Page 19 of Leave It On The Field (Grand Slam 3)
“Speaking of resources,” Mason says. “It would be nice to have a blacked-out SUV if we’re transporting Sophie. Any ideas on where we can get one on short notice?”
“We’re good,” Butch says, tapping Mason’s arm. “Roman can help us with that and any other resources we need. He has connections.”
I take a deep breath and exhale.
“Seb, it’s fine,” Millie says. “They know what they’re doing.”
“I know they do. It’s just a lot to think about. And Butch, Alex told me Kit’s pregnant. Congratulations, by the way. But if anything happened to you—”
“Nothing’s going to happen to me or Sophie or anyone,” Butch says. “And Kit’s fine. We’ll take shifts with Sophie. I’ll be with Kit half the time and when I’m not, Elle won’t leave her side.”
“None of us will,” Nash says. “In fact, I think you and Mason should cover Sophie. I’ll be the constant with everyone else—Kit, Elle, Sam. Everyone’s covered. No one gets to our group.”
Mason nods. “That makes the most sense. Let’s keep this group tight.”
“Okay,” I say, nodding. “This will make me feel better. Should I tell Sophie to head down here?”
“By herself?” Mason laughs as he stands up. He motions toward the door. Everyone jumps up. “That kind of defeats the purpose. We’ll pick her up. Tell Sophie we’re headed her way within the hour. Millie will text her when we leave. And get any permissions you need from the team’s owner. I don’t want to deal with the GM when we get back. And Joe, we’re going to need security passes for the stadium.”
“I’ve got you.”
When the elevator door closes, I stretch out on the couch and call Dottie.
“Sebastian!” she screams into the phone. She’s always too loud. “Are you at the hotel? I’m about ten minutes away. Did I tell you I’m staying there too? Drew’s mad. He hates when I’m around. He thinks I’m spying on him.”
“Hey, Dottie. No, I didn’t know you were staying here, but I’m glad you are. Drew can f-f-f-f, uh, I mean he can get over it.”
“Thank you for swallowing that word for me,” she says, laughing. “You know how I feel about it.”
“It’s a bad habit. Sorry.”
“Seb, what’s wrong? You sound upset. Is everything okay?
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I say slowly, “but I need a favor from you.”
“Anything. You’re like a son to me. Anything you need.”
“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” I say, trying to keep the tension out of my voice. “But Sophie’s been getting a lot of unwanted attention on social media and stuff. I’m worried about her being alone while we’re locked down in the hotel. Some of my buddies are former military guys. They’re staying at this hotel too. They said they would keep an eye on Sophie if she stays at the hotel but Drew probably won’t let her.”
“What kind of attention?” I’ve never heard her voice this quiet. “Are people threatening her?”
“It’s probably nothing. I don’t want you to worry, but it would make me feel better if she stayed here. I thought since she’s helping you out and she’s kind of a team employee again, you know, maybe we could make it work.”
“Oh, it’s going to work,” she says, her voice back to its normal decibel level. “We’re just pulling up. I’ll tell Drew she’s staying here to be close to me. He can lump it if he doesn’t like it.”
“Thanks, Dottie. I really appreciate it. She’ll stay in our friend’s room so don’t let Drew tell you there aren’t rooms available.”
“I have this handled, Seb. You concentrate on baseball. I’ll see you tonight at the party. And to pay me back, promise you’ll at least pretend to like the sponsors—if even just for a few minutes.”
“I promise,” I say, smiling, “but only for you.”
* * *
