Page 166 of Hiding in the Outfield

I shake my head slowly. “What are you not saying, Frankie? This wasn’t even on the radar when you left here.”

Frankie is not a rash individual. He wouldn’t just quit his job on a whim. I’m over the moon that he’ll be moving here to be with me, but something’s prickling over my skin, and I don’t like the feeling.

“What happened?”

His gaze drops, and that’s it. I know something happened. I lean closer to the screen. “Francesco Mario Luigi Wario Nebiolo, you tell me what happened right now.”

A bark of laughter comes from Frankie’s side, then Paulie’s head pops into the frame. “Dude, you’re just listing Super Mario characters.”

I grin. I definitely need to work on my repertoire of Italian names. But at least this got a little sparkle back in my guy’s eyes.

Frankie shakes his head at me, lips quirking up. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously in love with you.”

Gagging and throw-up noises ring through the speakers. Someone yells out a “cheesy, dude” followed up by an “I thought it was kinda cute.”

My grin widens. These guys are the best.

“Okay, let’s get back on track. What happened, babe?”

Frankie lets out a sigh, and his gaze drops again. “I actually asked my boss if I could relocate. I thought it could be kind of perfect. Plan my time in Providence when you’re away, be in San Fran with you when you’re home.”

Silence settles over the call.

My heart withers slightly in my chest. It would have been perfect. Would have given Frankie everything. His job. Being able to be close to family part time.

“But…” I prod.

“There’s a new head of the San Francisco office,” he says quietly. “The person who is in charge of staffing, of merit and bonus…” His gaze flicks up to meet mine. “Nick.”

Paulie growls and swears violently.

My muscles snap taut, and my fists ball. I hate that bastard. God, how I’d love to give him a piece of my mind. And my fist.

I force my voice to stay level. “Did he say no?” I could see him saying no just to be a dick. I may have never met the guy, but I know all I need to know.

“Not exactly.” His attention darts to Paulie and back to me, and he licks his lips.

I frown.

He squeezes his eyes shut. “He basically said the only way he’ll make room for me in San Fran is if I go back to him.”

“What the fucking fuck!” Paulie’s outrage roars through the speaker.

My jaw is on the floor. Yelling and cursing come through the phone, then Frankie placating his brother and roommates. I just blink slowly, because holy fucking shit.

“Report him,” I blurt. Because he can’t get away with that.

“There’s nothing to report,” Frankie says heavily. “It was verbal, and I have no way to prove it. He’s an asshole, and after that, I don’t want to work in the San Francisco office. I don’t want to have to see him every day, work with him.” He shudders. “It made it an easy choice. I need a new job. All corporate jobs have a level of toxicity to them, but this is just too much for me now.”

“I’m really sorry, babe.” I ache for him. I want to reach through the phone to comfort him. I hate that I can’t be there for him right now.

He smiles sadly at me. “Looks like we’ll both be starting over.”

“Together, though.”

“Together.”