Page 29 of Leave It On The Field (Grand Slam 3)
I look up at him and smile, but honestly, I’m not sure how anyone’s going to miss this enormous man following me around the party.
When the elevator door opens on the rooftop level, Butch walks out, looks around, and then motions me to follow. We’ve barely cleared the door when I see one of the team’s sponsors hurrying toward me. I met him last year, but I’m forgetting his name.
“Sophia Banks! You’re looking gorgeous as usual.”
I look up at Butch who’s suddenly stuck to my side.
“Speak, Sophie,” Butch says, putting his hand on my shoulder and pulling me back a little. “Or I make the call.”
“One,” I whisper, “or maybe a three, but also kind of a five.”
Butch pulls me behind him just as the sponsor opens his arms to hug me.
“No.” Butch pushes him back.
“What?” He looks up at Butch. “Who the hell are you?”
“I know we’ve met,” I say, moving as far around Butch as he’ll let me, “but I’m not remembering your name.”
“That hurts my feelings,” he says, winking at me. “I’m Matt Lowry. We met at the end of last season when you were doing some work for Gary Randall.”
“Right,” I say, giving him my best fake smile. “I remember now.”
Matt looks at Butch again. “Did Seb hire a bodyguard for you? I can’t say I blame him. You have quite the body to guard.”
“Wow,” Butch says, shaking his head. “If you’re trying to hit on a married woman, you’re going to have to bring more game than that.”
“I’m not trying to hit on anyone.” Matt glares at Butch. “Sophia and I are old friends. She was going to do some work for me before she latched onto Seb. I don’t think my bankroll was big enough for her.”
“I’m guessing there’s a lot about you that isn’t big enough for her,” Butch says, putting his arm around my shoulders. “We’re done here.”
I look back at Matt as Butch pulls me away. His mouth is hanging open. “Butch, I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy that, but you were maybe a little bit harsh.”
“Mason warned you that you don’t want us to make the call.” Butch looks down at me. “Do you need to review the numbers again? That was unacceptable.”
“I was confused because I forgot his name, so he’s a three, but I remembered that he’s a total creeper, so he might be a five. Your system is flawed, not me.”
“You recognized him but couldn’t place him. He’s a three. If he’s not going to attack you at this very moment, he’s not a five.”
“Sophie!”
I turn around to see the team’s clubhouse guard, Chick, walking toward me with his wife.
“One, one, one,” I whisper. “Zero. Darling people.”
“Chick,” I say, diving into him for a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. And you got Joni to leave the house. It’s a miracle.”
“Sweet Sophie,” Joni says, her raspy voice rumbling in my ears as she hugs me. “For all these years, I told Chick I would only come to baseball things if it was for the World Series. And here your husband has to go and make that a reality. You tell Seb I’m mad at him for that.”
“I’ll tell him, but he won’t like you being mad at him. I know he wants to be invited over for dinner again.”
“You both are always welcome at our house,” she says. “I’ll have to teach you how to make my macaroni and cheese. I thought Seb was going to eat the entire pan.”
“He still talks about it,” I say, laughing. “We’ll have you over to our house when the season’s over.”
“You don’t have to pay me back. I like cooking and entertaining.” She pats my stomach. “Or maybe just name your first little one after me. Do you have one in there yet?”
“Jon,” Chick says, pulling her hand away, “that’s not appropriate.”
