Fighting Fate (Endgame #4)

by Leigh Ann Lunsford

  “He’s got a scan in the morning. Doesn’t look good.” He sighs.

  “Fuck.” That word encompasses everything. If Mason’s done . . . I can’t think that way.

  Deacon and I go get Saylor and I catch a ride home with them. Avery sent me a text that Breck took Mason home and she’s staying at my house. I’ll run in, shower, check in with them, and spend the night with my girl.

  “Hey,” I whisper to her in the darkened room.

  “Everything okay over there?” She shifts over and lifts the covers.

  “His door was shut and I didn’t hear any noise. Probably asleep. He’s got Breck.” I rub the back of my neck trying to squeeze the tension from my body.

  Her hands cover mine as she pushes them aside and rolls me to my stomach. She begins ministrations, pushing and soothing my muscles. “Relax.” Her lips trail her hands and the last thing one appendage is doing is relaxing. I let her have her fun, rubbing, kissing, tasting my skin and working me up.

  Then I turn the tables.

  Flipping her to her back, I dip my mouth to her neck and nibble. Allow my teeth to scrape her sensitive skin and soothe it with the wetness of my tongue. My fingers skim under her shirt and I take the offending material off and toss it across the room. My mouth taking hers hostage silences her giggle. I swallow her moans and continue my perusal of her body. Leaning back, I strip my shirt, remove her shorts and underwear, stand and shed the rest of my clothing.

  Her eyes follow my every movement as she licks her lips. I straddle her and crawl up her body, taking my cock in my hand and stroke it from base to tip feeling it expand with each caress. As I reach her mouth I command, “Open.” She obeys and takes my head in her warm mouth and brings her hands up to cover the rest of my shaft.

  I grip her hands and apply pressure, letting her fondle and play for a moment. She smiles with my dick lodged in her mouth and I decide playtime is over. Taking her hands, I pin them above her head and hold them with one of my own and reach down and feed her the rest of my cock until I hit the back of her throat. “Swallow.” The head of my dick is sucked deep in her throat forcing a hiss of pleasure to emit from my throat. Her tongue runs down the underside, following the vein pounding blood to my erection. I pump my hips a few times into her mouth and her moan vibrates to my toes. Shifting back, I allow the tip to linger in her mouth and push in and out.

  I’m running baseball stats, thinking of the humane society and its pound pups . . . anything from blowing in her mouth. Holding firm to her hands, I pull myself from her mouth and start a tortuous, lingering path with my tongue down her body. She’s thrashing and trying to find friction where she needs it most— but I withhold her quest. I have to release her hands as I venture lower and she wastes no time, grabbing my hair and pushing my face to her pussy. “Lick.” Her voice is laced with want.

  Turnabout is fair play . . . so I don’t deny her. My tongue swipes around her pussy and I can feel the frustration rolling from her body so I stop denying her. Spearing my tongue, I thrust it inside her and chuckle as her legs open wider, her hips thrust up, and she yanks harder on my hair. I replace my tongue with two fingers as I bite down on her clit and pull, forcing her to scream my name. Soothing the sting of my bite I suck and lick . . . feasting like I’m walking death row. Bringing her to the edge I don’t let her crest and pull back, line up our bodies and sink into her with one solid push.

  “Fuck.” She shouts.

  Exactly my plan. I push in, swivel my hips, rubbing her clit with my pelvic bone and her eyes widen as she gasps. Over and over I continue the movements until she’s close. Pulling back, I thrust back in until my balls slap her ass and send her careening to her orgasm. A few more thrusts and I’m following.

  “I’m gonna go to class and check on Mason before practice.” She kisses my lips and smiles.

  “Okay. I’m meeting Lee Lee at the student center. Our classes are in the afternoon and she wants to get a onesie for little one.” I return her kiss and head to class.

  Mid-way through class my phone blows up— vibrating the shit outta my leg. I silence it without looking until the eleventh time. I check and my blood runs cold. Four from Avery, three from Deacon, three from Shortstop, and one from an unknown. I pack up my shit and bolt, amid stares and chatter at my hasty exit. I’m hitting Aves contact as the door slams and I hear her panicked voice.

  “Where are you?”

  “Leaving class. What’s wrong?” I’m jogging into the parking lot.

  “Shit. Sorry. Emberlee’s in labor. We’re at the hospital.” I was heading there after class to see Mason . . . holy shit, Lee Lee is sprouting a human. She’s on the cusp of humanity herself and last year that was debatable.

  “Breathe baby. I’m heading that way.” I reassure her.

  “Caden, she was awful. I was waiting for her head to spin and green vomit to spew. I think she broke a few fingers.” She’s blabbering and it’s comical. “And when I mentioned it, her words . . . and I quote ‘Quit bitching about a few fingers. My vagina is breaking.’ Can we agree to be kidless? I’ll give you blow jobs every fucking night.”

  I chuckle. “It’s a deal, Picasso. But, I think in a few years you’ll change your mind. If not, I’m perfect with just having you.”

  “This baby better be super cute and fucking adorable for me to rethink my position.” God, she’s fucking adorable.

  “See you in a bit. Love you.” I turn the key and come close to missing her reply.

  “You, too. It’s a full house here.” I bite back the resentment that fuels my body. I’ll just make her say those three words— in stereo, on repeat when I’m fucking her later.

  The entire crew is here, minus Brecklynn— who’s in transit— and Mace. He’s in radiology getting a MRI and after an update, Deacon and I are going to sit with him. I take a seat next to Avery. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. It’s surreal. Emberlee . . .” her thoughts trail off but I understand. Lee Lee is gonna be a mom. I have no doubt in her ability but it’s hard to imagine.

  Brody hurries into the waiting room as Brecklynn scurries in. “I’m updating everyone. She’s four centimeters and dilating quick.” He’s green around the gills but the anticipation is contagious.

  “Go. She’ll want you.” Brecklynn hugs him as she pushes him towards the doors.

  “Actually, she sent me to get Avery.” I bite my cheek as Avery’s eyes grow wide and she’s on the verge of hyperventilating.

  “She wants me?” I squeeze her shoulder and nudge her to Brody.

  “Yep.” He turns to Emberlee’s mom. “She can have two people in there.”

  Natalie waves him off. “Those two were in diapers together. It’s fitting they welcome Emberlee’s daughter into the world.” I trek Avery as she disappears with Brody and turn to Deacon as Brecklynn intercepts me.

  “Have you heard from Mason?” She’s wringing her hands and shifting from foot to foot.

  “Yeah. He’s waiting for the results. We were waiting for you. Deacon and I are headed up.”

  “Want me to go?” Her eyes are hopeful and apprehensive.

  His text was clear. He’d allow Deacon and me . . . but refused anyone else. So, because of him I get to be the ass in this situation. “He asked you stay here. He doesn’t want us there but we kinda insisted.”

  “I get it.” She lies for shit. Damn Mason for putting me in this situation. I promised her from the beginning she was family and here I am treating her like a leper.

  “Hey— don’t worry. He’s tough.” I’m the liar now. I have no clue what we’re dealing with.

  “I know. Go. I’m good.” She brushes me off and turns to the rest of the waiting crew. I nod to Deacon and we take off towards Mason.

  “He needs to get his shit together with that girl.” Deacon seethes.

  “True. Cut him some slack today. You know what this will do to him.” Deacon’s muscles relax and he nods.

  “Yeah. I forget— just because ball isn’t my life
, it’s still his.” I was in Mason’s shoes a year ago . . . now I’m like Deacon— new dreams. New focus.

  We find Mace sitting in the chairs outside of radiology and his mouth is set in a firm line as he stares at the blank wall. Hearing our footfalls he glances up. “Everything good?”

  “Yep. Avery went in the room with her. Just a waiting game. What’s up here?” I stand next to him and Deacon shuffles to the other side.

  “Coach just went in with the doctor. They said they’d call me in that room in a few.” He exhales. “I don’t think it’s good.”

  “Hey. It’ll work out.” Deacon places a hand over his uninjured shoulder and squeezes. Mason’s laugh comes out sinister . . . joyless.

  “Yeah, DD? It’ll work out. Just like that. They tell me I can’t play ball and it’ll be fine in your world? Newsflash . . . my world isn’t yours.” He stands and moves a few feet from us.

  The doctor breaks our silent standoff. “Ready?” He nods to Mason but we both follow him in the tiny room. Images of his shoulder are pinned over some light box and the doctor points at different parts of his shoulder and rambles off some medical jargon.

  Bottom line— his season is over. Labrum injury. His career may be done. They don’t see many people come back from this type of injury and never one hundred percent healed. This is a moment you can’t prepare for— as a player or a friend. I can’t give him false platitudes and pep talk speeches. It’s bullshit and we all know it.

  “I’m not going up there.” He stares at us and fucking Deacon opens his mouth.

  “It’s Lee Lee. You really gonna miss her baby being born because of this?” He knows he shouldn’t push Mason but I understand.

  “Come on. Just a minute and I’ll take you home.” I exit . . . hoping he’ll follow.

  “I don’t need a fucking babysitter.” He bites. I don’t take his bait . . . and pray nobody else does either. He’s looking for a sparring partner.

  Mason comes to the waiting room and Brecklynn makes a beeline for him. I extract myself and sit down wishing I could talk to Avery. Breck flinches from Mason’s tone and him settling deeper into his rut. This is gonna be a long and bumpy road.

  The doors open and Brody struts to us. “Mom and daughter are great. Seven pounds exactly. Twenty-two inches long. Darby Ellington Collier.”

  Her parents are over the moon and Brecklynn flies to Brody. Shortstop starts wailing how unfair it is Lee Lee had an easy delivery but I’m thanking the heavens. That girl is a drama queen when she isn’t getting her way— thank you Darby for being sweeter than your momma. Brody and Breck share a moment and I step back . . . letting them bond over something. She heads to Mason and I step closer to intervene. “You hear?” She’s excited for them.

  “Yeah. I’m happy for them.” He says with as much enthusiasm as a man with erectile dysfunction.

  “You wanna come outside with me and call my mom? After, I’m going to see the baby.” His eyes narrow at her and I hold my breath.

  “No. I’m gonna head home. I’ll catch up with you later.” I pray she’ll let it go . . . no such luck.

  “Mason, did I do something?” He can’t screw this up.

  “No. I’m lousy company.” Truth.

  He storms from the waiting area and I close my arms around Breck. “I’m gonna skip the festivities. I’ve got him.”

  “Thanks.” Her voice is distant as she watches where he disappeared.

  “Don’t thank me. It’s what we do.” I tweak her nose and drop a kiss on her head.

  “Caden, how bad is it?” I wish I didn’t hear that wobble in her voice. Crying chicks I can’t handle.

  “Long run, we aren’t sure. Current time— he’s done. Pretty fucking bad.” I won’t sugarcoat it.

  “Done for good?”

  “At least the season.” And possibly forever.

  “Take care of him.” She begs me. Realization has hit her and she knows what the game is to him.

  “I will. Come over when you’re done. It may not seem like it, but he wants you. He doesn’t know how to reconcile everything. Baseball has been his center with everything else circling it. The ball is dropped and everything else crumbled with it. This is his identity and it’s in crisis.” She swallows down her emotions and nods.

  I run after Mason and he’s exiting the front when I catch him. “Let’s go. We have beer at home. I’ll follow you.”

  He nods and we walk to our cars. I wait until he’s in front of me and follow him home. My mind is racing and I send a quick text to Aves when I pull in the driveway.

  Me: Came home with Mason. Give Lee Lee a kiss and send me a pic of Darby.

  Picasso: All okay?

  Me: No. Call me or come over when you’re done.

  In that quick second Mason has disappeared inside . . . he didn’t wait for me. As I make my way to the living room, I’m enlightened as to why. A bottle of whiskey is tipped to his lips and a prescription bottle is resting on the table at his knees.

  “Really?” My eyebrows arch and his death stare and silence is my response. “Don’t start this, Mace.”

  “Don’t start your bullshit hearts and flowers shit, Caden.” Bottle back to his lips. Fuck, half the bottle is gone. I sit next to him . . . and let him stew. He needs to get it outta his system and once he’s had his pity party we can search for solutions.

  After a few moments, he starts swaying and the bottle splashes amber liquid over his leg. I grip the bottle and help him to bed. He falls face first and snores as his body relaxes. I pick up his mess and flop down with a sigh. I’m dozing as the door opens. Brecklynn comes in and stares at me. “What’s wrong?”

  “He’s hurting and I don’t know what to do.” I’m honest with her. She needs to know what she’s up against. “I was fifteen minutes behind him and he had half a bottle of whiskey gone with a pain pill. He’s so fucking lost and it’s only been a few hours. I’m scared.” Scared doesn’t describe the terror I experienced as I watched him tonight.

  “I’ll go check on him.” I love she’s trying to be brave.

  “Don’t take his words to heart. He’s being a dick.” I hope she heeds my words and I hope he’s down for the night. She’s gone for a few minutes and waves as she leaves, tears rimming her eyes and heart in her throat.

  I close my eyes and I’m woken up by Avery’s soft caress. “Hey baby.” She brushes her lips against mine . . . just a whisper of her sweetness.

  “Jesus, Aves.” I exhale and gather her close to me. I’m sure her air is being cut off but I need her next to me.

  “What’s wrong? Deacon told us about Mason and I know he’s taking it rough.” She pushes closer to me, knowing what I need.

  “I followed him home and by the time I texted you and got inside he was deep in a bottle of whiskey and pain pills. It’s too much for him to accept.” I feel like a pussy with the pressure behind my eyes but I know this is the beginning of a downfall for Mason. He has nothing to ground him besides Breck and I don’t know if he’ll reach for her or push her away. “Tell me about Darby.”

  Her face splits in a blinding smile and tears flood her eyes. “She’s beautiful. Ten fingers and toes. It reminded me of those first moments with Julie . . . you fall so completely in love and breathe them in. She is a mix in looks but favors Lee Lee— and Brody was growling if anyone mentioned the trouble she’d give him. He’s wrapped . . . like Mason with Julie.”

  “Lee Lee okay?” My shoulders coil— she’s a wild card.

  “Perfect. She’s a mom. Natural.” She looks at my face and laughs. “I know. She can be difficult but I swear I’ve never seen her like this. It seems like it’s second nature to her.”

  I take my first full breath in hours and sink into the couch with her cuddled to my side. “Is this safe?”

  “Yeah, Aves. He’s passed the fuck out.” I close my eyes and fall asleep with her next to me. I wake to her gone and I spring into Operation Mason Watch.

  Shit! They’re screaming and fi
ghting again . . . he’s gonna ruin her as he shreds his life.

  “Please repeat what you just said?” Brecklynn’s voice is shrill.

  “I can’t play and will have free time during Spring Break. Why don’t you just stay here with me?” Fucking – A, Mason. He’s hell bent on destroying himself and everyone close to him.

  He’s drinking and eating pills like they’re fucking sugar cubes. Brecklynn reminds him of their plans. “Chris arrives tomorrow night. I leave the next day. I’ve tried for days to console you, give you space, be your punching bag and today you wake up and ask me to pass up this opportunity because yours is on hiatus?”

  She entered the minefield. It’s gonna get explosive. “It isn’t on fucking hiatus, Brecklynn. It’s gone. I can’t fucking play.”

  “You don’t know that. They said it wasn’t torn and to rest it. You could be back in twelve weeks.” God, her intentions are there but she won’t win this battle.

  “When the season is over and my stats have tanked.” His condescending self is gonna get him laid on his ass.

  “BUT YOU CAN STILL PLAY!” She’s done. Snapped. I’ll be helping her bury a body. “Look at the bigger picture. Your dream isn’t over. It’s postponed.”

  “God, you’re naïve. Or dumb.” Abort mission, Mace. You never ever ever use that word with women. “My dream isn’t college ball. It’s the majors. And next season, my eligibility constraint is up. Without this season, I’m toast. Nobody is gonna look at me.”

  “Cry me a fucking river. From what you and everyone else tell me, you’re golden. You’re a damn phenomenon and you will get the opportunity. But not if you piss it away on booze and pills.” And she brought to light the real issue.

  And— he’ll deflect.

  “Fine. Go. Live your life— follow your dreams. Just go.” He didn’t just deflect . . . he through a grenade.

  “Are you going with us tomorrow?” She’s a saint. I’m ready to punch him for her.