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I also recognize the man she’s with. He’s starting shortstop for the Sox. “We’re getting down to the wire, Ephraim,” I say, shifting my gaze to meet his. “If we don’t win this next series against the Cubbies, we can kiss our pennant goodbye.” As soon as I say it his eyes widen in surprise while Jessica’s narrow. Engagement ring or not, I catch her reaching out and to slip her arm around his waist, staking her claim.
“You’re a Sox fan?” he says, his lips tipped up in an amused smile. I can tell that a lot of other women have used this move on him before—rattling off a few stats or something they heard on Sports Center in hopes of sounding like they gave a shit about baseball. I’d even bet the move was in Jessica’s playbook.
But I didn’t have to pretend.
“Since I was a girl—” I shrug, letting my gaze drift over Jessica for a moment. She’s looking right at me. Like everyone else, she has no idea who I am. “My stepfather used to sneak me into his study after dinner so I could catch the game.” I focus on my memories of Spencer. Sitting in his comfy chair in front of the television while he worked at his desk behind me. I kept a book in my lap, and he kept the remote close-by, just in case my mom popped her head in.
Those are good memories. Happy memories. Memories of watching the game with my dad were something else. Angry and bitter over a life riddled with wasted talent and squandered opportunity.
“I know you can’t do it alone, so you better tell Steiger to lay off his fastball tomorrow night—he relies on it too heavily. Chicago’s gonna light him up like a pinball machine if he doesn’t learn some new tricks.”
“The pitching coach was just saying that this morning.” He’s still grinning at me, but he no longer looks amused. He looks impressed. “He’s been working on his curveba—”
The elevator lets out a soft ding, and the doors slide open. Before he can finish his sentence, Jessica hauls him off the elevator.
Unable to help myself, I go in for the kill. “Tell Steiger if he needs any help, to give me a call—Henley O’Connell, 14C.”
I have the absolute satisfaction of watching Jessica’s mouth fall open, and her expression go blank, right before the door shut in her face.