Page 86 of Bad Ball Hitter
“You’re damn right it is. They want to be contenders for the next decade. Want me to wait a day or call them back now?”
I hesitate, memories flooding back. When I was younger, I always dreamed of playing for the Boston team. Lila and I had talked about moving here and starting a family. But everything changed after we broke up. My dreams shifted toward the West Coast, where my sister lives.
But is that still my goal?
The answer is obvious now—no. I want to stay in Boston with Lila and Jake.
Her chin juts upward as if trying to appear strong. I’m taken back to the forest when we were kids. She was fucking beautiful back then and has only grown more so. My tiger cub. Always strong.
What should I do?
Is securing our financial future and riding out the ten years worth it? I fell back in love with her. It’s so easy to do. I want this. But am I willing to hold off on having kids so that I can watch them grow? Am I willing to miss Jake’s life for financial security?
A pang of reality hits my chest and almost knocks me to the floor. This situation parallels my father’s. Of course, the payout is drastically different, but I know his chosen path.
One hundred and thirty million is a lot of reasons to say yes. But as I stare into those aquamarine eyes that held me captive the first time she gave me hell, I realize no amount of money is worth leaving her for.
We don’t need an excessive number of possessions. I just need Lila and that little boy in the next room.
“You’re making me nervous here.” My agent’s voice cuts through my thoughts, anchoring me to the present. “I can call them back now and confirm.”
Staring at Lila, I slowly shake my head. “No. See what Boston can do.”
I don’t hear the curse words flying from my agent’s mouth. I only hear the surprised gasp from the only person in the room who matters.
“You can’t be fucking serious. That’s our balls on the line,” he seethes.
“I don’t care. I want to stay in Boston.” The moment the words leave my mouth, a huge relief lifts from my shoulders. I know this is the right path. I don’t need a vast payout to feel complete. I just need to be there for my family. They complete me and make my life whole, not some hefty bank account.
“If you don’t take this offer, you can find new representation.”
“We’re under contract, asshole. And don’t threaten me. You wouldn’t like the fallout.”
“You’re fucking serious. You’re turning down one hundred and thirty mil?”
“Yeah.” I erase the distance between us and gently wipe the tears streaming down her face. “Make it happen.”
I’m not fucking up for once.
“Don’t you want to take some time to think this over? I worked my ass off to get you top money.”
“Nope, my mind is made up. Accept whatever the Bears offer.”
“But … but…” he sputters, “Gunner, this is the deal players dream about! This is the opportunity of a lifetime! It’s too much money to leave on the table.”
“Money means shit if I can’t be with the ones I love,” I say, still holding Lila’s gaze. Her eyes are glassy, and I can see her struggling to control her emotions. “I’ve got everything I need right here.”
“So this is your dick talking?”
You best believe it.
“Watch it. I’m more attached to him than you.”
By the string of expletives that follow, I don’t think he liked my joke.
“You’re making a mistake.”
“It’s mine to make.”