Page 70 of Payoff Pitch

He smiles as he stands and holds out his hand. “I know you’re only nine years older than me, but you’re the closest thing I’ve ever had to a father. Thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. I hope to return the favor one day.”

I grab his hand and pull him in for a hug. “It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

Thirty-six hours later,Layton broke his leg in a collision at home plate in one of the most horrific sports injuries I’ve seen in my entire twenty-year career. He’ll never play another game of baseball again.

I’ve been sitting in the hospital with the entire team, waiting for him to get out of surgery. As the hours draw on, most of the guys leave, vowing to return in the morning. It’s now just me, Quincy, Cheetah, Ezra, and Trey. I suppose we’re Layton’s inner circle.

Just before his collision, they played the final out of the Anacondas’ game on the big screen at the Cougars’ stadium. They won the league in their first year as a program. It’s unheard of in professional sports.

I got to watch Bailey pile on top of her teammates in a moment of pure glee. Seconds later, Layton’s injury took place, and it’s been mayhem ever since. I didn’t even get the chance to congratulate her.

For the first time in hours, I pull out my phone. I seehundreds of missed calls and texts. I scroll down my texts to Bailey and see that she was indeed checking on me. She’s called a few times too.

It’s the middle of the night. I’m not going to call. I decide to text.

Me: Sorry. Just seeing your calls and texts. You’re probably out partying. Congrats to you guys. You were amazing. So proud of you.

There’s no response. I’m sure they’re having fun. I don’t want to bother her.

I also see a missed text from Fallon.

Fallon: I hope he’s okay. I’m sure you’re busy. Thinking of you. Harper was hysterical. It took hours to get her to sleep. Send me a status update when you’re able so I can tell her that Uncle Layton will be okay.

Me: Still in surgery. I’ll let you know.

Cheetah looks at me. His always-present smile is nowhere to be found. “He’ll be able to rehab and play again, right?”

I slowly shake my head. “His leg broke like a twig. I don’t see it. He’s a catcher at the end of his career. It’s unlikely.”

Cheetah’s face falls. Tears build in his eyes. It’s every athlete’s worst nightmare.

Even if it’s possible, he’d probably have to sit out a year and then work his ass off to try to get back into things. I doubt he would want to do that. That’s not my business to say though.

He eventually gets out of surgery. They think it went well, but only time will tell. We’re all in his room with him,half asleep, waiting for him to wake up, when my text tone rings. I see that it’s Bailey.

Bailey: Hey. Sorry. I was on a flight when you texted.

Me: A flight. Where?

Bailey: Home.

Me: Shouldn’t you be celebrating?

Bailey: Once news of Layton’s injury broke, the party atmosphere ended. Arizona flew home on Reagan’s private jet. She should be at the hospital any minute. I flew home commercial. Just landed.

Me: Why?

Bailey: I was worried about you. I know how much Layton means to you. Are you home?

I’m a little choked up with emotion that she did that for me.

Me: I’m still at the hospital. He’s out of surgery. I want to be here when he wakes, and then I’ll leave.

Bailey: Okay. I guess I’ll head home.

Me: Will you go to my place? I want to be with you.

Bailey: I’ll Uber straight there andwait for you.