer, or judge or whomever. I’ll tell them that everything you wrote in those annulment papers is true. And I’ll tell them everything they need to know that not even you know, Jack. ”

My chest heaved as disbelief and elation coursed through me. The air around me thickened as I struggled for a response. “Why would you do that?”

“Because you don’t deserve what she’s doing to you. It’s wrong, and I don’t want to be a part of it anymore. ”

I wanted to believe her. “If you’re serious,” I paused, still unsure of truth versus lies when it came to those girls, “I’d like to pass your phone number along to my lawyer and have him call you. Is that OK?”

“Yes, of course. I’m really sorry, Jack. I hope this helps. ”

“Thanks, Vanessa. ”

Cassie swiveled her head back and forth in disbelief. “This story. Seriously. Crazier and crazier. ”

“I know, but thank fucking God Vanessa e-mailed me when she did. Marc was just about to file the divorce papers when I called him. ”

“Of course. Just in the nick of time, like a well-played movie. ” She raised her eyebrows.

“A well-played Lifetime movie,” I added with a smirk.

“So, Vanessa followed through? She wasn’t lying?”

I knew Cassie’s mind wandered to the same places mine had originally. Was this another trick, a lie, another baited hook I was sinking my teeth into? “Not only Vanessa, but she got their friend Tressa to make a statement corroborating my claims on the annulment. Chrystle signed the papers that week. ”

“Wow. Wow. ” Her hand covered her now gaping mouth. “Just like that? That’s all it took to get her to sign?”

I raised a hand in the air. “Just like that. ”

“Unbelievable. ”

With her head back on my chest, I wound my fingers in and out of her hair. “Yep. That was spring training, then the season started, and here we are. ”

She lifted her head back up from my chest, a wicked grin covering her face. “Uh-uh. I want to hear about you seeing me at the field with Joey the other night. ”

“The other night? That was weeks ago,” I complained.

“It sometimes feels like the other night. ”

“You’re a cruel girl, Cassie Andrews. Anyone ever tell you that?”

“Maybe once or twice. ” She leaned in, her soft lips pressed against mine.

“That’s the perfect way to get me to stop telling you stories. ” I deepened the kiss, my tongue pushing its way into her mouth.

“Tell me first; kiss me after. ” She leaned away from my face, and I thought briefly about teaching her a lesson. One that included the fact that I’d kiss her whenever I damn well pleased. But I was close to finishing my story and I wanted to move on.

I kicked the mound of dirt at my feet, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I fought with my head to keep its focus, but it kept drifting to thoughts of Cassie. I was in New York, and she lived here.

She won’t be here.