Page 211 of While You Were Trending

I glance sideways at him. “Your girlfriend home right now? Baseball’s over, isn’t it?”

He grins, shaking his head. “Fucking champs, bro. She’s in LA. Coaches’ retreat and some commercial stuff.”

“Miss her?” I ask.

He’s clearly proud.

As he should be. She’s the hitting coach for the Fireballs, one of very few women coaches in professional baseball. And the Fireballs just swept the ultimate baseball championship series.

“That’s not an answer toare you committed?” he tells me.

“You ever been forced out of something you loved, thought you’d moved on with your life, and then found something new that you love even more?”

“No.” He’s still grinning.

“How nice for you.”

“So you’re enjoying this documentary thing?” he asks.

“Yeah. Been fun.”

“Nothing at all to do with your best friend’s ex?”

I slide another look at him.

I haven’t said Ginny’s name here at the rink. Haven’t even said anything to suggest I’m seeing anyone until right now.

Shade and I have an understanding, and I don’t think he would’ve let it slip either.

Lavoie stares back at me.

“What are you talking about?” I ask him.

“Just heard a rumor.”

“From who?”

“Social media.”

“Show me.”

He doesn’t reach for his phone. “We’re playing Indianapolis next week.”

I’m aware.

Alex has been in my texts, asking to meet up.

He’s thrilled for me.

Fucking thrilled.

“And?” I say to Lavoie.

“Owe it to your teammates to give us a heads-up if you’ll have a target on your back during the game.”

I sink back and rub my eyes. “I was going to tell him Sunday.”

The start of his four-day game break.