Beyond the Game

“You too good to hang out with us?” Corey Miller asks.

“Nah, having dinner with my girl’s family.” I leave it at that. They all know that Paisley is mine. I’ve had to give a few hard stares, but after my night of searching for her on the bus, they all know.

“No shit. You’re having dinner with Easton Monroe?” Henderson asks as we head out of the locker room.

“I’m having dinner with my girlfriend’s parents and her younger sisters.” And her dad, who just so happens to be one of the greatest first basemen of all time. Who played for our fucking team, no less.

“Dude, it’s Easton fucking Monroe. How are you so chill?” Henderson asks.

I shrug. “He’s not Easton Monroe to me tonight. He’s Paisley’s dad tonight. I’m not going to meet the greatest first baseman of all time. I’m going to meet my girlfriend’s dad.”

“Still, meeting the rents is a big deal,” Miller chimes in.

“It is,” I agree.

“You don’t seem the least bit fazed,” Miller challenges.

“I’m not. I know what she means to me, and I know what they mean to her. That’s all that matters tonight. I’m meeting people who care about her like I do. We have that in common. The rest will come.”

“Oh, shit,” Henderson mutters. He’s looking over my shoulder.

Slowly, I turn to see Paisley, her dad, a woman who I assume is her mom, and her two younger sisters. All five of them are looking right at me. “I’ll catch you guys later,” I say to the teammates whose questioning got me into this mess. I plaster a smile on my face and slowly make my way toward them. I’m going through the conversation we just had, making sure I didn’t say something stupid. I’m positive I didn’t, but hell, you never know.

I reach Paisley, who is watching me with a watery smile. “Hey, you.” I slide my arm around her waist and press my lips to her temple. “Hi, I’m Cameron.” I wave at her family with my free hand.

“Hi, I’m Parker.” The oldest of the two sisters waves.

“I’m Peyton,” the younger one chimes in.

“Hi, Cameron. I’m Larissa, Paisley’s mom. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I say, accepting her hand for a shake.

I turn my attention to Easton. “Cameron Taylor.” I offer him my hand. He takes it, and his shake is firm.

“Easton, Paisley’s dad.”

“Good game,” Paisley says, pulling my attention back to her.

“Thanks, babe.” I kiss her temple again because when she’s this close, I can’t not. It’s physically not possible, not to mention I’m not going to pretend to be someone I’m not. What I’m not is a man who can resist this woman. I’ll keep it clean, but no way can I go all night and not shower her with affection. That’s just not who I am with her.

“So, we should go,” Larissa says.

“I want to ride with Paisley,” Peyton, who, if I remember correctly, is twelve, says.

“You’re riding with us. So is your sister,” Easton tells her. The tone of his voice leaves zero room for argument.

“Actually, Dad,” Paisley speaks up, “Cameron and I will meet you there. We rode together.” Her shoulders are squared, and her head is held high, but I can feel the slight tremble as it makes its way through her body. I know she’s not afraid of him, but the fear of disappointing him is real. I didn’t grow up with a dad, but I feel the same way when it comes to my mom. So I know how she’s feeling.

Easton stares at his daughter, and I wish more than anything I could read his expression. They’re in a standoff, and there isn’t a damn thing I can do to break the tension. “Fine. We’ll meet you there.”

“My next day off, we’ll spend some time together,” Paisley promises Peyton.

“Okay,” Peyton agrees. She doesn’t seem thrilled that she has to wait, and I get it. I crave time with Paisley too. I make a mental note on our next day off, whenever that may be, to plan something that her sisters can be a part of. Her sisters and me. Because let’s be honest, I feel like Peyton when I don’t get my time with her.

“We’ll meet you at the restaurant,” Paisley tells her family. Then she looks up at me. “Ready?”

“I’m with you,” I tell her.