Spencer (The Ninth Inning: Season Three #8)

by Lindsay Paige

  “Dad, what are you doing here? I still have two hours left!”

  He kisses her cheek and takes Grant from her before he falls out of her arms as he struggles to get to his grandpa. “Your mother must’ve told me the wrong time.” He faces me. “Hello, Spencer.” His voice has transformed from father to businessman. Or hitman.

  “Hello, Mr. Gardner.”

  When Harmony doesn’t explain my presence and Mr. Gardner doesn’t ask, he looks at her again. “Do you want me to come back?”

  She sighs. “No. He’s all excited about you now. He’ll probably cry if you leave. Come help me get his things together.”

  They both leave the room and a few minutes later, Mr. Gardner leaves with Grant.

  “You’re still here,” Harmony comments. “I figured you would’ve snuck out.” She walks past me to reclaim her seat, but I grab her wrist and pull her into my lap.

  My hand travels up her arm until I grab the back of her neck and pull her closer to me. “I feel like I should make up for my behavior.”

  “That would be nice.”

  I grin. “It’ll be way better than nice, darlin’.”

  “Prove it.”

  I start stripping her of her clothes, knowing that once I fuck her, I’ll be walking out the door within five to ten minutes. Just the way it should be.

  ***

  I LOVE MY childhood home. It’s the greatest place on this earth and the one place I want to be at all the time. The problem is, I never get to come home. I’m too damn busy.

  “Mom! Dad!” I announce myself coming in. I’m ready to eat and have a nice relaxed day. I stroll into the kitchen and scream. “Oh my God! What the hell?” I’m not able to cover my eyes quick enough to prevent seeing my dad and mom making out.

  “Harmony, stop. It’s not that bad.” Mom laughs.

  “Not that bad?” I repeat and slowly remove my hand from my face. “You were tonguing each other and Dad had his hands on your ass.” I gag. “You’re too old for all that…stuff.”

  Dad laughs. “We’re far from old.” He kisses Mom again.

  “Stop it right now!” I gag again. No child wants to picture their parents having sex. Talk about an instant mood killer.

  “What is all the shouting?” Sofia asks, coming into the kitchen with Blake and Grant.

  “Mom and Dad are dry humping in the kitchen,” I exclaim.

  “Harmony.” Blake cuts me a glare.

  “I didn’t say fuck.” I throw my hands in the air.

  “Harmony Rae, grow up.” Mom tells me, using the tone I know not to argue with.

  “Well, if there’s anything with white gravy on it, I sure as hell am not eating it,” I grumble, sitting at the breakfast bar, and Sofia holds her side, laughing.

  “How’s work going, Princess?” Dad changes the subject and it’s welcoming. I tell him the ins and outs of the happenings of Gardner Enterprise and Dad seems pleased with my actions.

  Mom calls for dinner being served. Sofia and I help her take everything into the dining room, and I take my place across from Mom, with Dad at the head of the table. Sofia is by Mom and Blake has Grant in the middle of them in the highchair.

  “So, Princess, why was Spencer O’Dell at your house last night?” Dad bites into his chicken.

  “Spencer O’Dell?” Mom gasps with excitement. “Are you dating?”

  “Mom,” I hold up my hand. “Calm down and don’t go off making wedding plans. We’re friends, nothing more.”

  She sighs and goes back to her food. “I can’t understand you, Harmony. You’re smart, beautiful, a bit outspoken, but a good person. Why don’t you have a relationship?” It’s the smart argument over and over again. For years she has tried to set me up with nice boys and nothing ever worked. I’m sure she’s none too pleased with the list of sexual partners, but she’s never been cross with me about it. She knows my reasons; she just can’t accept it.

  “Blake, how’s the world of baseball?” This time, I change the subject and hopefully it remains off me.

  Thankfully, through the rest of dinner, it does. Mom and Dad begin talking about their next trip as I kidnap Grant and take him upstairs. I go to my old room. I love my room and Mom has kept it the same since I left home. I’m not the type of girl to have posters all over the walls of boy bands and celebrities. Mine has pictures of big cities around the world. I love traveling, but I don’t do it anymore now. It’s okay because I want to be at work. I’m married to it and I’m happy there.

  I wash Grant’s face and take him to my bed. I lay down, and Grant curls up on my chest. Hell, this is all I need. My little, drooling, nephew is the male I need in my life. At least I know he loves me unconditionally. I rock back and forth as his hazel eyes close and he falls asleep. I rest my head back on the headboard and close my eyes as well until I hear someone coming up the stairs.

  “You were the last person I was expecting,” I comment as I open my eyes and Blake staring down at me.

  “I have a question.” He goes over to my desk chair and sits. “Why don’t you want a relationship?”

  “Blake, you’re the one person in my life who doesn’t hound me about this. Why now?”

  “I’m not hounding. I’m asking.”

  I stare at the hazel eyes that Grant inherited and sigh. “My soul mate is work. I don’t have time for love or all the ties that come with it. Sofia and Mom were lucky to find theirs, but I know there’s no one out there who can handle me. Handle isn’t even the right word. I think tolerate is the best for it. I cuss, I like things my way, and I don’t take bullshit from anyone. Know any guys who can deal with those qualities?”

  “Yes. Spencer,” he states firmly.

  “Blake, you’re spending way too much time with Sofia.”

  He chuckles. “Maybe, but I think you and Spencer are more alike than you think.”

  I gently rise from the bed and hand Grant to him. “I love you like a brother, and I’m so thankful Sofia found you because you mean the world to her, but Spencer and I have sexual chemistry and nothing more.”

  “Now, please tell me Mr. Ricker, why am I having dinner with such a lovely man?” I smile at him. Mr. Maurice Ricker is a family friend. He’s actually worked with Dad a lot over the years, and he is also the owner of the Memphis Angels.

  “Oh, I think it’s the other way around, sweetheart. I’m having dinner with a lovely woman.”

  I laugh as the waiter pours a glass of red wine for me. Mr. Ricker is as close to an uncle as Sofia and I have. He’s been bald for as far back as my memories can take me and as big as a giant. He never had a wife or children, and considers himself a life-long bachelor. He has a thick southern drawl and is the biggest sports fan who ever walked this Earth.

  “Mr. Ricker you know I adore you, but I’m slightly busy.” I want to try and get some more work in.

  “I’ve heard. Congratulations on taking over Gardner Enterprises.” He lifts his glass of hundred-year-old bourbon to toast, and I raise my wine glass. “It’s part of the reason I asked you here.”

  “And may I have the complete reason for this dinner?”

  “You know I love you and Sofia like my blood.”

  “I do. We love you as an uncle.” I tilt my head. “Are you ill?”

  “Hell no.” He boasts a laugh. “Every day I eat a steak, drink a half a bottle of bourbon, and smoke a full cigar. I’m as healthy as a horse.” He slaps his round belly.

  I laugh. “Well, I’m glad to hear you won’t be departing anytime soon.”

  Mr. Ricker leans forward. “However, right now I want to talk to Harmony Gardner, the owner of a seven billion dollar company and not the girl who ran around the Angel’s ball park for her fifth birthday.”

  I sit up straighter and look at him. “Okay. I’m ready.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m about to turn the big six-five, and I’ve been looking toward my future more, if you know what I mean.”

  I nod. “Dad did the same thing; it’s the reason he retire
d. Is that what’s happening?”

  “Yes, in a way. I’m not getting rid of all my companies and whatnots, but there is one that I want to discuss with you.”

  My curiosity is peaked. “Which one?”

  “The Angels.”

  My mouth drops. “What? The Angels. You’re selling the Angels?”

  He gives a sad smile and nods. “I acquired them almost thirty-five years ago. Oh, how I wanted to own a professional sports team. I practically did backflips the day I sighed on the dotted line.” He sips his drink. “But, when everything fell apart a couple seasons ago and I almost lost it all— heartbreak can’t even be described.”

  I hung my head slightly. I remembered when the entire Angels team was banned from ever playing professional baseball because of the drugs and illegal activities and how he had to rebuild the team from the ground up.

  “Anyway, I rallied back as I always do and look at us now. The number one team in the league with the top players.” He beams with pride. “I always want to go out on top, and I will.”

  I smile with him. “I’m proud of how the Angels have turned it around. But, I don’t understand why you’re telling me.”

  His light green eyes look at me. “I think of you as family and I know you love the Angels.”

  “I haven’t been to a game in forever,” I reply sadly. My family and I used to go all the time, but I haven’t been at all this season and Gardner Enterprises owns one of the boxes.

  “Because you like to work.”

  “Very true.” I nod. “Let’s cut to the point. You’re not a man who likes a run around and I’m not that type of girl.”

  Mr. Ricker chuckles. “I want to sell you the Angels.”

  My heart stops and all the air leaves my body. I don’t think I my ears are working right. He wants me to buy the Angels. The Angels.

  “I’ll sell the team to you for seven hundred million. That’s a steal.” He leans back in his chair, but I’m frozen. “Did I leave you speechless?”

  “I…I…Are you kidding me?”

  He shakes his head slowly. “I don’t joke about money or my Angels. It’s a take it or leave it offer too. I want to get my retirement in motion.”

  I gulp my wine down, trying to soothe my dry throat and mouth. “I can’t believe you’d offer this to me.”

  He bends down to the floor and pulls out a large folder. “This is for you. It’s a copy of expense reports and other things you will need to see.”

  “I don’t know how to run a sports team.” I’m not trying to sound weak, but this is something that’s well beyond my scope of knowledge.

  “I have an amazing team and staff. It practically runs itself. Of course, there’s a need for you to pull rank from time-to-time, but Harmony, this could be your baby.” He pushes the folder over to me, and my shaky hands take it.

  “When do you need an answer?”

  “You have forty-eight hours and then it’ll go to the highest bidder.”

  The past twenty-four hours I’ve spent over my dining room table, staring at all the expense reports Mr. Ricker gave me. I had our business attorney look over the contract as well, and it seems like a clear-cut deal. I give him seven hundred million dollars and Gardner Enterprise owns the Angels.

  I have one hurdle left and I’m about to knock on their door.

  “Come in Harmony.” Blake answers the door and I step into their house. “Sofia tells me this is a business meeting.”

  I nod. It’s killing me not to tell them but they just got back today from a week-long road trip. I even ignored Spencer’s booty call text because I have eighteen hours left to give Mr. Ricker an answer

  I walk into their living room and sit in the chair. Blake yells for Sofia and soon, she’s jogging down the stairs. Blake gives her a serious look, and I smile because he would much rather she walk slowly since she’s carrying their second baby.

  “All right, Sissy. What’s this all about?”

  “First, this is serious. I need you to not be my sister and sort-of brother-in-law. I do need you to be the parents and controllers of Grant’s and Baby Foster’s shares.” I pull out two folders and hold them tightly to my chest. “I’ve been made an offer to purchase something huge. Not small. H-U-G-E and you both need to have an open mind.”

  “Harmony, you’re scaring me a bit. What is it?” Sofia scoots closer toward me on the couch.

  “Mr. Ricker is selling the Angels, and he wants me to buy it. I mean, Gardner Enterprise to buy it.” I rush it out so fast I’m not sure if they understood.

  “He’s selling the Angels? Why?” Sofia squeaks.

  “Cutting down on his work load. He is getting older and wants less work and more play things,” I explain.

  “Are you seriously thinking about this?” Blake asks, and I hand them both the folders.

  “This the past two season expense and profit reports. I also had a projections run for the next five season basing on the popularity of the Angels and possible inflation scenarios. I already had the lawyer go over the contract and it looks good too. I figured it would though.”

  They both take a minute to look through the excel sheets I had created.

  “How much is this going to cost?” Blake asks, still studying the sheets.

  “It’s actually a steal at seven hundred million dollars.”

  They both whip their heads up with shocked expressions. “Fuck,” is all Blake says and Sofia looks as if she’s about to faint.

  “The stadium is owned by the corporate sponsors so none of those expenses are on us. As you can see, it’s the players, equipment, staff, and stuff like that,” I further explain.

  Sofia shuts the folder and sits it on the table in front of her. “Harmony, I’m not trying to be rude, but what does Dad say.”

  “I haven’t said anything to him. This is our company now, and it’s our decision,” I state firmly. I’m not trying to be a bitch, but this is a big move and one that’ll put our name out there more. “Plus, by all rights, I don’t even have to ask you,” I remind them both. However, I would never be cruel to them.

  “Harmony, what do you want to do?” Blake asks.

  “I want to go for it. I also have a backup plan,” I say proudly.

  “Which is?” Sofia huffs.

  “If we feel this is too much for us a few season down the road, then we can sell off parts of our shares to other investors to offset the costs. However, the popularity is growing for the Angels, and I see a long term business opportunity here.”

  Sofia rubs her head and Blake stares at her. “I can honestly say I never thought I’d be part owner of a baseball team,” he jokes, and Sofia looks over at him.

  “This is a lot of money and hard to recoup.” Sofia seems angry now.

  “That’s not true,” I tell her. “Look at the numbers; we can do this.” I wait for her to pick up the folder again and flip the pages again. I notice Blake trying to hide his smile. “My vote is yes. Blake?”

  “Well,” he clears his throat. “I’m not a number nerd, but I’ve handled my money all through my life, and I think this seems to be a great investment.”

  “Sofia?” I eye her and hope she says yes. I’m suddenly very excited.

  “What about Spencer?” she blurts out.

  “Huh? Spencer?”

  “Yes, it’s unethical to sleep with employees.” Sofia crosses her arms and stares me down.

  I roll my eyes. “Are you kidding me? First, I’m just fucking him. So, don’t think there’s some underlying fairy tale. Second, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be the first owner to bang an employee. Now, find another excuse why we shouldn’t do this or vote yes.” I cross my arms to match her pose and wait.

  It takes a full minute for Sofia to say something. “If we start losing profits then we need to enact plan B.”

  I clap and jump up to hug her. “And you told Dad you didn’t have the business smarts.” I kiss her cheek. “Well, family, we are now the proud owners of the Memphis Angels.
”

  I want to celebrate so badly with them and maybe even call Spencer, but I decide it’s best to wait until all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. Besides, I already have someone I’m meeting. Sofia made me promise to call Dad and tell him first thing in the morning. I do just to get her off my back. I love her, but she’s a nagger at times.

  I call Mr. Ricker and tell him right away and let him know I’m going to have all the paperwork sent over to him first thing in the morning. He’s happy and so am I.

  Spencer: What time do you want me to come over?

  Me: Sorry. I have plans. Next time.

  I hate ditching him, but tonight I’m meeting up with William Taylor. I adore him more than any other friend of mine in this world, and he’s only passing through town for one night. I even jumped up and down when he called me.

  Tonight, I rented a VIP room at The Place, an up and coming night club. I’m almost thirty years old, and can’t remember the last time I’ve been in a club. Hell, it probably was with William when we were in Europe in our early twenties, but I’m going tonight. I find my tightest dress, highest heels, over do my makeup, put big curls in my hair, and call Larry. I call Larry because I know I’m going to be drinking a lot, and I tell Claire to clear the following morning, because I know I’ll be hung-over.

  I sit in the VIP room, which is on the second floor with a balcony looking over the dance floor, and sip my cranberry vodka drink.

  “There she is. The love of my life.”

  I jump up from chair and throw my arms around his neck. “How’s my British beau?” I tease him.

  “Bloody brilliant now that you’re in my arms.” William’s thick accent makes me laugh. His hair is short and light brown. He is in dark jeans, a light colored Polo, and a blazer.

  “Oh only if you weren’t gay.” I pout and then laugh releasing his neck. “Wow, you look like someone’s trying to get laid.” William’s the most fashionable man in the entire world. No one can rock a Tom Ford suit like he can.

  “I only want to be laid by you, my love.” He kisses my cheeks. “But I’d have to be so drunk first.”