Page 5 of Bad Ball Hitter

Cara and Lila? Just the fallout of a career that demanded everything and then some.

It’s a brutal truth that I’ve dodged for too long. The weight of missed chances and lost connections hangs heavy, a constant reminder of the steep price of chasing dreams.

“Chin up, Drake. You’re having a hell of a year. You’ll land where you want next year. And if it’s meant to be, it’ll work out with the girl.” AJ finishes his beer and tosses the bottle into a nearby recycling bin before disappearing into the crowd. His parting words, simple yet profound, hang in the air.

I lean against the cool stucco wall as remnants of sparklers fizzle and replay his words, “If it’s meant to be.” I honestly thought that once, but it didn’t quite work out.

Closing my eyes, I see Lila in every afterimage, laughing with her head thrown back and crying when I walk away. The sting isn’t just in my chest; it’s in the marrow of my bones. I should’ve fought for her, should’ve gone a full nine innings, extra innings if that’s what it took. But I didn’t. I’m sure she’s happily married with children by now. I wouldn’t know because it’s like she dropped from the face of the earth. The regret is a lead weight in my gut.

My gaze strays back to the blissful couple. With Cara’s head on Braxton’s shoulder and her body tucked into the crook of his arm, she seems happy and content.

Memories swirl in my mind, blurring the present as I transport back to Christmas long ago when Cara was home for a break and Braxton was nothing but an ex-boyfriend. I may not have been the entire cause of their breakup, but I was the catalyst of what spiraled into a mishap of misunderstandings. Maybe that was the beginning of the shift in me, and the wedding was the clincher. But it all started with our conversation after Christmas dinner…

Tension hung around us as we sat on the couch in Mrs. Gonzales’ living room. I might as well address the white elephant in the room. I needed to make things right if Cara would be my future sister-in-law. Our future was inescapable.

“So you really liked him, huh?”

Tears sprung to her eyes as her bottom lip quivered. “I do.”

Do, not did.

Fuck, I’m a prick.

“For what it’s worth. I’m sorry for playing a part in your separation. And for the way I treated you when we were together. I did like you. I just…” My voice trailed off as I stared at anything but her.

“Wasn’t ready to give up that player status,” she filled in, her voice gentle when she had every right to be condescending.

“Something like that. But I am sorry it didn’t work out between us.” I offered a small smile tinged with sorrow.

“I appreciate that. I do. I liked you too, but after being with Braxton, I realize there are different levels of likes.”

Her words pierced through me with the realization that our relationship had been doomed from the start.

“As much as I liked us together,” she continued softly, “I loved what Braxton and I had. He was…”

“Someone to go the distance,” I finished for her as an unexpected current of pain sliced through me.

A sad yet bittersweet smile graced her lips as she nodded. “Someone to go the distance.”

The memory of the girl to whom I once spoke those words caused a pang in my chest. I uttered those words as I gave a silver chain with a pendant. I had the jeweler inscribe “Forever Girl” on the back.

As I stared at Cara, I finally understood where she came from. Lila was the one I was supposed to go the distance with—my forever girl.

The sound of laughter in the distance reminds me I’m at a party. Can I go the distance with Miranda? Time will tell. But with her, I can get another chance at love. Our relationship may be new, but for the first time in a long while, I feel ready to put in the effort and commitment required for a successful relationship.

With determination, I push away from the wall and stand tall. It’s time to let go of the past and step into the unknown.

CHAPTER TWO

Lila

The worst part about working at a grooming salon is the cleanup. The once pristine blue basin is now covered in a thick layer of matted brown fur, shed by our most recent client—a massive Saint Bernard named Brutus.

I stretch my neck to work out the kink as I vigorously scrub the dingy tub and wish I was on better terms with my roommate. She owns a spa, and my muscles could benefit from her expertise.

“Girl, you have got to come out with us on Saturday night!” Chenille exclaims as she finishes trimming a poodle’s nails at the station beside mine. “There’s this new club opening downtown, and the first hundred ladies get in for free. Plus, they have 2-for-1 drinks all night.”

I sigh and rinse the soap from the tub. As tempting as a night out sounds, I can’t afford any distractions. “You know I can’t.”