The Sweet Spot (All About the Diamond #1)

by Naomi Springthorp

  “When are the finals?”

  “It’s the Wednesday you're in Pittsburgh. I don’t expect you to be there or anything,” I say nonchalantly.

  “I might be late, but I’ll be there. Are you wearing the purple dress again?”

  “No, I haven’t put together my outfit yet. The first two songs are both current, so nothing retro. I’m thinking all black with bling, but that’ll probably change.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if you didn’t wear something so revealing. I don’t like to share,” he says selfishly.

  “Is that so, King Seno?” I say jokingly.

  “Yes, my queen. I’m the only man who’ll be worshiping you,” absolute truth from his soul. His tone rips right through me. He isn’t joking at all. He means it with all his heart and soul. I’m the queen to his king.

  “And in case you're wondering, I plan to worship you like the royalty you are this weekend. Our room will be at the Universal City Hilltop and it’ll be reserved under King and Queen. Do you mind sitting in the friends and family box with the player’s wives and girlfriends? I don’t want you to be by yourself, it’s not your hometown stadium,” he elaborates.

  “I can’t wait! I trust your judgment, but I’d rather be behind home plate so I can look at your ass!”

  “I can hear you better from there, too. All the wives will already know who you are, it’s a rumor mill and somebody got a video of me kissing you Sunday at the first base wall.”

  “Can I get a copy of the video?”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes! I want to see what it looks like when I get one of those mind-blowing kisses from Rick Seno.”

  “I’ll check with the rook, I think he has it.”

  “Cool! I’ll be dreaming about you tonight, my king.”

  “I love you, my queen. I miss you, babe.” He hangs up.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I’m beginning to hate my alarm. Every morning it taunts me. “Get up, you’re in bed alone.” It’s just rude. I snooze three times and try to get the alarm to go away. But as always, eventually the aroma of the coffee brewing wins. I wake up needing baseball and decide to watch the recap from last night, only to find out the skipper blamed Seno for the team’s horrible performance. I hate to see that. It can’t all be his fault, it’s a team effort after all. Rick takes those things to heart and he’s harder on himself than most players. No wonder he didn’t want to talk about the game last night. I run through my morning routine and make sure business is caught up. Mid afternoon I hear my social media ping…

  RookCross: Sherry?

  This is not what I expected when my social media pinged.

  Sherry: Cross?

  RookCross: I’m not sure I should be doing this, but the skipper said he’s going to bench Seno if he doesn’t get his head straight and I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who can make that happen. Skip went off on the whole team about last night’s game, but focused the problem as starting with Seno.

  Sherry: I’ve been talking to him every night. Are you saying I should avoid him or ignore him or what? I’m a huge fan and a team player, but I don’t think I can do that.

  RookCross: I think the opposite. You need to come to Colorado. How soon can you get here?

  Sherry: Really? Isn’t that overstepping my boundaries?

  RookCross: Yes. Really. The team needs you, more importantly Rick needs you. That’s still weird to me, he never needed anybody.

  Sherry: Where is he staying? Let me check for flights. Don’t say anything to him. I’ll message you my arrival time, so you’ll know when I’m getting there. There’s no way I can get there before the game today.

  RookCross: We’re all at The Downtown in Denver. I’ll get you his room number. Thank you.

  I check flights to Denver and the next flight is leaving San Diego in thirty minutes, that won’t work since I won’t make it through security before the plane takes off. There’s a 4:45 with a layover. Bingo! 5:30 departure nonstop to Denver arriving about 8:50 with the time difference. I should get to the hotel about the same time as the players after the game. I book the flight, get dressed and primped so I’m ready to see my Rick, pack up quick and get the complex maintenance man to give me a quick ride to the airport (he’ll do about anything for a twelve pack without judging, so I keep a couple on hand just in case). When I get to the airport, I send the rook a quick message…

  Sherry: Landing in Denver at 8:50 Denver time. Best I can do. At the airport now.

  RookCross: Got it. Thank you. He’s in room 823.

  I get through security without any trouble, I used the tip sheet I provide to my clients and it was perfect. I find my gate and have a few minutes to browse the newsstand before boarding. I purchase the new issues of Cosmopolitan and Hawaii magazines for my in-flight entertainment, as my flight starts boarding. I lift my carry-on into the overhead and keep my huge purse with my electronics, snacks and magazines with me in my seat. I try to get comfortable, but no matter how many times I fly I’m nervous at take off. I go for my iPod, ear buds in my ears, and start listening to music on shuffle—I’ve got to figure out what my round two song is going to be. It’s an easy take off, I’m in the air and on the way to Denver. I flip through the Cosmo looking at the current fashions, perusing some interesting “How to please your man” and “Is he a keeper?” type articles I may go back to at some point. The flight attendant comes around offering drinks and pretzels, which I accept willingly. I try to relax, but I’m going to see Seno and he doesn’t know I’m on my way. So exciting and spontaneous. I take the Denver Magazine from the plane for future reference, I doubt I’ll have time for it while I’m here. The plane has started its descent and I’m starting to get anxious. What if he doesn’t want me here? What if he’s irritated because I didn’t tell him I was coming? What if he wants to kill Cross for contacting me? What if I’m in the way? What if I make the problem worse? What if he decides I’m too clingy? Probably all things I should’ve considered before I got on a plane. But, I didn’t. Cross said Rick and the team need me. That’s all it took.

  What the fuck am I doing? How could I be such an irrational and impulsive girl to just go jet set off to see her big league baseball boyfriend because his teammate called her and told her she should? For the team? For a win? For the emotional girl he’s caused me to become, that’s apparently unable to conduct herself like a rational human being? For the sex? You don’t know what you’ll find when you get there. You don’t know what he’s really doing on the road. You don’t know if he’s secretly married. You don’t know if he has a girlfriend in every town. My insecurities have taken over my inner voice, but my heart insists on taking the risk. I need to be here.

  The landing is smooth, which is not what I usually hear about Denver. I quickly get my things together and get off the plane. I send a quick text to the car service I requested and stop off in the ladies room to freshen up. I get a message from the car service and have ten minutes before they’ll pick me up, so I walk to the pick-up area and get there right on time. I give the driver the hotel name and we’re on our way. I check on the game and it’s not good. Top of the ninth inning 7-2 Colorado, bases loaded with Seals, two outs, 3-2 count and Martin strikes out ending the game.

  In no time at all, I’m in front of The Downtown in Denver. The hotel is a beautiful building, modern and easily twenty stories. I walk into the lobby at straight up 9pm and get my bearings, bar, coffee shop, elevator. I beat the team to the hotel, and go on up to his room to be there waiting when he gets there. Avoid the whole team seeing me. I take the elevator to the eighth floor and I’m flooded with visions of being pressed up against the elevator wall by Rick’s hard body and held there while being kissed senseless with his hands on me. My cheeks get warm at the imagery in my head and I’m thankful there’s no one in the elevator to witness my blush. I reach the eighth floor and step out of the elevator to a huge mirror. I check myself out and I know Rick will love me in my short denim skirt, low cut
black strappy tank, black sandals and my Seno baseball cap (yes, the black lace bikini panties with matching bra, too!). Then again, he loves me regardless of what I’m wearing. I walk toward his room and there’s a voluptuous, fake-boobed, red head, wearing a skintight black mini dress with cut-outs in the hallway. She’s attempting to use a key card to go into one of the rooms and not having an easy time with the technology. I judge her choices internally and keep walking toward Seno’s room. As I’m passing her, “Can I help you with the door?”

  “No, these cards are temperamental. Thanks though,” she says dismissing me.

  I look at the door and she’s trying to unlock room 823, Rick’s room. “The problem is you have the wrong room,” I suggest.

  “No, this is the right room. I’m sure of it,” she says, doing her best to ignore my existence.

  “I’m sure it’s not. I’m meeting someone here,” I say as I swing my hair around like a schoolgirl.

  Fake boobs stops and turns to me, “Honey, he’s out of your league. He’s not interested in anyone like you. You need to get out of here before you embarrass yourself and let the women handle this.” Her key card finally works and she slides into his room. I look at the door as it slams in my face and the number on it is 823.

  Now what? This can’t be right. This can’t be happening! There’s no way my Rick is interested in that baseball skank! Am I going to put him in the position to have to explain why she’s in his room? Do I want to stay here and watch him go in his room to find her and have his way with her? Do I want to have a scene in the hall? This isn’t helping. This is just going to make it worse for the team. Or not, maybe this is how he gets his head straight. I can’t pretend this isn’t happening. My tears stain my cheeks. I can’t be here. No matter what, he doesn’t deserve to see me cry over him.

  I run for the elevator to get out of here before the team shows up and ride down to the lobby. I beeline for the ladies room and plant myself in the ladies lounge room where none of the guys will run into me. I gather my senses and search for a flight home before it gets too late. Nothing. I use my travel agent secrets and still nothing. I call in a favor and the best I can do is get on a waiting list. I’m starving, but don’t want to go into the lobby until I know I won’t be spotted. I check the time and I’ve been hiding in the bathroom lounge for almost two hours. I can’t believe I'm so stupid! He’s a professional baseball player! He’s probably in his room banging her right now! She had his room key! My anger takes over, I shove my Seno cap in my bag and wash my face.

  I walk out to the lobby and head toward the coffee shop to find food, but it’s closed. The only other option is the bar. It can’t hurt and they probably have a bar menu. Sure enough. I sit in the corner of the bar and check out the limited menu. I order cheese fries and a shot of Jack with a Coke back. I can’t believe I’m here. The server delivers my drink order and I know better than to do any shots when I haven’t eaten, but it doesn’t stop me. I use logic, food will be here soon. My server checks on me and brings me a second shot before my food order is ready. I’m warm all over and not caring so much about that red headed bitch. The server stops to chat with me when she brings out my cheese fries and actually has me laughing. I look up to see Cross standing over me.

  “What are you doing here?” he asks.

  “You told me to come to Colorado, remember?” I say.

  “Why aren’t you with Seno?” he specifies.

  The fun server drops off a third shot for me with a wink and asks if Cross would like anything. I tell her to bring him some shots, too. Just laughing.

  “Have a seat,” I offer to Cross and he sits across from me.

  “Are you drunk?” he asks.

  “I’m getting there. I can’t believe I hopped on a plane to Denver because you told me Seno needs me! No matter what, you guys will always be my team, but you sucked tonight!” I toss back my third shot and eat a few fries.

  “Okay, obviously I’m missing something here,” Cross looks at me bewildered.

  “Yes, you need a shot to catch up with me, so I’m not drinking alone,” I suggest.

  “Are you kidding? I don’t want Seno to beat my ass for getting drunk with his woman. I’ll be on the DL for the rest of the season,” as he tries to reach Seno by text. “Does Seno know you’re here?”

  “I have no idea. He probably can’t remember me with his dick buried in that fake-boobed red head!” comes out louder than planned.

  “Sherry, that doesn’t sound like Seno,” defending his teammate.

  “She had his room key and I watched her use it,” I glare at him deadpan.

  “There’s got to be a logical explanation, this doesn’t make sense,” Cross says refusing to believe it.

  “There is. I should’ve known better than to get involved with a baseball player. I should never have flown to Denver. What did I think happens when you guys are on the road? I’m an idiot. A broken-hearted idiot,” and the tears stream.

  “I preferred you mad,” wondering why Seno hasn’t responded to him. “I’ll be right back.” He goes to the bar for a drink and he’s trying to use his phone, possibly leaving a message. I work on my cheese fries until the rook returns.

  “So, what’s your plan?” he asks.

  “I’m going to toss back another shot, finish these fries, and go sit at the airport until there’s a seat available on a flight home. I’m on a waiting list for a flight departing at about noon,” set on my decision.

  “That’s not going to work. I’ll get beat that way, too. I can’t allow you to spend the night in the airport. You can stay in my room with me,” he suggests.

  “Excuse me? Did you just invite me back to your room? You’re a baby!” alcohol talking instead of my brain.

  “I’ll sleep on the couch and you can have the bed,” he made his intentions clear. Fingers working his phone. “I’m not giving you a choice.”

  “Fine. But, you can’t make me talk to Rick,” I put my foot down as I walk toward the elevator with him. Of course, we get off the elevator on the eighth floor. What the hell? Is the whole team on the same floor? I can’t help it, I glance toward Seno’s room. There’s nothing to see, but a closed door. Luckily, Cross leads me the opposite direction to his room.

  “Okay, you make yourself comfortable and use the bed. I’m going to shower and change in the bathroom, so you have plenty of time to change or whatever you want. I’ll knock before I come out. Does that work for you?” the rook was trying to control the situation.

  “None of this works for me!” I spin around angrily with my hands in the air like the wicked witch.

  “Okay, I’m glad we have an understanding.” He went into the bathroom, shaking his head and talking to himself as he closed the door behind him.

  I consider changing, but decide it’ll be easier to simply leave my clothes on. I check out the rook’s room and discover the minibar. He said to make myself comfortable. I’d be more comfortable if I had a couple more shots. Looky there, two mini bottles of Jack sitting there waiting for me. I shoot one of the bottles and take the second with me just in case. I climb in bed and try to relax. Big, comfortable, white, fluffy bed. I sink underneath the sheets and appreciate the silkiness on my legs, as I consider how great it would be to have sex in this bed.

  “Chase! Chase!” I yell.

  Cross comes running out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, “Sherry! Sherry!” He examines my squeamish expression. “What’s wrong?”

  “Spider.”

  There’s a knock on the door and Cross goes to look out the peephole. He opens the door immediately and says, “Where have you been...” and gets cut off.

  “Where is she and why are you calling out her name?” Seno storms in as Cross directs him to me laying in his bed. “What the fuck is going on here?”

  “Whatever I want! Cross said so!” I volunteer.

  “Dude, she’s drunk,” Cross offers.

  “Why is my woman drunk and in your bed, w
hile you’re in a towel? And it better be good, or I’ll put you on the DL for a year,” Seno had turned red and was making tight fists, ready to give the beat down.

  “Because that’s what I want!” I shout. Entertained that Cross was going to be on the DL longer than he expected.

  “Sherry, you aren’t helping. Cool it a second.” Cross gestures for her to calm down and turns back to Seno. “I found her in the bar. I messaged her earlier today and told her she should come see you. When she got to your room there was a woman with your room key going into your room. Not sure how many shots she’s had, but I can tell you she likes Jack and Cheese Fries, and she gets louder and bolder as she takes shots. She’s a handful, dude.” Cross says shaking his head.

  “Why is she in your bed and in your room, while you’re wearing only a towel? I’m still waiting for the explanation,” Seno ready to blow.

  “Oh, yeah. She was going to go sit in the airport all night until she could get a flight home and I knew you wouldn’t want that. I brought her to my room and told her she could have the bed. She yelled and I came running out of the shower to see what was wrong and that’s when you knocked. Swear dude, I’d never touch your woman. Honest, I don’t think I could handle her. She’s hot and spunky though. I totally see the attraction.” Cross should have stopped while he was ahead. “And, she got into my minibar while I was in the shower.” He sighs.

  Cross looks at Sherry, “Why did you yell?”

  “I told you! Spider!” I point to the eight-legged creeper on the wall.

  Cross turns to Seno, “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you since I found her in the bar.”