Out of My League, Part 2

by Cummin, Sharon

  “You look busy,” she said.

  “I'm just trying to figure some things out,” I said.

  “Get ready,” she said, as if what I'd just said didn't matter at all. “We're going to play some ball. I need to be there this morning.”

  When I looked up from the laptop at her, she shook her head.

  “Now,” she said. “We leave in fifteen minutes.”

  When my door closed, I looked down at the clock on the bottom of my screen and couldn't believe two hours had gone by. I bookmarked the pages I had been looking at and put the laptop aside. Then I got ready as quickly as I could. There was no way I was making Sammie wait. I could tell by the look on her face that she was not in the mood to be messed with. I'd even managed in that short amount of time to actually pick out some decent clothes, style my hair, and put on a bit of makeup.

  When I walked into the living room to see Lauren sitting on the couch with a tired look on her face, I couldn't help but laugh. It was pretty obvious that she didn't feel like going anywhere. I was actually looking forward to it. I couldn't believe it myself.

  “Wow,” I heard her say.

  “What?” I asked.

  “There's hope for you yet,” she replied with a smile.

  “Shut up,” I said.

  “What's the occasion?” she asked sarcastically.

  “Occasion?” I asked.

  “You actually brushed your hair,” she said with a smile. “You got a hot date or something?”

  “Very funny,” I said. “One asshole is enough to deal with for me.”

  “What?” I heard Sammie ask, as she came around the corner.

  “Nothing,” I answered. “Are we going or what?”

  “I can't believe you actually seem like you want to go,” Sammie said.

  “Can't imagine why,” Lauren whispered, as she stood up from the couch. “Let's get this over with.”

  When we walked into the building, I caught myself looking around.

  “What are you looking for?” I heard Sammie ask, as she stood watching me.

  “Nothing,” I said.

  Sammie walked away, and Lauren stepped closer to me.

  “I bet I know,” she said.

  “No you don't,” I replied.

  “Oh really,” she whispered, as she got even closer. “I'm no fool.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, as I quickly turned to her.

  “They might all miss it,” she said, pointing toward Sammie and Lance who had just walked out from her office, “but I don't.”

  “You're crazy,” I said.

  “Am I?” she asked. “I don't recall the last time anyone else hung out together around the corner of the building, beside the two of you that is.”

  “What?” I asked much louder than I planned.

  “He's not coming,” she said with a smile. “He's at a meeting.”

  “He had one yesterday,” I said, before I even thought about it.

  “Oh did he?” she asked. “How do you know that?”

  “He mentioned it on his way out,” I said, as if it were common knowledge.

  “While you were watching his ass?” she asked with a smirk.

  “I was not,” I snapped in a whisper.

  “Come on,” she said. “Your eyes were glued to it.”

  “Whatever,” I snapped. “Don't you have something to do, like give Lance a pregnancy report?”

  “Very funny,” she said, as we both looked over to see Lance coming our way. “You won't be laughing one of these days.”

  “I don't think so,” I said, as I walked toward Sammie. “Throw the ball around with me.”

  I felt a tiny bit of pride each time I threw correctly. There hadn't been time to show Parker the day before, but the next time he was there, I was going to let him see that I had skills too, just like the rest of the family. I couldn't help but want him to see that I wasn't who he thought I was, even if I was beginning to think he might be right.

  When we got back to Sammie's, I went right to my room and got on the laptop again. The whole time I was working, all I could think about was Parker. How did Lauren know he was at a meeting, I wondered? She seemed to really be keeping track of him. Why? Ugh! Stop it, I quietly scolded myself. Each time I thought about him, I looked over at the phone James had gotten me. When I couldn't take it anymore, I picked it up, along with the piece of paper beneath it. I pushed the button on the side and brought the phone to life. Then I went into the contacts. There was no way I needed Parker's number sitting on my nightstand, even if it didn't have his name along with it. My fingers hovered over the phone, as I thought about what name I should set with his number. If James, Sammie, or one of the kids got my phone, I wouldn't want it to say Parker. Then I'd have to answer questions I didn't know the answers to. Why did I have his number would probably be the first one they'd ask, and I honestly wasn't sure why he gave it to me or why I kept it when he did. Once I had his number programmed, I tore the paper into tiny pieces and threw them away. Then I got back to work.

  By the time dinner was over, which I didn't even eat, and I was back in my room, I'd thought about calling him at least a hundred times. I knew it was crazy. He probably hadn't thought about me once since he'd walked out that door after giving me his number. I'd made progress in my research and was pretty sure I'd found the forms I needed to fill out and turn in with the court. If I was right, that would give me until after Christmas to talk to James about the money for a lawyer. What more could I ask for? Then I started thinking. What if they weren't the right ones? What if I missed something? I couldn't lose the kids. There was no way Jeff was taking them away from me.

  When I couldn't take it a moment longer, I closed the lid on the laptop and let out a long breath. Then I fell back onto the bed and closed my eyes. A vision of Parker standing in that suit popped into my head, and I sat up. He wouldn't have given me the number if he didn't want me to use it, I thought. One call, I whispered to myself. What could be the harm in one call? I grabbed my phone and tapped around until my finger hovered over his number. Then I tapped it and sucked in a long breath as the phone rang.

  “Hello,” he said, sounding almost as if he was trying to catch his breath.

  “Parker?” I asked.

  “Yes,” he said.

  “This is Cassie,” I said in almost a whisper.

  “Oh, princess,” he said. “I was wondering if you were going to actually use that paper or throw it away.”

  “You didn't actually want me to use, did you?” I asked in a serious tone.

  “If I didn't want you to call, I wouldn't have given you the number,” he said. “Hold on a second.”

  I heard a tap and then noises of something moving around. Then I heard his voice again.

  “Sorry about that,” he said.

  “I should just let you go,” I said.

  “No,” he said. “I'm glad you called.”

  “Really?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Did you not have anyone else to fuck with today?”

  “Oh, I had plenty of others to fuck with,” he said with a laugh. “Maybe I'd just rather fuck with you.”

  “Not funny,” I said.

  “Not sure funny was what I was going for, princess,” he replied.

  I heard more noises coming through the phone as he spoke.

  “Are you sure you're not busy?” I asked.

  “Not at all,” he said. “I just walked in, so I'm changing into something more comfortable. I'm not a suit and tie kind of guy. I only wear them when I'm forced to.”

  “Wow!” I said with a laugh of my own. “I can't believe anyone could force you to do anything.”

  “There are a few people,” he said in a serious tone. “Sometimes I'd like to tell them all to fuck off.”

  “Why don't you?” I asked.

  “How do you say it again?” he asked, right before answering his own question. “It's complicated.”

  “Very funny,” I said.


  “So,” he said, “What was it that had you tearing up yesterday?”

  “You don't waste time, do you?” I asked.

  “I'm a very busy man,” he said. “I have no time to waste.”

  “Oh really?” I asked sarcastically. “What is it that keeps Pete Parker busy besides playing baseball with kids?”

  “I asked you a question first,” he said.

  “That one is too complicated. Ask me an easier one first,” I said with a laugh.

  “That was the easier one,” he said sternly.

  “Oh,” I said.

  For a few seconds, neither of us said anything.

  “Well,” he said. “Out with it.”

  “It was nothing,” I said. “I was just having a rough day.”

  “A rough day?” he asked.

  “Yep,” I repeated. “A rough day.”

  “What about the other days?” he asked.

  “What about them?” I questioned.

  “Were they just rough days too?” he asked.

  “It's,” I began, but he cut me off.

  “Don't give me that shit,” he snapped. “You need to talk, Cassie. You can't keep that shit inside. Believe me, I know.”

  “How would you know?” I asked.

  “I asked you first,” his voice was coming out much rougher than before.

  “No,” I said.

  “What do you mean no?” he snapped out.

  “I can't talk about it right now,” I said.

  “Where are you?” he asked.

  “I'm at James' house,” I answered.

  “You can't talk because you don't want to or because of where you are?” he asked.

  “Where I am,” I said.

  “I'm assuming they don't know then,” he said.

  “Not entirely, or not even close actually,” I said.

  I heard a light clicking noise I'd never heard before. Then it hit me. The fucker was typing something on his phone while he was talking to me. It didn't sound the same as it had on my old phone, but that was definitely what was going on.

  “I'll talk to you later,” I said. “You sound busy.”

  “Would you hold on a second,” he said. “Why are you so bossy?”

  “I'm not bossy,” I snapped.

  “You definitely are,” he said, as I heard another sound. “Check your text.”

  “What?” I asked.

  “It's not like you haven't used a phone before. The damn thing was glued to you that one day,” he said. “Check your text.”

  “This one is new and totally different,” I said, defending myself.

  I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked at the screen.

  “What is that?” I asked.

  “My address,” he said. “I'm only five minutes from James and Sammie's house. Come over.”

  “What?” I asked quickly. “No.”

  “What do you mean no?” he huffed out.

  “Exactly what you think I mean,” I said. “I can't just come over there.”

  “Why the fuck not?” he snapped.

  “What am I going to tell Sammie? I'll be back later. I'm going to Parker's?” I asked. “That is not happening. What would she think of me?”

  “What does that mean?” he asked. “What's wrong with me?”

  “Nothing,” I said. “That's not it at all.”

  “Glad to hear there's nothing wrong with me,” he said with a snicker.

  “Screw you,” I snapped.

  “Really?” he asked, mocking shock. “Cassie. That's a bit forward.”

  “Shut up,” I growled out.

  “Come over,” he said, “and not for that. I don't just drop my pants for anyone. I want to talk. You say you can't do it there, so you'll do it here.”

  “I don't know about that, Parker,” I said.

  “You don't have to stay long,” he said.

  “You don't care,” I said. “Why would you?”

  “Listen, Cassie,” he said. “There's something going on with you, and I'm thinking it has to do with your husband. I've been through some shit myself, so I get it.”

  “It's not that bad,” I said, and I instantly regretted lying to him. “Maybe it is. Ugh! I don't know.”

  “Come over,” he said.

  “Parker,” I said. “It's bound to turn into.”

  “Cassie,” he sternly cut me off. “I'm hanging up now. You've got fifteen minutes to get here.”

  “If I don't?” I asked.

  “Don't show up and find out.”

  “Come on, you know damn well you aren't going to show up here. There is no way,” I said.

  “I'm setting my timer, princess,” he said, and I knew he had a smile on his face, I could hear it.

  “I need longer,” I said.

  “Wow! What a confession,” he said.

  “Oh my, Parker,” I said. “That is not what I meant. I need more time. I have to get ready.”

  “No, you don't,” he said with a laugh. “You can't look any worse than you did yesterday. Hurry your ass up and get over here. I stopped for food, and there's enough for both of us.”

  I was so shocked by his words that I couldn't even speak. After a moment, he broke the silence.

  “Cassie,” he said.

  “Yes,” I said.

  “Did you hear me?” he asked.

  “Oh, I heard you,” I said, still shocked by what had just come out of his mouth.

  “So hurry up,” he said. “The clock starts now. Bye.”

  Before I could even get a word out, he was gone. I looked down at my phone and pulled up a text.

  Me: Can you promise me that everything I say to you will stay between us? That means nothing to James, Sammie, Lance, Lucy, Lancie, Lauren, or anyone else.

  A few seconds later, I heard the ding, looked down, and couldn't help but laugh.

  Wannabe: I do, as long as you promise never to repeat anything I say either.

  Me: I promise.

  Wannabe: Now that that's out of the way, you better hurry. Time is ticking, princess.

  I grabbed my purse, threw my phone into it, grabbed my keys, and then stopped to look in the mirror. My hair was on top of my head in a pile, and pieces were sticking out of the pile everywhere. I thought about fixing it. Then I let out a laugh and walked down the stairs.

  It was early, but the kids were all in bed, and Sammie had fallen asleep on the couch. I was pretty sure James had gone over to Lance's house. Quietly, I walked to the front door, opened it, and closed it behind me. That was much easier than I thought it was going to be, I thought, as I walked down the porch steps.

  When I pulled up outside of Parker's apartment building, I wasn't surprised at all. It looked average, and that seemed how he did things, except that far from average suit he'd been wearing the day before. I checked the apartment number before walking toward the door, taking a deep breath, and lifting my hand to knock.

  It wasn't long before the door in front of me opened, and I lost my ability to speak. Standing in front of me was a naked, muscular chest with tiny beads of water clinging to it. My eyes moved down from the chest to the just as fit abs. Then they followed the line of hair and v that lead beneath a pair of sweats that were just barely hanging on. When my eyes moved back up, they connected with his for just a second before moving up to see his freshly combed, damp hair. When he cleared his throat, they moved back down to his.

  “You going to stand there all day while those pretty eyes fuck me, or are you going to come in?” he asked.

  “At least something about me is pretty,” I said, as I let out a huff and walked right by him.

  “What?” he asked.

  “ You can't look any worse than you did yesterday,” I said in a tone that mocked his earlier one.

  “It was a joke,” he said. “I think it's cute that you plop your hair on top of your head like that.”

  “Shut up,” I said, as I walked into his living room.

  My eyes scanned the room, and it t
ook all I had not to laugh or say something totally crazy. There was Pirate stuff everywhere. It was definitely a bit much. Fan was not the correct word for what I was seeing. I had to wonder if Sammie and James knew exactly how big of a fan he was? There were balls, jerseys, and signs. There were even team pics on the walls in his hallway. I couldn't make out what years they were from, and I didn't care. I'd already seen enough of those for one lifetime.

  I could feel his eyes on my back, but he didn't say anything.

  “How were your meetings yesterday and today?” I asked.

  “How did you know I had one today?” he asked. “Are you stalking me?”

  “No,” I said. “I have better things to do with my time, but I'm not sure Lauren does.”

  “Lauren told you,” he said. “How did I come up in conversation?”

  “Are you going to tell me how they went or not?” I snapped.

  “If I didn't know better, I'd say you sounded jealous,” he said. “There's no reason to be. Lauren is married to Lance, and she is having his baby.”

  “Shut up,” I said, as I walked over and plopped down on his couch. “Do you think you could put a shirt on?”

  “I guess,” he said. “I wouldn't think it would be that tempting looking at me, but if that's what it takes for you to concentrate, then I'll get one.”

  I rolled my eyes, as he turned to walk down the hallway. My eyes went straight to his ass, and he quickly put his hands behind him to cover it.

  “And you're worried about me,” he said. “Damn, Woman.”

  “In your dreams,” I yelled after him.

  “More like yours,” he yelled out, as he walked into what I assumed was his bedroom. “What exactly was I doing in your dream anyway?”

  “Being a pain in my ass,” I yelled back.

  Within seconds, I saw his upper half lean through the doorway.

  “Do not say it,” I said. “I don't know what I was thinking.”

  “I do,” he said with a smile, as he walked into the hall while pulling a white t-shirt over his head. “You were thinking about my cock being buried.”

  “Stop,” I snapped, cutting him off, as I stood up from the couch. “I'm going to go.”