Page 99 of Leave It On The Field (Grand Slam 3)
ChapterThirty-One
SOPHIE
November 7, 2022
When Seb and I finally get back to our house past midnight, the party’s in full swing on our back patio. When we walk outside, a roar erupts as everyone lifts their glasses to toast Seb.
“World Series Champion, Seb Miller!” Stone yells as everyone continues to scream.
Seb tucks me against him as his buddies run over and start body bumping him.
“Release me, Seb,” I say, laughing. “This is between you and them.”
He gives me a quick kiss, then lets me go as they mob him.
I take a few steps back and survey the scene. Our family and friends are spread out from the boat dock to the pool. My brothers are grilling hamburgers. Roman’s making drinks at our outdoor bar. Mom and Adie are huddled in a corner with Seb’s sister. Dad and Jack are on the dock night fishing under the close supervision of Butch. The strings of white lights above our deck are blending with the stars to form a twinkly ceiling above it all. It’s really the most beautiful, welcoming thing I’ve ever seen.
“Sophie!” Raine yells at me from across the deck. She’s sitting with our Blitzen crew.
“Hey,” I say as I close in on them. “Did everyone get their flights changed to head back to California tomorrow? I was serious when I said you can stay free at Roman’s hotel as long as you want. The victory parade is on Tuesday.”
“We already changed our flights,” Millie says, pouring me a glass of champagne. “We leave tomorrow morning. I really want to get back to the little man as soon as possible.”
“Please give Mo all of my kisses,” I say. “Is he coming to Blitzen for the wedding in December?”
“He is.” Millie laughs. “That’s going to be the first time he sees snow. We’re bringing the entire family for a winter getaway—Dad and his girlfriend, and our best friend, Chase, and his wife. Will you be in Miami until then?”
“No,” I say, taking a deep breath. I feel completely relaxed for the first time in weeks. “We’re headed to Michigan right after the parade. We’ll stay at the lake house until we head up to Blitzen.”
Elle looks at Sam, her face scrunched up. “Sam, I’m trying to check you in for our flight back to L.A. tomorrow. It’s not coming up.”
“Actually,” he says, patting her shoulder. “I canceled my flight. I’m staying in Miami for an extra week.”
“What?” she asks as we all look at Sam. “Why are you staying here?”
“Stop prying, babe,” Nash says, putting his arm around her.
“No,” she says, sitting up straighter. “Samuel Nicholas, tell me right now what’s going on.”
“I think the jig’s up, man,” Butch says, tapping Sam’s arm as he walks up to the group. “You need to come clean. I’d like to save you, but they’re going to keep gnawing at you like little rats until you break.”
“Damn right we are,” Millie says, pointing at Sam. “Speak.”
Sam shakes his head—a glimpse of a smile forming on his face. “If you must know, over the last week, I’ve been getting to know Dottie Morris. We’ve found that we have a lot in common. I’m staying in town to get to know her a little bit better without the distraction of the World Series.”
“Eek!” I say, clapping my hands. “That’s so amazing. Dottie is just the sweetest person. Just like you. You’re perfect for each other.”
Sam smiles. “I enjoy her company very much.”
“You can stay with us if you’re done with the hotel. Seb and I will be gone in a few days, but you’re welcome to stay at our house as long as you want.”
“Thank you, Sophie,” Sam says, “but I already have a place to stay.”
Butch nods. “You shacking up with her?”
“Butch!” Elle says, pointing at him. “Stop.”
“Nope. Sam knows the rules of this group. Everything out on the table.” Butch turns to Sam. “Let’s have the dirt, Sammy. You have a girlfriend now?”
