Page 35 of Leave It On The Field (Grand Slam 3)
ChapterEleven
SOPHIE
October 30, 2022
“Everyone in here is a one,” I say to Butch as we walk into the private suite at the stadium. “All friends and family. Why don’t you guys just enjoy the game?”
“We’ll enjoy the game,” Butch says, looking around the room, “but one of us is going to stay next to you. Do your thing and ignore us.”
He pulls me away from the door as it opens. It’s Ricky with Seb’s old girlfriend.
Although I’m tempted to yell five to watch Butch tear Ricky apart, I whisper, “One.”
“What does ‘one’ mean?” Ricky smirks at me and then turns to Butch. “Hey, Butch. I didn’t know you were in town.”
Butch nods at him.
“What are you doing up here?” I ask. “If you’re not using the field seat, someone else will want it.”
“I’m using it,” he says. “I just wanted to introduce you to someone first. This is Kaitlyn Barr. She’s known Seb for twenty plus years.”
I turn to her and smile. “It’s so nice to meet Ricky’s girlfriend. I wasn’t sure he was ever going to settle down.”
“His what?” Kaitlyn laughs as she looks over at Ricky. “I’m Ricky’s plus one for the series, but we’re not dating. Seb knows that better than anyone.”
“My mistake. I must have misunderstood you yesterday, Ricky.” I lock my eyes with his for a second, and then look back at Kaitlyn. “Kaitlyn, I’m so glad you made it in. Seb loves when his friends from Michigan visit.”
“We were more than friends. We dated for almost four years. I’ve known him since third grade—before he was rich and famous. I went to all of his high school baseball games. The only thing that’s different now is that I won’t be holding his wallet and car keys while he plays.” She stops and laughs. “I guess you do that now. Make sure you hold it close. His wallet’s a lot bigger now.”
“I don’t hold his wallet during games. He has an entire clubhouse for that now.”
“You might not hold it,” Ricky says, glaring at me, “but you certainly have no problem getting into it.”
I take a step toward him. “Seb pays for your flights, hotels, and tickets every time you see him play. You don’t seem to have much problem getting into his wallet either.”
“My relationship with Seb is none of your business,” he hisses.
I close the rest of the distance between us. “Right back at you, Ricky.”
Butch grabs my shoulder and pulls me back. “Rick, I think it’s time for you to find your seat.”
“Come on, friend,” Ricky says, chucking him on the shoulder. “Lighten up.”
“Naw, Rick,” Butch says, “we’re not friends. You’re a dick. As I said, I think it’s time for you to find your seat. Don’t make me say it again.”
Ricky looks from him to me, his face starting to flush.
“Fine,” Ricky says, spitting out the words. “This suite life isn’t for me anyway. I like to be down with the real fans.”
I roll my eyes as he spins on a heel and walks out. Kaitlyn’s staring at us—her mouth gaping.
“Kaitlyn,” I say, smiling, “you better grab a seat before they all fill up.”
I walk over to the bar, pour myself a generous serving of wine, and chug until Butch pulls the glass away from me.
I growl up at him. “What number do I declare if I want you to punch someone?”
“We don’t really have a number for that,” Butch says, laughing, “but from the look on your face, I’m guessing we probably should.”
