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CADE

A s I enter the locker room, Miguel Rios, our star catcher, looks up from tying his cleats. “Any news?” He’s already suited up for tonight’s game in the black and gold Sea Lions uniform. The clubhouse has cleared out with most of the team warming up on the field.

“Not yet,” I say.

His brow furrows. “The waiting is brutal, man.”

I nod. “Harder than I expected.”

Alejandro Mendoza, our centerfielder and the guy I’m closest to on the team, pipes in, “At least tomorrow is the trade deadline. Should hear something soon.”

“Good chance I’ll be moving on, Mendoza. Will ya miss me?”

Alejandro grins. “Si, si! You know it, bro. Who am I gonna whine to about the bad calls?”

“You have a whole team to commiserate with. Speaking of, the umpire in yesterday’s game couldn’t make up his mind on his strike zone. The other team got all the breaks. A ball for their batters was a strike for ours.”

“Si, mi amigo, nobody complains better than you.”

I laugh. “Thanks. Glad I contributed something to the team.”

“You de man,” he jokes. “But seriously, I hope the rumors aren’t true. I hate to see you go.”

I blow out a breath. “Yeah, me too. I’ve grown quite fond of SoCal. What am I supposed to do without your wife’s homemade tamales? I’ll be craving them like crazy. Just thinking about it depresses me.”

“For some reason, Elena has a soft spot for you. She loves to feed you.”

“She feels sorry for me.”

“Why wouldn’t she? The only home-cooked meals you eat are hers.”

I grin sheepishly. “I hate to cook.”

“My wife thinks that anyone single needs rescued.” A huge smile splits Alejandro’s handsome face. “She wants everyone to experience the same marital bliss that we have.”

I raise an eyebrow smirking. “Oh really? Hopefully, she never wakes up from that dream.”

He snorts. “Jealousy is not a good look, bro.”

“I’m perfectly content being single.”

“What, you don’t want to join the club?”

“Only if I can marry your wife,” I joke.

“Hey, we’ve tried fixing you up multiple times. Mi Dios, Gabriella for example, era perfecta! I guess you like the single life too damn much.”

“You’re just now figuring that out?”

He laughs. “I’m slow. But seriously, fingers crossed you aren’t going anywhere. I’ll be glad when this trade deadline is in the rearview,” Alejandro says.

There’s been tension in the San Diego clubhouse as rumors swirl about who is getting traded where. My name has been tossed around quite a bit. The last media report had me picked up by either Washinton or the Kentucky Cutters. It’s hard to tune out the noise and play my best while my prospects are still being determined. I keep reminding myself that it’s part and parcel of any MLB player and out of my control.

If the Cutters pick me up, I’ll return to my hometown. At least my family will be thrilled. I’ve got mixed feelings about it because of the way I left things when I got called up to the major leagues. When the San Diego Sea Lions picked me up two years ago, I had one week to find a place to live, move my shit here and settle in. I was immediately placed in the middle of the batting lineup… absolutely no adjustment time. As strong playoff contenders, the Lions needed my hitting abilities and power to help their momentum going forward.

It had been a dream come true… except for the part where I had to leave the love of my life behind in Kentucky. That tore me up. It wasn’t like we weren’t expecting it. She and I had talked about it. I mean I had worked my entire life for an opportunity to play ball in the major leagues. I hadn’t intended to meet and fall in love at twenty-four. I was career-focused. I wasn’t supposed to meet the girl of my dreams just yet.

But I’ve got no time to go down that rabbit hole. I put on my team cap and head out to the ball field.

I swear, I feel every muscle in my body as I enter my apartment. I turn on the lights and open the sliding glass doors that lead to a small balcony. I can smell the ocean and hear the waves crashing to shore. There’s a slight breeze tonight with the temperature hovering in the low seventies. If I’m traded, one of the things I’ll miss the most is living on the coast. San Diego has everything… beaches, a vibrant local culture, tourist attractions and outdoor activities, which is great when my family and friends visit. And plenty of sunshine… between two hundred fifty to three hundred days a year.

I fill a tall glass with ice water and then settle outside on my chaise lounge. We won tonight no thanks to me. I was off my game. I’d never have gotten on base if I hadn’t worked two walks and gotten hit twice by pitches. Thank God for my elbow and shin guards or I may have been on the IL.

I close my eyes and breathe in the fresh ocean air. I was lucky to score this oceanfront apartment in my second year playing here. It’s got breathtaking views and access to the beach. I’ll miss this little bit of heaven if I have to move. My phone vibrates in my pocket and with a sense of dread, I pull out my cell. The caller ID shows it’s my agent.

“Hey, Ross.”

“Cade! Hey, I just wanted to give you a heads-up. You’ll get a direct call from the general manager soon but I wanted to break the news first. You’ve been traded to the Kentucky Cutters. Great news!”

I frown. “Is it?”

“Pretty sweet deal. A multi-year contract, five years plus fourteen million annually, I’d say is pretty good news. That’s a big leap in your salary. I pushed for Kentucky, figuring you’d rather go to your hometown than Washington.”

“I appreciate that, Ross.” My voice belies the statement.

“Listen, I know change can be tough, but I believe this trade can be a huge positive for your career. Let’s focus on making the most of this situation. The Cutters have a decent shot at the playoffs. You already know the area. Your family is there. And most of all the Cutters are thrilled to have you. They need what you’re selling. You’ll be an important asset to the team.”

“I know you’re trying to be positive but I like California.”

“This is a chance for you to reconnect with your roots and leverage that home-town hero advantage. The fan support for this move will be epic. Everyone loves a homegrown success story. You can play in front of your family. Playing at home will certainly attract local sponsors. This is a big deal, kid.”

“Listen, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I know you worked hard on this… it’s just a lot to take in. The salary is amazing and at least I know where I’ll be playing. The uncertainty was killing me. And you’re right, if I have to go anywhere, I’d rather it be home.”

“That’s the spirit! You can always winter over in San Diego. With your salary, you’ll be able to own a home in both places. You’ve earned this, Cade. You’ve worked hard and come a long way from the kid I met a few years back. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Ross. And thanks for the call.”

“We’ll talk again tomorrow. Get some rest. You’re going to need it.”

“Don’t I know it? Night, Ross.”

“It’ll be fine. In a couple of months when you’re playing in the World Series, you’re gonna forget all about your pain.”

I chuckle. “I’m sure. Something to look forward to.”

“That’s the attitude! Go get ’em, son. And congratulations!”

I disconnect and lean back taking a few deep breaths. I’ll adjust. It’s not like I’m going to a strange place. I’ll be around those who love me in the place where I grew up. Playing for the team I looked up to as a kid. It’s all good. I’ve got this.