9. Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Andrew

Koa is a few years younger than me, but we hit it off right away. We've been close since he was signed to the Sharks. He's got a good head on his shoulders, so I'm not ashamed to admit when I need his advice. And I really need it now, because right after I messaged Lottie that I had something important to tell her, she seemingly ghosted me.

I'm in a battle between my mind and my heart. One says I need to tell Lottie the truth about my career, while the other says I should wait and let her get to know me first.

"You can't lie to her. The whole reason she doesn't want to date athletes is because one lied to her in the worst possible way," Koa says. He's working his legs alongside me so I don't push my shoulder too hard. The steady clang of weights echoes in the room with no one else in the gym but us.

"Yes, the honest and respectable part of my brain knows that. It's the selfish part that needs to get on board. She's a catch, for sure."

"You can tell that by one date? I'm just saying, you don't date much. I'm not saying she's not great, just that you might be playing it up more in your head." Koa's slanted eyes and passive tone make me question my date with Charlotte for a moment. Did I make it out in my head to be better than it was? Has loneliness made me desperate for a connection? Something that might distract me from the fact that I can't play right now?

"We're supposed to talk tonight. I guess I'll find out." I grunt and lower the weights while my calves burn. "And then I'll tell her I'm a baseball player and listen to the slamming of the phone ring in my ear."

"Kind of hard to slam a cell phone with the same effect, Mr. Dramatic. If it's meant to be, it'll work out. Tell her the truth. Tell her you respect her position, but you'd like to see if you can be friends. Spend time together. Let her get to know you without the pressure. She'll see you're someone she can depend on and your profession doesn't change that."

"It sounds doable when you put it like that." I lift and lower my legs as the burn of fatigue really sets in. I don't want to overstress my knees—only one joint at a time to worry about, thanks—so I stand and stretch before grabbing my water bottle.

"Don't get me wrong. She sounds like a keeper from what you said, but yeah, you should tell her when you talk to her tonight. Try not to rush into it, too. I get wanting to find someone, but this is fast." Koa finishes his rep and joins me at the water fountain. "How did you find her? This was kind of sudden."

"Uh, through a friend. Yeah, it just came up." I take a swig of water to hide my guilt. Technically, what I said was true. I did meet Lottie through a friend in the most roundabout way anyone can, but since the app is by referral only, I don't dare risk telling Koa about it. Yet. If it works out, I might send it his way. "Might as well start looking for love now that I'm almost retired."

"Listen, man, you know Doc will fix you up and you'll finish out the season. If you take care of your shoulder over the break, there's no reason you can't squeeze in another year. We need you."

"Marcus is nothing to scoff at. I mean, I do scoff because he's a frustrating kid, but he's going to take my job eventually. Might as well be sooner rather than later if I'm going to have this much trouble with my body."

Koa pauses with his water bottle halfway to his lips. "Are you saying you're going to retire? On purpose?"

I cap my bottle and swallow. "I've thought about it. I'm not gonna lie. Seems easier than worrying about when I'll ruin my shoulder beyond repair. I haven't decided, but when I do I'll talk to you about it first."

"Won't be the same without you. I understand your point, but I have to ask, is that all this woman is about?" Koa sips his water, eyes glued to me. I'm sure he's searching for any sign I'm holding back on him.

"No, not all of it. I've always wanted a family, but baseball came first. You know how hard it is. Owen set the date up, and when I met her I just… knew. I don't mean to say I know she's the one, only that she could be. I'd sure like to spend some time finding out." My lips tug into a grin thinking about her profile picture. After meeting and spending a little time with Lottie, I can honestly say it fits her.

Koa checks his watch and scowls. "I've got batting practice. Lemme know how your talk with her goes tonight. I'll be praying for you."

"Thanks. I don't know how concrete her resolve is about it, but I have a feeling I'll need all the help I can get if I want to change her mind about athletes."

He smirks and says, "Tell her we play baseball. We don't take shots to the head on a regular basis like her ex. We still have most of our brain cells intact."

I chuckle but he's not wrong. Still, I don't think that's exactly the way to get what I want with Lottie. Something tells me she wouldn't take too kindly to me insulting someone, even if he is her cheating ex. I have to find out what his name is so I can look him up, see if I know anyone who knows him, and maybe send his info to my sister to do a little social media stalking. If he's local, then he probably plays for the Savannah Arctic, another sports team owned by the same family that owns the Sharks.

"You know anyone who plays for the Arctic?" I wipe down my equipment and drop the dirty towel in the laundry bin while Koa thinks.

"Nah, not really. I used to know a guy back when we all hung out at Delmonico's but he got traded two years ago. You sure he plays for the Arctic?"

"I assume so, but I guess he might play for another team. I got the feeling he was local, but I could be wrong."

"I don't know. I'll ask my cousin. He follows the Arctic. Maybe he can tell me who had a recent break up, but does it really matter? Knowing who the guy is won't change how she feels right?"

This brings a deep frown to my lips. I don't know why I need to see this guy's face. Maybe it's to put a face to the annoyance I feel every time I think about someone hurting Lottie—or any woman for that matter—the way he did.

"Doesn't matter, I guess. I'm curious is all." I snatch my keys from the bench and nod my goodbye. "Have a good practice. See ya later."

"Yeah, man. Talk soon."

We part ways and I think back over our conversation. It's possible Lottie's ex plays for the Charleston team, maybe even Jacksonville or a little farther out. That could put a strain on the relationship too, perhaps entice a weak-willed man to cheat. But Koa is probably right. It doesn't matter, and if Lottie wants me to know who he is, then she'll tell me.

My ride home is uneventful except for a brief stop at the grocery store to pick up the things my sister requested for my meal prep this week. I have no clue what she's planning to make, but half of the ingredients aren't carried at my usual store. I'd stop at another, but there's a good chance Goblin will decide my living room floor is a perfectly acceptable bathroom if I don't get home and let him outside.

As usual, Goblin's nose is pressed to the window when I arrive and pull into the garage. Nancy isn't home, so I'm free to head inside for some lunch and relaxation—which amounts to catching up on all of the major league games I've missed.

And playing with Goblin.

And maybe stalking the Arctic's players page while worrying that I scared Lottie off with my cryptic message. I'm not ashamed to admit that this has become an obsession, primarily because this guy has made my life difficult. There is every reason to believe that things with Lottie could be so easy if not for this hiccup. Of course, it's hard to say that for sure after one date, but if the woman she presented to me last night is the real Lottie Clarke, then I want in. I want to claim every free night she has to get to know her better. I want to be the man she thinks about instead of him, and show her that just because I'm an athlete, doesn't mean I'm an imbecile.

A knock on my door interrupts me on the fourth single player's page, which is probably a good thing since I actually enjoy watching hockey and scouring the website has made me resent people I don't even know.

On the other side of the door is my sister holding two grocery bags and wearing a big smile. "You forgot again, didn't you?"

I try to grin my way out of it, but I definitely forgot she was coming over while doing unnecessary recon. "How could I forget my favorite sister?"

She pushes past me with a groan of indignation. "I'd love to believe that but seeing as I am your only sister and you say that all the time, I don't. How are you doing?" As she unpacks the groceries ready to dig into meal prep—because she knows me well enough to know I didn't get half of what she requested—she glances up to see if I'm lying.

"It hurts. Not gonna lie, but it's been worse." I bite into an apple she left on the counter and lean against the wall. "How have you been?"

Layne blows hair from her face and checks the expiration date on a carton of milk I forgot about. "You know. Same old, I guess. Working, reading historical romance, and pretending there are real men out there in the world who still have manners and chivalry."

"Hey," I say, throwing my free hand in the air. "I have that. And I went on a date last night."

Layne freezes and practically turns her head all the way around like an owl. "Did you say you went on a date?" I nod which prompts her to shove the bags in the fridge and escort me to the sofa. She shoves me down and flops beside me, elbows on her knees, and her head resting on her fisted hands. "Tell me every detail. Don't leave anything out."

"Wow." I can't help how wide my eyes get while watching her salivate.

"Look, it isn't every day my big brother has a date. My love life sucks, so I'll have to live vicariously through yours. Was it great?"

My cheeks warm, which is odd in itself since I'm not easily flustered, but in front of my little sister it's downright embarrassing.

"Oh, this must be good. Come on, Drew, tell me!" She tucks her dark hair behind her ears and grins like the annoying little sister she's always been. Still, it might be good to get her perspective on the situation.

"It was pretty great, actually. Owen set me up on the date and that's how we met. First date was last night, and she's…" I pause to consider how I should describe Lottie and decide showing her the profile picture is probably the best way. I pull out my phone and open the app. "This is her. She's sweet and fun and just…she's…kind of perfect, except for one thing."

Layne arches an eyebrow and glances at the image. "Okay, she looks like fun, but what's the one thing? Setting aside the fact that there is probably more than one, but I'm listening."

"She's not interested in dating athletes. Her ex cheated on her and he plays hockey, probably for the Arctic since I'm pretty sure he's local. I didn't get a chance to tell her that I play baseball, but I think it'll be a deal breaker for her."

"What? That's crazy!" She shrugs. "I mean, I guess on one hand I get it. She's trying to protect her heart and she associates athletes with being cheating jerks, but that's not you."

"Yeah, I already know that, genius, but I can't force the woman to change her opinion."

She chews her lower lip and glances between Lottie's image and me. "When are you going to see her again?"

I lean back on my sofa and ignore the crinkling sound the leather makes. I hate the sound, but our mother picked out the thing so I try not to be a jerk and wince. "She's supposed to call me tonight when she gets home. I guess I'll tell her and see what happens. I don't have much of a choice."

"That stinks. I'm sorry, Drew. I can see how excited you are after one date, but try to keep that in mind. It was one date, and there's a chance she's not as perfect as you think she is. First dates can be deceiving, right?"

She sounds like Koa.

Scratching my beard, I stand and head to the sliding door to let Goblin outside. He'll just annoy my sister for scraps while she cooks and preps my meals, and it gives me a chance to think about what she said before responding. Goblin goes straight for the slide like I knew he would.

"I guess you're right, but we clicked, you know? I wanted to see if we could grow something from that like Mom and Dad."

She chuckles. "Mom and Dad are the exception, not the rule and you know it. Getting married after three months of dating and staying married for thirty-five years is insane for most people."

"Your support in this matter is overwhelming, you know," I say, glaring at her from my peripheral.

She throws her hands up and stands. As she heads into the kitchen, she says, "For what it's worth, I hope she changes her mind. I want you to be happy, and it sounds like she needs a decent guy to show her they aren't all trash."

"Yeah, says the woman who wants to travel back in time through books to meet a man," I tease.

"Go ahead and laugh, but this way you don't have to vet men who might break my heart."

"True." I snatch my phone from the coffee table where she left it and close the app. Even the smooshed face image of Lottie makes my heart stir. She's a keeper no matter what my sister thinks, but convincing Lottie that I am feels like a monumental task.

Two hours later, Layne is finished prepping and packs up her things to head back to her house. I'm forever grateful that she's willing to help me out, but it's also good practice for her. I peer into the fridge and freezer to see what I'll be having this week, and I'm pleased. There are a few of my favorites, but also a few new things including a Key Lime pie I can't wait to try after dinner. I grab something I know I'll like and set it out for dinner.

By the time I put the last bite of my chicken dinner in my mouth, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and find Charlotte's name flashing at the top of the screen, right beside a video chat request. Goblin turns his head and his tongue hangs out.

"Looks like she wants to see us, boy. Come here." I pat the seat beside me before tapping the green dot to answer. Tension builds in my shoulders as I contemplate exactly how to tell her the truth.

The screen fades in and Lottie's smiling face greets us.

"Hi! Oh, is that Goblin?" she asks, eyes bright and smile wide.

Goblin sniffs the phone and perks his massive triangle ears. "It is. I'm glad to see you. I didn't think I would tonight."

A petite boxer leaps on the sofa beside Lottie and smooshes her snout to Lottie's cheek. Lottie scrunches her face and pulls away, creating almost the same image as her profile picture. "Ginger, what are you doing to me? Go eat your dinner, sweet girl." The dog's tongue hangs out farther than Goblin's ever does and she licks her big jowls. "This is Ginger, the camera hog."

"She's cute," I say and laugh. "She really does like kissing you."

"Way too much, honestly. It's kinda gross." Ginger shakes and leaps from the sofa, prompting Goblin to do the same.

"Well, now that we're alone, how was your day?" I sit back and try to relax, but there are things I need to say. I pray there's a natural opening so it's not awkward and maybe she'll even give us a chance.

"Well, it was great, then not so good, then a little tiring, if I'm honest." Her full lips duck into a frown. "Overall, I suppose it was nice enough. I'm beat though."

I want her to elaborate on her day. With the way she brushes it off, I can't help but assume that she doesn't think I want to know. I do. I want to know everything about this woman before she wrecks me and tells me she doesn't want to see me again.

"What was not so good?" I ask and adjust so I don't get the late afternoon sun glaring off my phone screen.

Lottie shrugs and sits back. "Probably nothing you'd be interested in hearing. Church was great, and I told you about my friend's kiddo. I ended up someplace else for lunch and ran into someone I'm not keen on seeing. Choir practice dragged a bit, but I guess the day wasn't a total wash."

"No?" I ask and raise an eyebrow.

"Nah, I get to talk to you. How was your day?" She pulls her legs up and sits cross-legged, hiding her face for a moment. I wonder if she said that with a straight, blush-free face? It's too hard to tell, but it is encouraging that she is happy to talk to me.

"Not bad. I ended up meeting a friend for a workout this morning after we texted. After that, my sister came by to meal prep for me. We chatted a while and hung out, then you called right after I ate. It's been kind of a boring day waiting to talk to you, if I'm honest."

She giggles and tucks her red hair behind her ears. "Aren't we two exciting people?"

"Clearly we are both starved for company." When she makes a cute little scrunchy faced expression and shrugs, I think this might be my chance to break into the truth. With pleasantries out of the way along with small talk, it seems like time to dive a little deeper.

"Oh, I wanted to see if you'd like to meet at a dog park tomorrow after school?" she asks. Lottie's eyes are wide with anticipation. I want to leap at the opportunity, but she needs to know the truth before we make any more plans.

"I'd actually love that, but listen, I need to tell you something real quick. Remember yesterday when you said you weren't into dating athletes and—"

"Oh, no. Uh, I'm so sorry, Andrew, can you hold on for one second?" I don't have an opportunity to answer before she drops the phone and all I can hear in the background is her scolding her dog and someone else's muffled voice. I squint as if that will help me see into her world better, and flinch in surprise when she picks the phone up again.

Her hair is a mess and she's practically panting. "I'm so sorry. I'm gonna have to hop off of here and give my dog a bath. She just chased the neighbor's cat through a massive mud puddle and my house is covered." Lottie runs a muddy hand through her hair and blows out a frustrated groan.

I can't stop my laugh. "Leave it to a dog to absolutely put the cherry on the top of an already messy day. I'd offer to help but…yeah, I don't want to."

"Ha, ha," she says, rolling her eyes at the screen. "I'll remember that. Are we good for tomorrow? Does that work for you?"

I should tell her now, but she's clearly focused on something else. She's already having a rough day. It can't hurt to wait and tell her face to face tomorrow afternoon, especially if it means the dogs can get some of their energy out. "Sure. That works for me. We have a park in my neighborhood if you'd like to meet me there."

"Sounds wonderful, and maybe you can show me your drum set and we can arrange some lessons," she says. I try not to get too excited about how comfortable she seems already. Once I tell her I'm a baseball player, she'll probably do a total turn around.

"Sounds perfect. I'll message you the address. Good luck with the mud," I say and chuckle again.

"You don't want another dog, do you?" Lottie raises her brow and gives me a sneaky grin.

I'll bite. "Depends."

"Depends? Depends on what?"

"It depends on whether you come with the dog?"

Her cheeks instantly turn red and she hides her face. "You're such a flirt. I'll see you tomorrow, Andrew."

"Night, Lottie," I say and wink.

"Oh my gosh. Goodnight." She laughs and ends the call, leaving me wondering if I can let her go. She's not even mine and I can't imagine not spending every single free minute of my time with her. I lift my eyes to the ceiling and pray if she's right for me, God will set it up because if I'm left to figure it out on my own, there's not a doubt that I will ruin it.