Page 105 of The Curveball
Spring Training isaround the corner for pitchers and catchers. I want to soak up all the time we have left of lazy days before Griffin is tossed into the rigorous routine of game after game. I breathe the chill in the Vegas air and spread the blanket out on the park grass.
February is almost perfect. I need a small coat, but afternoons are pleasantly warm as winter begins to fade and spring peeks around the corner.
This week is packed with preparations for heading to Arizona with the Kings. I’m going. It was decided even before Thanksgiving that I’d pack my virtual, work-at-home self and follow the baseball train as much as I can this season.
It helps knowing Skye will be around, although the surprise of little baby Knight, who will be making an appearance by the end of the season, might limit her time on the road.
On top of Spring Training, my book releases this Tuesday. I’m a bundle of nerves, but I think I have best friend Nathaniel’s story to a good place.
He may or may not be inspired by a sexy man I know.
During Thanksgiving we bounced between families, so it was a relief when Christmas hit and everyone on both my side and Griffin’s side determined we fit better together, and had an epic Christmas celebration as one, big family.
Things are changing. I can feel it. Griffin invested twenty-five percent into Tire Heaven, giving Darren breathing room and more capital to finally fix the damage of losing a business partner.
Ruby has been allowed to play with Trevor whenever she wants. My nephew and her even had a swim party at my dad’s house with their friends before the holiday break ended.
I doubt my dad was anywhere in sight, but it was still exciting to know one of his grandsons and his stepdaughter were able to be children. Not something to be tossed aside and ignored.
Clay is still part of Pierson Co. Figures. For once, though, it’s not the same kind of sting. I think my dad genuinely cares about Clay and makes excuses for him while trying to balance how he also cares about us in his own way.
He can keep Clay, but I’ve made it clear if he’s at the house, we won’t be there.
Carter left last week to begin his new job on the set ofWicked Darlingsas Noah Hayden’s new stunt double for the older, stronger years of the character.
It’s been strange watching my brother workout with a movie star so their bodies looked similar. They hit it off, and I’m pretty sure Carter found his new best friend. Aside from Darren and me.
I’ve never seen him so happy. True, I don’t like being hours away from him instead of minutes, but filming will only be nine weeks, then he’ll be on a break.
Helps to know it’s a dream come true.
Today, before the insanity of our busy schedule with the Kings hits, Griffin suggested a picnic, and I was sold before he even opened his mouth.
I scan the area. He was supposed to meet me here after a team workout, but the man is seven minutes late. Uncool. I flop back, close my eyes, and pick at a bag of grapes I brought until something light and papery falls on my forehead.
Sure enough, a piece of paper is on my face, and my sun is blocked by two massive shadows.
“Ryd? Dax? What are you two doing here?”
Ryder and Dax smirk at each other, but Ryder talks. “Directions on the paper.”
Then, they walk away. That’s it?
I mean, I thought we’d gotten to a point where I could get Ryder to speak in full sentences, and ever since Dax came to my house with the footage, he’s never been shy around me.
The paper is a fancy piece of old-fashioned looking parchment. The words are handwritten in calligraphy even.
Start at chapter one
Then in parenthesis it says(Walking path).
I whip over my shoulder to the asphalt pathway wrapping around the park. Snagging my purse, I sprint for the head of the trail.
Once there, my heart leaps to the back of my throat. Printed on pedestals is what looks like a graphic novel, but it’s . . .
It’s me. It’s Griffin.
The title:The Story of Us.