Page 25 of I Wish He Would

I look to Cooper for confirmation since he hosts guys’ nights. He’s the oldest player on the team and also the glue that holds us all together. The day I got called up, he reached out to welcome me to the team. He’s all about being inclusive regardless of whether a player’s been here ten years or a week. Plus, I know he’s a no-nonsense kind of guy who will give it to me straight.

Cooper tilts his head. “It’s true, man.”

“I didn’t realize.” I pull my ball cap off and run my fingers through my hair. “Sorry, guys. I’ll make sure I’m there next time.”

“We’ll hold you to it.” Fletch shoots me a wicked grin. “If anyone knows you can make time for the bros and the ladies, it’s me.”

“Trust me, we know.” I sigh. “I’ve seen more of you online than I ever wanted to.”

Dawson grimaces. “It’s like watching a reality dating show through new pictures every week.”

“What can I say?” Fletch shrugs. “The ladies love me.”

Hayden shakes his head before turning to me. “Now, back to Alyssa. How long have you been hung up on her?”

“Are you guys not listening? I’m not hung up on her.”

“Then why did you bring her up?” Cooper asks. I should’ve known he would be the perceptive one of the bunch. They already know something’s up, so I may as well tell them the truth.

I sigh. “She’s seeing someone famous.”

“Are we talking MLB player or A-list celebrity famous?” Dawson asks.

“Definitely more famous than any of us.”

Dawson claps my shoulder. “Isn’t it a good thing that she found someone?”

“I think so.” I tighten my grip on the bat.

Cooper eyes me warily. “Then why do you look like you’re about to go all Hulk on your lucky bat?”

“Because he doesn’t really think it’s a good thing.” Hayden’s eyes twinkle with mirth. “Not when Austin wants her all for himself.”

“I don’t want her.” The words come out of my mouth fast, like I’m in full-on defense mode.

“Then what’s this all about?” Dawson adjusts the brim of his ball cap. “You can’t say she’s just your friend but also not want her to date anyone else.”

He’s not wrong. I know how unfair it is, but I want to spend as much time with Alyssa as I can since I never know when I could be traded to another team. Plus, I know her dating someone else will change the dynamic of our friendship.

“I want her to be happy, but I just…want her to not need anyone else.” I drop my gaze to the dirt. “That sounds horrible now that I say it out loud.”

Fletch blows out a low whistle. “Dude, that’s low.”

“That’s ironic, coming from you.” Hayden laughs.

“Hey, I’m upfront with all the ladies I”—he cocks his head—“mingle with. They know they’re getting into a no-strings-attached situation. But if that’s your best friend, you should want her to be happy.”

Hearing those words—especially coming from him, of all people—makes me feel even worse.

I rub the back of my neck. “I know it’s wrong. I just can’t figure out why I can’t seem to get past it.”

Cooper crosses his arms. “Why don’t you start by telling us what you don’t like about her dating this celebrity.”

I glance around the stadium. “He doesn’t live here. Plus, he’s on tour right now, so I’m not sure he’ll be able to give her the time she deserves.”

“She could always move to where he is or join him on tour,” Dawson suggests.

Fletch nudges me with his elbow. “Girls love the whole rock star vibe.”