Page 181 of Hiding in the Outfield

My nose stings, and I swallow hard. “Free,” I say hoarsely.

Jed’s dark eyes glisten, almost like the stoic, stone-like man himself is getting teary eyed.

My phone vibrates in my pocket with a phone call. I’m not surprised at all to see Chuck’s name on the screen. I send Jed an apologetic smile. “Chuck. Think we have some things to discuss.”

Jed nods. He hesitates, then says, “Could I join you for the call?”

I blink. “Oh. Uh, yeah. Sure.”

I’d gladly get his input and advice too.

I give Frankie a quick kiss and let him know I’m going to chat with my agent. He gives my arm a good-luck squeeze, then Jed and I disappear into the room on the first floor that we converted into an office space for Frankie.

I call Chuck back and put him on speaker.

He picks up on the second ring. “Congratulations, Jackson.”

I smile at the phone. “Thanks, Chuck. It’s surreal. I have Jed with me, by the way. You’re on speakerphone.”

“Hey, Jed.” There’s a slight surprise in his tone. “Does that mean some Clippers are there celebrating with you?”

“Yeah, my boys made it out to watch our two home games. They’re all staying here, and it’s been pure chaos.”

Beautiful, amazing chaos.

He chuckles. “I bet.” He clears his throat. “As much as I wanted to wish you congratulations, I’m sure you know that’s not my only reason for calling.”

“Yeah, kind of went rogue out on the field.”

“You did. But I think it was perfect, Jackson. I’ve already been in contact with Liam and Layla. They have a ton of great videos and photos they’re going to incorporate into your article. Obviously, pictures of you and Frankie, but also with your entire team embracing the two of you. Berkeley’s support is clear, and that will be a great addition to your piece.”

There’s a pause, and the weight in it has me shifting on my feet.

“As positive as all this is, there is going to be backlash. I would recommend not going on social media. Not reading articles. Preserve your peace, okay? Something this big is going to take a while to blow over. I’ll get moving on contacting places for interviews, and we’ll start coaching you on what to say.”

Jed clears his throat.

“Go ahead, Jed,” Chuck says.

“Would it be helpful if Jackson wasn’t the only one? To…take some of the heat off.”

My gaze whips to Jed.

Chuck hums, and I can picture him running his hand over his jaw. “That’s interesting, Jed.”

I study Jed, but he’s unreadable.

“You don’t have to do that,” I say quietly.

“The press doesn’t bother me. I grew up with eyes on me. My time is coming soon anyway. Not sure how much longer I have it in me to wait until I put a ring on that finger and make sure the entire world knows Shane belongs to me.”

My eyes go wide. Well, then.

“If it would help, I’m happy to do it now.” His eyes bore into mine. “You shouldn’t have to do this alone.”

“I do agree. A united front, especially with two supportive franchises in the mix, adds a lot of weight,” Chuck says thoughtfully. “I’ll call the Jetties. Do they know about Shane yet?”

Jed shakes his head. “No.”