Page 7 of The Troublemaker
“That’s the thing, I did want this, but I thought I’d be married and I would just take her lead.Now it’s all on me.”
He doesn’t say anything for a minute, but that’s Foster.I’m actually surprised he’s the one here giving me advice right now.
“Honestly, even women don’t know what they’re doing the first time around.It’s new for them too.Every day Callie and I are both navigating this with Ellis.And once we figure out what works, Ellis enters a new stage and we’re back to square one again.”
I turn to look at him.“It’s the start of the season.How the hell am I going to manage this?”
The season hasn’t even started yet, and I already feel like I’m behind in the count, playing a game I didn’t know I was a part of.
I’m not usually ahelp me fix thiskind of guy.I like to solve my own problems.Help other people solve theirs.Maybe it’s because I come from such a big family that likes to butt their noses into everyone’s drama.Or maybe it’s the fact I’m the oldest.
Foster gives me sympathetic eyes.“I’m not gonna lie, the timing isn’t ideal.First, you gotta make sure he’s yours.”
I tilt my head because the kid has the same hint of auburn in his hair that my dad and I have.It’s not full on red, but the distinctive tint is there.That little streak of color twisted something in my gut when I saw him.A knowing in my gut tells me he might actually be mine.
But Foster has a point.There’s a chance that whoever left him isn’t completely sure he’s mine.What if it’s all a stunt to get money or clout?
“There’s always a chance.He’s what… probably six months old by the look of him, so let’s backtrack it.”
A hollow laugh escapes me.“You’re kidding, right?Who were you with fifteen months ago?”
His eyebrows rise.
“Stupid question,” I say.“But think before Callie how hard that would’ve been to pin down.Fifteen months ago means we were in the offseason.”
I think for a moment, and as embarrassing as it is to say, I’m the most active in the offseason.I get restless.I have too much time on my hands.I’m a single professional athlete, sue me.
“It could’ve been when I went to Cabo for my cousin’s bachelor party.”
“Or there’s still the chance he’s not yours.You need to get a paternity test.”
“Oh brother, found them.”Decker walks down the aisle, followed by Hayes, sans kids now.
“Heard you were having another meltdown.”Hayes sits across from me.
Decker joins him and extends his legs.“If you think about it, you’re the one who’s most qualified… or at least the most before these two had kids of their own.You’re more qualified than me.”
Nice of my best friend to boost my ego.We all know he’d be rocking this baby on the doorstep scenario while my heart rate is like a staccato beat.
In all honesty, I want to call my mom and fly her down here to help me navigate this.But if I tell her, then she tells my dad, then one family member after another will be calling, and I don’t want to talk about the fact that I got myself into a position I swore I would never be in.
“Goldie’s right, East.You have all those cousins.Surely you picked up a few things over the years.”Hayes bites his lower lip.
“Cut the bullshit, tell me the truth.”I don’t want my friends to spin this into some magical moment in my life.
I wait for them to admit how fucked I am.How my season is going to be trashed.And I’ll never be able to focus on the game, which means I’m probably done with my baseball career.This is why I wanted kids and a wifeafterI was done playing.
“You’ll handle it,” Foster says from next to me.
“You’re going to rock the dad thing,” Decker adds.
“All our kids love you the most,” Hayes says.
“I wouldn’t go that far.”Decker’s head rocks back.
“Yeah, Ellis loves her daddy the mostest,” Foster says.
“Mostest?”we all question in unison.
