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Zandor ignores him. “We just wanted to pop in and congratulate you on the win. Felt good to knock them down a peg or two. Let’s do that to the Jays tomorrow.”
* * *
I slide into the passenger seat of Hart’s ride and run my hand over the dashboard. “You keep it clean.”
“Yep,” he says, backing out of his spot.
“You bought an income property.”
“Sure did.” He throws it in drive.
“I’d tell you to stop living like it was all gonna end tomorrow, but it’s a good move.”
“Linda Hart didn’t raise a fool.”
“I have a house in every state where I’ve played for a team. No regrets there.”
“Shouldn’t ask this since I’m benefiting while you’re renting from me, but why not in Trenton?”
“I wouldn’t vacation here. Easier to rent when in season, anyway. I don’t have to worry about the responsibilities. When we have more than a minute off, I’m at the beach house, fishing or just chilling. Peaceful there.”
“You’re rarely there.”
“I don’t bring women back to the place where I hang my hat.” Until last night. “Never know if your hat will be there the next day or if it’ll be sold online with a picture, proving authenticity.”
“That happened to you?”
“Should have learned the first time.” I laugh. “Took three or four.”
“That’s fucked up, man.”
“It fucked up a lot of things,” I mumble then clear my throat. “I admire your game, kid. Smart plays on and off the field.”
“I appreciate that, but no game’s off the field. You get what you see with me.”
“Kind of envious how you came up. I knew fuck not at eighteen years old. I left my parents’ house and was handed a bunch of money. Did some good but mostly stupid shit with it until my first injury took me out for a few months, and then I realized it could all end tomorrow.”
“Exactly,” he agrees. “You’ve been playing this game a long damn time, though. I’m sure you’ve got it all figured out now, yeah?”
“Money won’t ever be an issue.” But Gwendolyn, she’s a continued one. “You into the Shaw girl?”
“Playing it day by day, but yeah, I’d like to see where it goes.”
“How’s it gonna go when you’re on the road?”
“Not sure, but I’m going to find out.”
“There’s a lot of temptation out there for a kid like you in his prime.” I look out the window. “It’s hard to give that up.”
“Did that in the minors. Wasn’t my drug of choice.”
“You’re the settling down kind,” I note as he pulls into O’Donnell’s parking lot.
“Didn’t think I’d be before this chapter was over. Something about CeCe, though.”
“Danny mentioned CeCe was from my hometown. She was younger than me, so I don’t remember her. She and Chloe have done good for themselves. She’s a vet?”
“She is.” He smiles as he turns off his truck. “Hot, smart, and takes no shit.”
