Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6)

by Lindsay Paige

  She raises her eyebrow at me. “You’ll find out in the next newsletter. Why are you evading the question?” Her eyes widen. “Oh, my God! You’ve met someone, haven’t you? Tell me!”

  “Mommy,” I hear one of my nieces whine. “She stole my doll!”

  Karen rolls her eyes. “Give the doll back to your sister,” she shouts sternly, looking away for a moment to make sure it happens. Once it does, she looks back to me on the screen since we’re video chatting. “Spill.”

  “The guys got me to sign up for online dating.”

  “Dear lord, please tell me she isn’t crazy.”

  I laugh. “She’s a detective with the police department, so no.”

  “Oh. Really? What’s that like?”

  I think about how it’s been so far. “She’s busy. She’s had to leave early a few times because of the case she’s working on, but I understand that. Plus, it’s not like I’m not busy, too.”

  “What’s her name? What’s she like?”

  So, I launch into telling her about Ariella and her family. Karen is surprised that I’ve already met them, but she’s too busy laughing over Fletcher’s antics to say much about it.

  “I’m glad to hear you’re seeing someone, Colby. I hope it works out,” she tells me seriously. “You deserve to be happy.”

  “Thanks.” I smile. “Let me talk to my nieces.”

  “Girls,” she shouts. “Come talk to Uncle Colby!”

  A chorus of girls squeal, “Uncle Colby!” They crowd around their mother until I can see all their faces on the screen, all of them grinning.

  “Okay, tell me what’s on your wish list for your birthdays.” My sister had a set of twins and then another baby nearly a year later. Their birthdays are within a week of each other.

  The twins go first, cracking me up when they say the same things together. I discreetly write down some of the things I want to get them to double check that Karen isn’t buying it for them. It’s hard to be a good uncle this far away, but I try to make up for it with these video chats and the occasional package of gifts.

  After I have my list, I listen as they give me the update their mother wouldn’t. When we end the conversation, I decide to text Ariella. My day is free and now is as good a time as any to spend time with Ariella and go shopping for their presents. Karen restricts me to two gifts per girl.

  Me: Please tell me you’re not working today.

  It’s the weekend, but considering she can be called in, it’s plausible.

  Ariella: Not at the moment. :)

  Me: Spend the day with me. I can pick you up in an hour.

  Ariella: I’ll be ready.

  “So, what are we doing today?” Ariella asks once we’re in my vehicle and on the road.

  “First, a little shopping. My nieces birthdays are coming up and I need to buy their presents.”

  “Wait, all of their birthdays?”

  I laugh. “Yeah, my sister had twins, and one year and one week later, she had another baby.”

  “Oh, wow. I can’t imagine having that many kids all close together in age.”

  “Me either, but my sister seems to enjoy the challenge. After that, we can do whatever you want.”

  “That sounds great to me.”

  As we shop, our conversation is mostly about my nieces as I tell her more about them. Afterward, we grab a bite to eat and then head back to her place, only to pick up Buster and head to a local dog park. Ariella doesn’t get to take him often, so when she mentioned it, I decided we could definitely take the guy out for a walk.

  I hold her hand, thankful for decent weather today. “So, your fairy tale happily ever after, what does that look like?” It’s not hard to figure out Ariella is a hopeless romantic. She reads romance novels. She wants a fairy tale happily ever after and she bought a house too big for her in hopes of filling it up with that happily ever after. However, I want to know exactly what a fairy tale happily ever after means for her.

  Ariella seems to be thinking about her answer, but something tells me she already knows. I’m not sure why she’s buying time though. Eventually, she does answer me while keeping her eyes everywhere but on me.

  “I want a husband who’s as good to me as my dad is to my mom and as Duke is to my sister. I want to have a good, long career here in Memphis. I want at least two kids. I want more than what I have in my life right now. What about you?”

  “Pretty much the same thing.”

  “Pretty much?” There’s a touch of concern like my answer means there’s a major difference.

  I grin. “Yeah. Only difference is that I want a wife and not a husband.”

  Ariella laughs and pushes her shoulder against mine playfully. “You’re not funny.”

  “Then why were you laughing?”

  “Because Buster looked back at us like we were crazy,” she lies.

  “You’re a terrible liar.”

  She smiles, which brings out one of my own. “Good thing I’m all about the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

  “Wouldn’t that technically be your sister and your mom since they’re lawyers?”

  “No, it would be us both. Oh! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you. My mom retired.”

  “Really? That’s great. I bet your dad is happy.”

  Ariella nods. “He’s been over the moon.” Her phone rings and she groans. “Oh, never mind. It’s not work, just my dad.” She answers and talks to him for a little bit, making plans, it sounds like. Then she does get a call from work about her case and we have to head back to her house. “I swear, one of these days, we’ll finish a date like we’re supposed to.”

  I chuckle. “How are we supposed to finish them?”

  A Cheshire cat kind of smile lifts her lips. “Guess you’ll have to wait and find out when it happens.”

  “Are you ever going to tell us what you and Sofia are having?” Hector asks Blake at practice.

  “You’ve asked me that every single day for months,” he grumbles.

  “Because you haven’t told us!”

  Blake laughs. “It’s been fun not telling you.”

  “Just tell us,” Felix says. “You’ve got our women on our backs because they want to know, but Sofia won’t tell them because she’s playing along with your games to annoy Hector.”

  “Hey,” Tanner speaks up. “Do we get to play uncle to your and Jordan’s kids? I’ve always wanted to be an uncle.”

  Blake seems skeptical, causing me to chuckle, but Jordan, who is standing near Tanner, pats him on the back. “Sure thing, Kid. Just keep your freak to yourself when you’re around them.”

  “Blake?” The hope is clear in Tanner’s voice.

  He sighs heavily, but I think he’s just putting on a show. “Yeah, you can be an uncle to my boy.”

  “Fuck yeah!” Spencer says too loudly, holding out an expectant hand to Roman. Roman picks up his wallet and forks out some cash. “Sorry,” Spence tells Blake. “We had a bet going. Congrats on the boy though.”

  “Finally!” Hector exclaims. He slaps Blake’s shoulder. “I’m glad it’s a boy. It would be weird to call a baby girl Grumpy Jr.”

  The famous scowl slides into place. “You aren’t calling my kid Grumpy Jr. Even Sofia will beat your ass over that.”

  Hector shrugs. “Sof loves me.”

  “She won’t if you start calling our baby Grumpy Jr. Trust me; she’s already a momma bear.”

  I tune out of their conversation and focus on my stretches before we hit the field for practice. If I didn’t realize it before, it’s clear we’ve become a family. It feels good, but it’s not the same as having my own family. One day, I’ll get there. I’m sure of it.

  I’M ON THE floor playing with Lil D, while Mom and Alizeh are in the kitchen finishing cleaning from dinner. Dad, Duke, and even Buster are outside enjoying the rare non-humid night. Playing with my nephew is the highlight of my week. Ce-Ce, my one and only witness, ended up dying from her injuries. She wasn’t just b
eaten up; she was beaten to a pulp. My case is back at square one, and I hate being in that particular square because I don’t have enough to even question the man she told us about. Lil D coos and laughs as I shake the toy and make noise.

  “Having fun?” Alizeh sits down on the couch.

  “Actually, I really am.”

  “Duke told me about this week. Are you okay?”

  I shrug as I hand Lil D the rattling toy.

  “Ariella, you’re smart; I know you’ll find a connection.” She pats my shoulder.

  “I know. I’ll just need to go back to the beginning and start over again.” I give her a hopeful smile.

  My family walks into the living room, and Lil D reaches for his dad. It’s cute to watch, and it makes me wonder about Colby being a father.

  Stop it! It’s too soon.

  I know in my head I’m being unrealistic, but my heart is screaming, “How far is Vegas to elope?” But I’m trying to be a realist, and we’re way too early in the relationship.

  “It’s a shame Colby couldn’t make it tonight,” Dad speaks up.

  “He had a game out of town,” I remind him. I’ve already told him twice.

  “I know, but it would’ve been nice for him to make time,” Dad grunts.

  “Fletcher, he’s in New York. It’s not like he’s a few blocks over.” Mom helps me out.

  Duke turns the attention to Lil D, and we are all completely entertained by my sweet nephew’s playing skills.

  As the night winds down, I realize I’m much more tired than I thought and I hug and kiss everyone good-bye. I gather up Buster and we head back to my house. A hot shower and my latest romance book is what I want to do for the rest of the night. I do wish Colby wasn’t in New York and here instead, but it’s his job.

  When I get home, I do exactly as I planned, and I snuggle in the couch, with Buster at my feet; my mind wanders in thought about Colby’s job. He’s been traded several times in his career and I know a professional player isn’t guaranteed to be with the same team the entire team. However, Colby’s older, but does it make a difference? I’m not even sure.

  What if we do get really serious and he’s traded, then what? My life is here in Memphis. My job, my family, it’s all here and I’m not sure I want to give it up. But, would I if I truly loved Colby, and we became that serious?

  I don’t know.

  I just don’t know.

  “I’m going insane, right?”

  Sure, I can talk to my mom, my sister, or even my dad, but their opinions matter to me, but sometimes I need to vent to someone who will tell me the truth.

  “I don’t think you’re insane.” Duke takes a bite of his burger.

  I told him everything about Colby and me. He’s my partner, my brother-in-law, and my friend. Actually, he’s my only friend. I need to remind myself that I don’t have much of a social life.

  “I will say this,” he sits down the burger and wipes his mouth. “I think you’re jumping the gun a bit.”

  “I already said I was,” I remind him.

  “Listen, why don’t you just enjoy him in the now and don’t worry about the future. You’re thinking about something that’s not even happened yet. You and Colby haven’t even truly finished a date yet. Why don’t you have fun? You both seem to enjoy each other’s company. He survived Fletcher, Allison, and Alizeh; I think he deserves a cookie dealing with all three of them at one time.”

  I giggle. “True.”

  “Colby seems like a nice guy. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t worry about anything until it happens. You deserve to find someone who cares about you and supports your career. I think Colby will.”

  I give my brother-in-law a small, grateful smile. “Thank you. You’re right. I need to stop worrying about anything until it happens and just enjoy Colby.”

  “It’s sound advice.”

  We both go back to eating our late lunch. Duke went with me to Ce-Ce’s funeral, and we tried to see if it would provide the next clue, but sadly, there was none to be found.

  When we get back to the station, our Lieutenant tells me there’s someone who wants to talk to me and he is waiting in the small conference room. Usually, in that room, there isn’t anything serious. Typically, family wanting updates on the ongoing cases.

  I walk into the room to find a large black man sitting there. He has to be as big as Dad, if not a bit bigger.

  “I’m Detective Craft.” I reach out my hand and introduce myself. Big guys don’t intimidate me.

  “I’m Mouth.”

  Street nicknames don’t phase me either. I think I’ve heard them all. “How can I help you, Mouth?”

  “I saw you at Ce-Ce’s funeral.”

  I nod. “Yes, I was there.”

  “Ce-Ce told me she told you what happened with Hotty.”

  I nod again, confirming. “Do you know anything about Hotty’s death?”

  “I’ve been on the streets since I was thirteen years old when my mama heard I stole a car and kicked me out. I’ve seen a lot, heard more, and probably done more than that. However, you learn who is born to be on the street and who will die young on them because they don’t belong.” He leans back in his chair and rests his hands behind his head.

  “Which one was Hotty?”

  “He belonged there. He was a little fucker, always in everyone’s business because he thought being nosy would help him climb up the ladder of the street thugs.”

  “What was Ce-Ce?”

  “A good kid.”

  “Are you her pimp?” It’s a valid question. I need to know about this guy and see if he’s on the up and up.

  Mouth laughs loud and brings his arms down resting them on the table. “Hell no, I don’t get involved in that shit.” He pauses. “She was a good kid in the wrong crowd. I just looked out for her.”

  I nod. “What can you tell me about Hotty and his death?”

  “One, he probably deserved it. I hate to say it, but it’s true. He had a lot of hands in a lot of different cookie jars if you know what I mean?”

  “He was playing territories?”

  Mouth smirks. “The little fucker thought he was good at it, but he wasn’t at all.”

  I wait for him to go on, and we both stare at each other.

  “Ce-Ce told you she thought Dice pulled the trigger.”

  “Possibly.” Ce-Ce did tell me about Dice who’s another young kid who is moving up fast in the gang.

  “Well, she’s right.”

  “What do you know? What can you tell me so I can put Dice away?”

  Mouth doesn’t make a sound. I can’t even hear him breathing. “You have a pen?”

  I hand over my pen and small note pad I keep in my pocket. I study Mouth as he writes down something and slides it back to me.

  “That there is Dice’s baby mama. My girl is watching the baby because she’s currently going to college to try and get off the streets. She’s one of the good ones. She’ll probably help you out.”

  I take the pad back. “Thank you, Mouth.”

  “I hope it works out so you’re not investigating my murder for snitching.” He stands and walks out of the office.

  I take a second and hope he’s right, but right now, I need to get this case solved.

  I spend the rest of my day and most of the night trying to contact Dice’s girlfriend, but I have no luck. I don’t want to become discouraged since I have just been handed this new piece of the puzzle, so I decide to go home and chill for a while.

  Once I’m in my pajamas, I curl up with my book in bed, but my phone alerts me to some texts.

  Colby: Hope your day is going well. Sorry, I didn’t talk to you yesterday; I hung out with the team.

  Colby: I’ll be home in the morning. Are you going to the game tomorrow? Want to grab some dinner afterward?

  Colby: Let me know.

  I’m taking Duke’s advice. As much dark surrounds me, I need some light and right now, it’s Colby Wilson.

  Me: I can c
ome to the game, and I’d love to have dinner with you.

  THERE ARE SOME days when I appreciate how lucky I am to play a game for a living. I love how committed I am and how baseball has always been a source of goodness in my life.

  Then, there are days like today.

  Maybe I’m a little too invested. Maybe I’ve been enjoying how well we’ve been doing lately a little too much. There’s a possibility we all took it for granted and started absentmindedly slacking just enough for it to fly under the radar. So, the disappointment is that much bigger when we gare dominated and outplayed.

  Of all days for us to suck, it had to be one with Ariella watching. As a fan, she’s probably seen it plenty of times before, but that’s beside the point. Hell, she’s probably wincing right now as Roman makes a throw to Hector who misses, and the runner makes it to second. It wouldn’t sound quite so bad if there hadn’t been a runner on third, who made it home thanks to that mistake.

  We were already down by three.

  Even Hector is affected. His usual smile and fun attitude disappeared during the last inning. This game can’t end soon enough. When it is over, the locker room is quiet. We definitely could have won, but we botched it. I go over all the mistakes in my head, think of what I should have done differently or should do better, and start making declarations of improvement for the next game. When I walk out of the room and over to where Ariella is waiting for me, I don’t want to have that mood affecting us.

  I want to leave it all in the locker room.

  “Hey, you want to grab dinner with us?” Jordan asks as we dress, losing the towels from our showers. “It’ll be Trent, Scarlett, Heidi, and me.”

  “Thanks, but I’m going out with Ariella.”

  “She can come.”

  I almost agree, but then I think about how little time I’ve actually had with Ariella by myself. “Maybe next time.” I put my shoes on, grab my things, and throw up a hand to wave goodbye.

  Ariella is sitting on the couch with Scarlett and Heidi. She smiles and stands when she sees me. “Hey.”