Chapter 2

Chapter Two

Donovan

“ I ’ve always wanted to see that in real life,” Donovan said, as he helped the staff and I finish cleaning up.

Margot was now sitting at the bar.

I couldn’t believe it was her. We’d dated years ago, when I was playing ball, and she was still in college. Like many terrific dates I’d had, I knew my season schedule would put an end to it after a few dates, especially as I was playing for the Twins’ feeder team.

“Glad I was able to perform for you. I can’t believe he was married. I thought I’d checked him out.” She lifted her dark hair off her neck. She had helped with cleaning, still embarrassed she’d made that mess.

Chad made a noise about the police, but his wife slapped his face and left in a hurry. I’d gone outside to make sure she was ok, and she assured me she was headed to her mother’s house.

When I started back in, Chad stepped out as if to follow her. Liam and I discouraged him from doing that, helping him to get a Lyft to take him home.

“I’d say a pitcher over his head is the least of what he deserved,” Liam said, wiping up the bar .

“See you tomorrow, boss,” two of his waitstaff called.

“You two going together?” He called and watched out the door to make sure they got in their cars.

“That’s nice,” Margot said. “That you keep an eye on them.”

“Not too much crime here, but a couple of places have been robbed lately. Always a good idea to have people walk out in groups,” he said. “Can we walk you to your car?”

“Oh, I had no idea it was that late. I walked here from those new condos by the train. You know, you look familiar.”

I winced inwardly. “We had a few dates at college, before I left for the Twins feeder team.”

Liam looked at me. I’d told him about her, that I’d liked her, but knew I needed to focus on baseball.

“Of course!” She said. “I tried to follow your career for a while, but it can be hard with rising players.”

She was trying to be tactful. “That’s why I didn’t pursue you. More fool me. It’s hard to build a relationship while starting a baseball career.”

She held my gaze, then shrugged. “We’ll never know. Shame.”

I was hoping we might find out about second chances now, though. “I know your condo building. Liam and I will walk you home.”

I could have done it myself, or Liam could have, but I didn’t want to split this up yet. We’d enjoyed talking with her.

She seemed to have no objection to going with us both.

“You’re really going to own that team?” She said, referring to our conversation at the bar.

“I think we will be two of the owners, anyway,” I replied.

Liam explained that there were other former players who wanted in on it.

“I was just hired by the league. I’ll bet I’ll be helping to promote it,” she said, and told us about her growing business.

“That’s terrific,” Liam said. “That bananas team in the South has really grown on social media. I’d love to have a card, if you have one. The bar could do a better job promoting its event nights. If we’re not too small for you.”

She laughed, and I enjoyed the sound, as well as the dimple on her cheek.

“I’d love to help. It’s the least I could do after tonight. You wouldn’t even let me reimburse you for the beer.”

He waved a hand. “You kept our customers entertained.”

Mandy had applauded. It was clear our old friends made a good choice in their woman. As I suspected, Liam and I had, too.

“This is it,” she said, as we got to one of the recently built condos. “I can’t really afford it, but Chad had said he could move in with me. Whatever, good riddance.”

We both nodded.

“Can we see you again?” Liam asked.

I was wondering how we would do this. Liam was always better at interviews when we played on the same team years ago. I could coach, but was not as good at polished speaking.

“Both of you?” She asked, but she didn’t seem to mind. More like double-checking. “Like Mandy with her guys?”

“Yes.” I said. I could at least handle that. “Why don’t we give you our numbers?”

Liam was smart getting her card, but I wanted to make sure we could all communicate. Soon we’d exchanged numbers.

“Well, thanks again for being so understanding about tonight,” she said and went to kiss Liam on the cheek. She looked at him, then leaned in and kissed his lips.

He smiled as she stepped back a few seconds later, then looked at me. She turned and kissed me.

Her lips were very soft, and I had to bend down some so our mouths would meet. Short and sweet, but I knew I’d remember this moment .

“Now we don’t have to spend dinner wondering when that will happen,” she said, before going in.

We’d made dinner plans for a few days from now.

“No, but I suspect we’ll be wondering what she’ll surprise us with next.” Liam clapped his hand on my shoulder as we walked away.