Page 54 of Fair Trade

I ended up giving Mateo the glass intended for her and sequestered myself in my office until I knew the party was over and she was gone.

Now I’m back in my home office, looking over contracts that seem to blur right before my eyes the more I try to read through them.

I need to keep my head on straight.

I am so close to achieving my ultimate goal.

Soon, the team will make it to their first World Series game, and I’ll be off the hook.

I can walk away with my asset and hand off the team to someone who actually knows the sport.

Wipe my hands clean of this mess and focus solely on Stonehaven Media.

Keep true to the plan I formed in my mind the moment my grandfather’s will was read to me over six months ago.

I try to run through the details again, but like every time I do, I get a stabbing pain in my chest at the thought of walking away from the team that has slowly started to feel like family.

An office that has begun to feel like home.

And a woman who, no matter what, will never belong to me yet still feels like mine.

My Angel.

But the clock is ticking, and I’m running out of time.

It’s game night.

Thegame night.

We’re in the second inning, and it feels like I’m about to crawl out of my skin.

I’ve been on the phone with my attorney all day, making sure he has all the paperwork ready for the transfer of assets. He’s thorough, so he has contracts drawn up for any potential misstep.

Mateo Martinez is playing one hell of a game, ensuring an easy win tonight, so I don’t bother keeping a close eye on the field below me.

Luisa and Daisy walk into my office arm and arm with wide smiles on their faces.

Any other day, I would allow myself to daydream about the possibility of Luisa and me. Together somehow. But in this moment, it’s as clear as ever that that future will never come.

“Hey, big bro. Why the long face? We’re about to make baseball history.”

“Shh!” Luisa elbows Daisy. “Don’t jinx us.”

Daisy rolls her eyes. “What is it with everyone being superstitious today? I’m sure I saw at least five odd rituals happening as I passed by the clubhouse to wish Coach good luck.”

“Trust me, it’s taken some teams decades to dig themselves out of the curses they found themselves under.” Luisa shudders.

“Ladies, while I do appreciate the visit, now is not the best time.”

They both tilt their heads in the same direction, and I can’t help but find it adorable.

“Everything okay, Nick?” my sister asks.

Damn, I feel like shit. Daisy has really seemed to find herself while working for the Monarchs. And soon I’ll have to tell her I’m selling it off. I make a mental note to ensure she maintains her position when I’m gone.

“All’s well. Would prefer some solitude tonight, is all.”

Luisa narrows her eyes. “No such luck, boss. Tonight is a big game. Win or lose, we’re going to need you down there on the field to cheer on the team.”