Page 40 of Bad Ball Hitter
Annoyance flashes across her eyes, but then she lifts the corners of her mouth into a seductive smile. “I did this for you, babe. Heading toward the last month of the season, the last thing the team needs is Typhoid Mary wiping them out.”
Suppose she has a point. But still. She didn’t need to be so rude.
“Where were you today?” I ask. It was strange having a rare day off and not making plans. But that’s on me.
“I worked.”
“Hmm, on a Sunday?”
“This was a special request. Mom called earlier needing money, so I thought, why not?”
“Must’ve been a long session. We tried calling all day.”
She waves her hand dismissively. “You know I don’t pick my phone up during clients, but I headed to Mom’s immediately after. I never checked my messages.” She drops her voice, attempting to be alluring. “I didn’t want to be tempted to add more work unless that work includes my favorite Bears player.”
I nod, feeling disconnected. The conversation feels superficial, and I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Miranda’s words feel rehearsed, her demeanor too controlled. It’s as if she is hiding something.
She steps beside me and turns on the charm. “Why don’t we go to your place?” She tries wrapping her arms around my neck, erasing the distance between us. I’m not in the right headspace for this. My gaze strays to the hallway. To Lila’s bedroom door.
I swallow hard. How can I fix this? I feel like I’m cheating on both women.
“You need to stay here and wait for Jake.”
She scrunches her nose. “Why?”
“So you can be sure he gets home safe and tends to him. Lila certainly isn’t in the right space to do it.”
“Why is that my problem?”
I studied her—really studied her. That’s when I noticed the loose strands of hair from her bun and the worn-off lipstick that’s usually impeccable. I say nothing as my past collides with my present.
“Life isn’t always about yourself, ya know?”
“I was kidding,” she scoffs. “Of course, I’ll be here when he gets home. Jake and I are tight.”
That’s pure bullshit, but I don’t call her out on it. Instead, I nod and kiss the top of her head. If she’s been with someone else, I don’t want the trace of them on my lips.
“I’ll call you later.” With those words, I part, but not before taking one last look toward Lila’s bedroom.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Lila
“Lila, to my office now.”
The demanding tone of my boss catches me off guard. I look up from my basin and shoot a hesitant look at Chenille, wondering if I’m in trouble. She seems to understand my silent question, but her slight shrug does little to reassure me. Our boss isn’t one for conversation, let alone one that requires a harsh tone.
“I’ll be right there.”
He ducks back into his office. I finish rinsing out the bowl and dry my hands, trying to calm my nerves. “I hope this isn’t about me being late.”
“I wouldn’t think so, but do you think he looks more frazzled than usual?”
“Not helping.”
She grins. “Sorry, but it’s not your fault your car acted up. Besides, you know you’re his star employee. You have nothing to worry about. I’m sure he’s going to talk about retirement. I saw him with his broker the other day.”
“That’s the other thing I’m afraid of.” I’m not quite ready.