2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Cassie

" W hatever you say, Peter." I stared out the front window of my car as I talked to my ex-husband while Tony sat in the backseat, eager to get out and see who the new pitcher was. He claimed that the Roadrunners had gotten someone new, but as much as I loved him, half the names he threw my way rolled over my head.

I tried to love sports like he did, but that was always his dad's department, not mine. And Peter was a big-shot announcer for the college league. Or, well, now that was his new job title, and with that came less time for his son. Which was what the phone call was about. A cancellation .

"Mom, Dad said he wasn't coming, huh?" I turned my attention to the rearview mirror and smiled at my son. His dad may be a jerk and not attend his little league game he had right after this meeting with his new big brother, but I wasn't. So, I'll swallow my pride, keep my smile on, and follow the game the best I could.

"Work issues, but I'll be there."

"That's all he has these days," Tony pouted, and my heart poured out for him. Because it was true. Peter, once he got the new job, had no time for his son. Well, even before that, he had no time for his wife, but time for an uncommon mistress, which led to the divorce in the first place. But he promised Tony would never feel the hurt of not having him around. I'm not sure why I thought he would keep that promise when he failed to keep any others.

"He just got a new job."

"Don't need to explain it to me, Mom. I'm just glad you're there. Maybe my new big brother will be there, too." He beamed at me, and I hoped against all hope that this new hot shot wouldn't be a dick to my son. Because there was no way I was letting another man rip this little boy's heart out again.

"Yeah, maybe. Let's go see who it is, huh?" I took him to the entrance where he was supposed to go, nodded at security, and then walked to the seating area for parents. I took my place behind the dugout, watching the players on the field, and almost rolling my eyes at the man on the pitcher's mound. I knew who he was, for he was plastered all over my son's walls.

My teeth clenched as Tony walked over to him, his eyes wide and in awe. If this…this…man, and I'm using that term loosely, does anything to my son, I'm going to go ballistic. But as Tony was introduced, all he could do was turn to me and call out, causing the man's eyes to land on me; I was far from amused, and I didn't give two shits who knew it.

"I see, Tony. Have fun and I'll wait right here for you." Even though I had said that the man kept his gaze on me. I wasn't sure if he could see from this distance, but I raised my brow in a silent question. After a few moments, Dominic finally looked back at Tony and directed where he should stand. Yup, this had disaster written all over it.

I took the seat and crossed my legs, watching them. At least they were throwing the ball around. Unlike some of the times when I've come out, they just stood around and talked. But Dominic really was taking him under his wing and showing him a few things. Things I do not doubt that Tony would love .

"He's got a great arm," Dominic called out, beaming at Tony. Even from where I was, I could hear him. Maybe that was his intent?

"Thanks! I really try to throw the ball around whenever I can."

"Tony," I called out, ignoring the bite of frost in it. I knew my son; he could easily blab about his home life, and I didn't need the whole goddamn team to know what a shit show it had become.

"Mom often catches for me, but she says it's hurting her hand."

"Tony," I called out again, this time walking down the aisle, stopping right on top of the dugout. "Just practice, take in his advice. You don't need to tell him your life story."

"But Mom, it's Dominic. You know how I adore him. I have to tell him why he means so much to me and how I look up to him." I sighed, knowing that I couldn't fault my kid for wanting to share everything with his idol. But there was just something about the kid, about Dominic, that irked me, and I didn't want him to know about my life, about the divorce, and about raising Tony alone. There was no damn fucking doubt that Tony would not mention those things .

"He doesn't need to know everything, huh? Just…tell him about you, your league, how you're the star pitcher, and let him help you however he can." Tony nodded and I let out my breath, going back to my seat. Thank goodness no one else was looking our way ‘cause I wasn't sure I could handle pity looks. The other mothers who brought their kids to this big brother club knew my story, or at least part, and it was enough.

Truth be told, I may be a little happy to be rid of the asshole. We got married when I was twenty-four, thanks to being pregnant. And I knew going in, we weren't right for each other. However, even in this day and age, Peter wanted to do right by me. Sadly, that baby didn't make it, nor the one after that, but we didn't split. A few years later, we got pregnant with Tony, and we both thought he wouldn't make it. But he did, our miracle baby.

Tony's the only man I really truly loved. Probably the only man I will ever love, too.