“Fair enough.” She takes a sip of her drink. “So, you need to join an organization?”
“Something relevant to my field of study, he said.”
“Why don’t you join mine? It’s the simplest solution. Habitat for Humanity is always looking for more volunteers.”
“How often do you meet?”
“We have two monthly meetings, but only officers are required to be there for both. If you just made one meeting now and then, it would be enough. We hold them on the first and third Wednesdays.”
I nod. I can handle only showing up once a month. “There aren’t any requirements? My schedule will get hectic during baseball season.”
“Nope. It’s totally flexible.”
“Then, I’m on board.”
“Yay! I’ll add you as a member. It may be too soon, but Weekend Warriors kicks off this weekend. I mean, if you want, you can join us. The volunteer hours will look great on your CV, and you’ll get it in before your season starts.”
My heart sinks. Of course, there would be a catch. The organization sounded too good to be true. I place the coffee down on the side table, no longer thirsty. “What does Weekend Warrior entail?”
“It’s what we named our group. We’re tackling a project in Culver City. The main crew shelled up a house, and we’re helping put the finishing touches on it. Sheetrock, mudding, painting. All the core stuff. The project lasts throughout the semester. Our group ends Thanksgiving weekend, but the project lasts until March.”
That sounds like fun, but I hate taking more time away from my weekend. I’m already on limited time the way it is now. Not to mention my other responsibilities. Christ. As much as I hate to see school end, I’ll be glad to be working.
“I’m sure I can swing it.”
“Awesome! That will help during the weekends the football team can’t make it.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Football team?”
“Yeah, Kyle and a few others are members. They can’t do much in the fall with football, but this weekend is their bye week. They’ll be there to help.”
Hmm, this must be how Kyle knows her. Noah had told me about them dancing at one of the local clubs last year. I don’t attend many parties, but she always hangs with me when I do. I’ve never seen them together. “You can count me in.”
She gives me her genuine smile and nods. “This will be fun.”
Anytime where she’s concerned is fun, in my opinion. “I can’t wait.”
And those words I actually mean until the guilt swallows me whole.
Garret
High School
Senior Year
“I’m pregnant.”
There was a pause—a moment where all rational thought ceased to exist. My mouth opened, but my tongue had transformed into the freaking Sahara Desert. Words didn’t form. Those soulful eyes stared up at me and begged for me to make this right. To say something, anything, but all I could do was stare as I saw my entire future shift. Then, I heard it—that buzz in the back of my brain. It started low and steady, only to be consumed by rapid-fire staccato beats.
“Are…” I swallowed back the bitterness evading my mouth as I willed my heart to slow. “Are you sure?”
Tears pricked my girlfriend’s eyes as my entire future—our future—disappeared. The slight lift to her chin, the pained look to her expression, snapped me to reality. I needed to find courage. The last thing she needed was me acting like a dick and adding to her stress. I pushed through the urge to sit with my head between my knees and drew her next to me. Her arms wrapped around my waist as I cradled the back of her head.
“We’ll get through this.” My whispered reassurance fell flat as she cried against my chest, her tears soaking my shirt. I squeezed her tighter and glanced down the empty corridor of Glendale Academy. The championship plaques lined the hall walls in a proud display of showmanship. I focused on the latest addition—the Regional Division Champs, the baseball team won my junior year. Every hope and dream I had centered around baseball. We had a plan. I’d get a scholarship to a division one school and play ball. She’d attend whatever university I got offered to play.
What the hell are we going to do?
“My dad is going to kill me,” she said through sobs.
More like kill me. There wasn’t any love lost between Mr. Fernandez and me. The man hated the air I breathed. It came as no surprise when he deemed me unworthy for his daughter. Most students who attended Glendale Academy came from money. There was a handful of us whose families weren’t financially sound. We were deemed the “fortunate” ones. I was one of the lucky ones who was here by way of a scholarship. And since it was all about social statuses, I’d never measure up to his standards. Shit, once he learned about this pregnancy, I’d be good as dead.
“We’ll figure it out,” I mumbled next to her ear. Somehow.
“He’ll insist on an abortion. I know he will.”
A chill ran down my spine. In the hallway, where any student can lurk wasn’t the place to have this conversation, but the words flew from my mouth before I could stop them.
“Is that what you want?” Is that what I want?
She pulled away, and her tear-stained face peered up at me. Her torn expression nearly gutted me. “It would be the quickest solution, but I can’t do it. I just can’t.”
I cupped her face and dragged my thumb across her cheek, wiping her tears. “Then, we won’t. No matter what he says, we won’t. I’ll come up with a plan.”
Chapter Five
Garret
Current Day
Lexie: Fun Fact. I finally fell asleep around midnight last night. Caffeine anyone?
The hum of the mower greets me as I exit the clubhouse and head into the dugout. A sense of pride swells inside my chest as I step to the fence and stare across the baseball diamond. God, I love Renald Field. Out of all the colleges I could’ve attended, there isn’t any other team I’d rather play for. It’s been a real honor to wear the Wildcats logo on my shirt.
Thank God, I’ll be wearing it soon. We’ve been doing nothing but weight conditioning, and I’m itching to get onto the field for practice. Coming off of last season’s College World Championship win, I’m stoked to play but equally unprepared for it to end. I can’t believe this is my last year playing as a team. I blow out a steady stream of air, not ready to let this all go.
“I wonder how the season’s going to be.”
Braxton’s words startle me. Wrapped inside my head, I didn’t hear his footsteps until he flanked my side.
“I don’t know, but on paper, we look good. Some of the juniors will have to step up and fill the roles left from the guys who got drafted last season.” I turn to Braxton. What helps is having this guy still on the team. We’ve lost many players over the course of our time on this field. Rick being the hardest one to lose. He was a year older than us and was drafted his junior year. God, I was jealous when he left. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy for him. And I know he’ll make it. He’s too good of a player not to. But damn, I’d love to seize that opportunity. I suppose that’s why I found it hard to believe Braxton didn’t take his shot when given the chance. “I’m just glad you’re still here.”
“Aw, don’t get all sappy on me, Cartel.”
I smirk and take in the striped green grass. Our grounds maintenance man does one hell of a job keeping this place in top form. I bite back a sigh. All I ever wanted to do is play ball. One wrong decision, one bad night, ruined the chance for me. And the kick to the teeth is, I only have myself to blame. But that’s my demons—the reason behind me turning down the draft. I never understood Braxton’s reasonings. “Why didn’t you go pro?”
Gratification laced with yearning settles in his eyes. “I want it. Everything. The fame, recognition, and the thrill of just playing. The ultimate dream of having a job you enjoy. But what if all the glory gets snatched away?”
“You want something to fall back on?” I guess.
“It’s more
than that. I want my degree. I’ve worked hard for it and don’t want to toss it away. I also want to prove to myself I can do it. Let’s hope I didn’t choose wrong.”
His light chuckle tells me, even if he couldn’t play ball, he’d be okay. And that’s the attitude I need to embrace. I want nothing more than to show up to a stadium every day for work. What I can’t fathom is being the one behind a desk drawing the schematics for said stadium. Unfortunately, I don’t have much choice. Signing to a minor league doesn’t guarantee a spot in the majors. There isn’t a security blanket. I need a steady job that will pay well. Besides, my parents need a break—both emotionally and monetarily. They’re spending their golden years paying for my mistake. I didn’t expect or plan for them to do that. They’re awesome, though. Not once have they ever complained, which is why I can’t keep taking advantage of them.
“I’m sure you didn’t,” I finally say. “This season will be another banner year for us.”
“Are you going to sign if you get redrafted?”
I shake my head. “Nah, playing professional ball wasn’t the hand I was dealt.”
His stare feels heavy as I keep my gaze fixed on the field. Neither of us talk, but I’m sure he can sense my bullshit. Hell, I’m not even trying to be convincing. My lack of enthusiasm for other topics is telling. Baseball is all I want to do. It’s all I was ever good at.
“How’s senior design going?”
“As good as it can be, I suppose. Lexie’s gathering the necessary materials to construct the building. We’ve put in a lot of groundwork and planning into this, so the outcome should be phenomenal. I hope it wins the D. I. C. K. award.” If anyone could use the guaranteed job offer, it’d be me. It’d solve a lot of problems.
“Yes, may they bestow to you the title of dick.” He chuckles as I flip him off. “Regardless, I’m sure the building will be spectacular. You’re lucky to have Lexie as your partner.”
“Don’t I know it.” Not only is she doing the grunt work for us, but her ideas are incredible. She’s going to make one hell of an architect. If only I could say the same thing about me.
“It’s cool that you’re following your passion.”
But I’m not. “I have a lot of debt to pay off. I can’t afford to take the chance of wasting four to five years in the minors only to be let go.”
That’s the excuse I tell myself to justify my decision. I blink back the bewilderment I feel from disclosing a piece of my personal life. Admittedly, it feels somewhat freeing to unload a small piece of the burden. The guys see the carefree, easy-going side of me. The part I want them to see. We like to joke around and razz each other, but I never disclose anything personal. I keep everything that went down after high school graduation tight-lipped. It’s a side of me I don’t want showing. A story I can’t tell.
“Fair enough. But you know damn well you’re good. That’s why they drafted you to begin with.”
“Still can’t risk it.”
“Can’t or won’t?” He fixes me with a stare—one I deflect quickly enough.
“Look at you all Dr. Phil-ing me.”
He laughs. “Sorry, man, I just see the look in your eyes when you’re staring out at the field.”
“What look is that?”
“The same one I have. The one that says you can taste victory.”
My lips curl into a smirk, and my defense mechanism kicks to overdrive. I need to steer away from this conversation. Fast. The last thing I can afford is to become relaxed and disclose more personal history. “I can tell you what I’m not going to be tasting.”
“What’s that?”
“Your fucking cooking.” I mean that jokingly, but there is truth to that statement. He almost killed us.
“Fuck you. I’m an excellent cook.” His mouth twitches. Even he can’t hold back a laugh.
“The attempted food poisoning proved you’re not.”
“Yeah, whatever. I made Cara happy. That’s all that mattered.”
My shoulders shake from my chuckles. God, his attempt at cooking was disastrous. But despite his lack of culinary skills, he’s a damn good player. And a friend. “We make one hell of a team, Smith.”
“That we do.” He rests his arms on the metal railing and looks toward the seats behind home plate. “I can’t believe this is our last year.”
A pang of worry settles in my chest. Life will be different after graduation. Who knows where I’ll be after applying to various jobs and grad school programs? Changes are coming whether I’m prepared or not.
“Yup. It’s time to put the big boy panties on and adult.” I keep my tone lighthearted, which helps ease the heaviness of our conversation.
“I hear, ya. Oh, before I forget, we’re going out this weekend. Cara wants to go dancing. We’ll be hitting up Beats. I know you go home, but I wanted to invite you anyway.”
My spine stiffens, and I have to fight off the threatening scowl. I wonder if Lexie will be there with Kyle. Saturday’s their bye week, after all. But I couldn’t go out regardless. With volunteering all weekend, I want to spend the evenings with Livvy. “I have to get back home after finishing the Habitat project. Otherwise, I’d be there.”
“That’s cool. Some other time.” He straightens and pushes off the railing. “I’m heading back to the house. You coming?”
“Yeah. I’ll be there in a sec.”
When he leaves, I drop all facades and scowl at the field. The idea of Lexie with Kyle doesn’t settle well. And that admission makes no sense. Lexie isn’t mine to have. I don’t own her. I don’t anything her. We’re best friends. I should want her to be happy and date whomever she pleases. But damn if I don’t like the fact of them together. I can’t be anything more than friends with her. I’ve let enough females down in my life. I can’t risk letting her down, too.
Chapter Six
Lexie
Current Day
Garret: Fun Fact. I think I’d look sexy wearing a tool belt. Should I buy one for our gig?
I’m never having kids!
When I fired off those exact words in a text to Garret, I meant them in jest. Now that my five-year-old cousin is spiking a fever, the words hold more meaning. Parenting sucks. I’m petrified for the little girl, and I have no clue what to do for her. The doorbell rings, bringing a moment of reprieve. At least I won’t face this alone. I yell to my brother from my spot in the kitchen to answer the door. Garret and I are supposed to work on our project. He decided to come here since I got stuck watching the kids. It wouldn’t have been ideal but doable. That is until Alissa got sick.
Cradling my little cousin in my arms, I apply the cold, wet rag to the back of her neck. It’s what my mom used to do when I was feverish. I can only pray it helps.
“Lexie, is everything okay?” Garret rushes to the kitchen behind my brother and immediately spots me by the dining table. He flanks my side, dropping to one knee.
“She’s running a temperature, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried calling my mom and aunt, but they won’t pick up. I can’t get the thermometer to work. And—”
“Whoa, calm down.” Garret places the back of his hand on Alissa’s forehead and cheeks. “She’s burning up. Have you given her any acetaminophen?”
“About five minutes ago. Luckily, we had some.”
“Let’s give it a chance to work before taking her to the hospital. Where’s the thermometer?”
I nudge my chin over toward the counter. “Over there. It’s the kind you scan across the forehead, but I must be doing something wrong. I keep getting an error code.”
“Is Alissa going to be okay?” The concern in my brother’s voice draws my attention.
“I think so. Why don’t you guys go to your room while we take care of her?”
“Fine,” Chad says dramatically then stomps to his room.
Garret snatches the thermometer off the counter and runs it along Alissa’s forehead. He nods when the beep slices through the air. Of course, the stupid device wo
rks for him, but I’m glad. I don’t have time to dwell on my inadequacies. “It’s 103.6. We can place her in a lukewarm bath. That will help.”
“Should I take her to the E.R.? I’m so worried. What if she seizes?” I’ve heard of temps getting so high the person convulses. Is 103.6 too high? It sounds high. “Oh God, what are you supposed to do if that happens?”
“Hey, everything will be fine. We’ll get her temp down. Let the medicine have a chance to do its thing.” His gaze connects with mine as his velvety voice coats my skin. My insides stir. The compassion those warm, brown eyes hold eases my anxiety somehow. “Let’s get that bath running.”
I nod, not realizing how much I need his assurance. “The closest bathroom is mine. It’s just down the hallway, second door on the left.”
Garret moves to take Alissa from my arms. Strong bulging biceps encase the small child and lift her against him. It’s a beautiful sight, Garret holding my little cousin, and it makes me take pause. While I freaked out and felt awkward as hell at handling her, he’s a natural, standing there strong and confident. Gah, focus, Lexie. Now isn’t the time to gawk over his physique. I spin and take off down the hallway with Garret on my heels.
Once in the bathroom, I run the water and then strip Alissa down to her underwear as the bathtub fills. Garret whispers reassuring words each time Alissa releases a small whine. She’s so lethargic, though. Her temperature needs to break soon. We place her in the water, and Alissa starts crying.
“Hey, little girl. You’ll be okay. We need you to feel better. You want to feel better, right?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“The water will help, okay?”
I press my lips together, thanking God Garret is here to help. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own. Alissa calms down. I fall back on my heels and glance over toward the towel rack. Shit, I forgot I had washed my bras and hung them to dry.
Full Count (Cessna U Wildcats Book 3) Page 4
