Chapter 36

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Drake

"I guess a little controversy was all it took to get the fire back in Bad Ball Hitter's bat."

"The apology letter he issued to the fans seemed to settle the speculation and rumors swirling around him."

"The fans were quick to jump on anything negative given the discourse of contract rumors."

"Drake didn't confirm. It's just speculation at this point."

"Let's get through this season and see where we land. With the winning streak, we're back in contention."

"Can we talk tonight?" I sent the text to Lila, hoping I get more than the one to two-word responses she's been sending as of late. I step off the elevator and round the corner of the hallway leading to my hotel room. The boys are hitting up the bar at the hotel, but I'm not feeling it. I've stayed holed up in my room this entire stretch of away games. There is one more to go, and then I can return home, where we can play the last remaining games to finish the season, and Lila and I can talk.

I knew this would be her reaction once she learned about Darci. And who can blame her for the way she found out? Fuck! I can't imagine anything more brutal. I should've told her the moment I suspected. Hell, I should've told her about Darci the night she was sick. She would've figured it out independently and come to terms faster. But no. I put my selfish needs first.

Just as I've done my entire life.

God, I destroy everything I touch. I've more than proven that she'd be better off without me, but I won't go down without a fight. Not this time. There's been too many years lost between us. She's mine. Jake's mine, regardless of what some results on a test say.

"Drake."

I stiffen at the sound of Kaplan's voice. I am not in the mood to put up with his shit tonight.

I turn to face him. "Dior."

His face is gaunt as he runs a hand through his hair. "Look, there's no good way to say this, so I'm just going to apologize for being a dick to you."

I stare at him. This has to be a joke, right? Kaplan randomly apologizing makes no sense. "Why the sudden change?"

"I want to win."

When he doesn't continue, I nod. "Yeah?"

"We wouldn't be where we are in the standings without you." He clasps his jaw shut and looks away. "Had we kept Rob, we wouldn't have a chance."

"More than likely, but you can't say that for sure."

"No. You've driven in a lot of RBIs this season, and your batting average is stellar. His ... not so much. And I feel bad for treating you this way. I was angry and jealous."

I raise an eyebrow. His admission intrigues me. What would an All-Star pitcher have to be jealous of a catcher? Our positions are entirely different.

Then it hits.

This isn't about baseball. It's about Miranda.

"You were jealous over me and Miranda's relationship?"

He averts his gaze. "Yeah, you're not the only one I've treated poorly."

I have to give it to the guy. He looks rather miserable. Whatever he's selling, I'm buying because I almost feel sorry for him.

"If you like her, why don't you ask her out?"

"I think I burnt that bridge." He shakes his head. "I'm getting off-topic. I also need to apologize for the rumors."

The hair on the back of my neck stands erect. Surely, he didn't say what I thought he did. "I think I misunderstood you. It sounded an awful lot like an admission."

He hangs his head and nods. "I told Miranda about the possibility of you being Jake's dad."

"What?" My voice is lethal, my temper flaring.

"In my defense, I didn't think she'd run to the press."

My eyes slam shut as another ripple of anger works its way through. I should've known Miranda wouldn't back off that easily. I almost laugh. In fact, I think I did. I know I made some deranged sound.

"How the hell did you know?"

"I overheard you telling Rappel back in San Diego."

"Oh, you're the rat."

"I know. Man, I'm so sorry."

"No. I thought…" I chuckle at what I thought. "I thought there was an actual rat. Fuck. I can't believe you screwed me over like this."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize Miranda would do this. I'd never intentionally hurt the team like that."

"You hurt more than the team. We're talking about life here. I was going to tell them." I banged my fist against the door so hard that the glass-framed wall hanging shook. No, this is my fault. I should've told them sooner. I will take responsibility for my actions for once, but I will talk to Miranda.

Turning to face Kaplan, I stare at him straight on. "Let's put the past behind us. I should've told her sooner, and that's on me. All I want from you is to win a championship.

"Let's win a championship."