Page 15

Xavier

"You're sure you're okay with her overnight?" I ask Tenley for the hundredth time.

She taps her foot impatiently. To be fair, I've lost patience with myself too. Logically, I know Holland is in good hands and will be totally fine with Tenley for the three-day road trip, but I can't help it.

In my defense, I was the same way leaving her with the girls when they were helping me right after she was born. Nothing prepared me for how terrifying this part of being a new dad is. Nothing.

"We've got this. You have Vivi's number in case of an emergency, and I have the contact information for the entire Bandit's organization, their spouses, the front office, and her pediatrician."

"Yeah, okay." But nothing feels okay. I hate leaving her.

"Does it make you feel better if I tell you Vivi is coming over to watch a movie tonight? So there will be an even adultier adult with us."

"A little," I admit.

"I mean, she basically raised me, so we know she can't make it worse."

I lean in, momentarily distracted from the pit in my stomach by Tenley's insight. It explains a lot about her aunt's protectiveness and makes me sad for Vivi, who would've been a kid herself when Tenley was born. But now's not the time to unpack it, especially with a plane waiting on me.

"That's not the confidence builder you think it is," I say with a frown, the pit back and deeper than ever at the reminder that I have to get on a plane and fly away from my daughter.

"Was that a joke?" Tenley fakes shock, looking down at Holland. "Say goodbye to the comedian, Holland. If he doesn't leave, the traffic on I-70 will make him miss his flight."

"Point taken. I'm leaving." I drop a kiss on Holland's head and grab my bag, looking back when I get to the door. "And Tenley, please don't forget to--"

"Don't worry, Ginger Daddy, I'm going to send you all the pictures and texts."

I let loose a sign of relief, ignoring the nickname for once, muttering a relieved, "Thanks."

It's irritating how often Tenley's right. Especially with how smug she is about, well, everything. If I hadn't left when I did, Murphy would've been blowing up my phone. As it stands, I'm the last one on board.

The crew wastes no time finalizing prep and securing the cabin. Sliding past the coaching staff, I take the empty seat across the aisle from Hendrix, Cruz, Dean, and Dom, who are already buckled in and deep in conversation.

As we taxi, the engine's roar drowns out the ding of my phone. I catch the notification pop up and grab the phone from the armrest while fastening my seatbelt. It's a picture of Holland doing tummy time with the message, "Be prepared to be sick of me," punctuated by the smiling devil face emoji.

"That's fucking cute," Hendrix says, leaning over to see the picture on my phone. "How are you holding up?"

I shake my head, unable to lie. "I'm a mess."

"That's not true. We've seen you when you're a mess," Cruz cuts in. "This seems pretty normal for a new dad leaving his kid with a new nanny, for the first time." His forehead creases, and I can see the realization hit him--he's going to be in my shoes soon.

Dean smirks, glancing at Cruz's pale face. "And we're going all the way this year, too. You better take notes from that football player who flew his wife's doctor out to postseason games."

"That's actually brilliant," Dom adds, clapping Dean on the shoulder. "Ideas like that are why we keep your grumpy ass around."

"Too bad you gave up your rights to that private plane," Cruz says with a faint smirk. "Would've come in handy."

Hendrix clears his throat, pulling everyone's attention. "Speaking of babies, how would you and Lilah feel about bringing a one-month-old to a wedding? Say, early October during the break before the postseason."

One by one, my friends' faces transform from puzzled to pleased.

Cruz's grin spreads so wide it's a wonder it fits on his face. If we weren't still climbing to cruising altitude, I have no doubt he'd already be out of his seat and pulling Hendrix into a bear hug. "You and Poppy set a date?"

"Yeah," Hendrix says, a little sheepish but clearly proud. "I want to celebrate winning the World Series with my wife."

"That sounds perfect," Cruz replies. "I'll have to check with Delilah, but I can't imagine she'd miss it for the world."

"It's really important to us that you guys are there," Hendrix adds, looking each of us in the eye. "I can't get married without my groomsmen."

"No fucking way. Are you serious?" Dom nearly jumps out of his seat, practically vibrating with excitement. "Don't play with me!"

Dom starts humming the wedding march, and a choking laugh bursts from Hendrix. "Why do I know I'm going to regret this?"

I watch it all unfold, like I'm on the outside looking in as the four of them celebrate.

Then Hendrix's gaze shifts to me, and the smile fades. His lips press into a thin line as he swallows hard. It's a look I'm not used to seeing on him. Usually, he's the picture of confidence--a veteran on the team who's earned every bit of it. But right now, he looks nervous.

"You're in too, right? I want you there beside me with these fools. Everything will be as baby friendly as possible so that Holland can be there, if you're okay with that."

I assumed Hendrix was talking to the others when he asked them to stand with him. They've always included me, and we've grown closer over the years, but I've still felt like I'm on the fringe of the group.

Being included in something this important makes me feel worthy.

"Yeah, man. I'm there," I say to Hendrix.

The rest of the flight passes without any more dramatic declarations of friendship. When we deplane, I'm greeted by seven new pictures from Tenley, including three from a spa-themed photoshoot. Holland is swaddled in two fluffy white towels--one wrapped around her tiny body and the other perched on her head like a turban--complete with cucumber slices on her eyelids.

Xavier:

I see you're taking this seriously.

Tenley:

Baby skin care is a passion of mine.

Tenley:

Also, the cucumbers are totally baby safe. It's backed by the science of Google.

Xavier:

Thanks for the pictures. Enjoy your movie night.

I'm not sure if she does it on purpose or if it's solely her personality, but Tenley's antics ease some of my nerves. The ridiculousness of it all forces me to relax a little. And later that night it helps me play better than I have all season.

After the game, I'm back in my hotel room getting ready to call it night when my phone buzzes again.

Tenley:

Look at these amateurs. Who falls asleep before the infamous "love fern" scene.

The image of Vivi and my daughter sleeping peacefully together is a little dark and grainy, but that doesn't stop me from saving it. I tell myself it's for no reason other than I miss my daughter, but that's a lie.

Xavier:

If you let my daughter watch How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days without me we are going to have a problem.

Three dots appear and disappear several times before I put her out of her misery.

Xavier:

It was a joke, Tenley.

Tenley:

Sometimes it's hard to tell since you're not usually funny.

Tenley:

Kidding.

Xavier:

No you're not.

Tenley:

Look, safe and sound in bed.

A second picture comes through this one of Holland in her crib, and I save that one too.

Xavier:

Thanks for all the pictures today. I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time before I left.

Tenley:

I'd be more worried if you hadn't.

I don't sleep through the night, but it's not because I wake up with worry, it's because it's what my body is conditioned to do after weeks of doing this on my own.