Page 48 of Hiding in the Outfield

My phone buzzes. A video call from Gen flashes across my screen.

Genevieve and I clicked the first time we met when I was visiting San Fran for work. I’ve got three years on her. She’s whip smart—like a little bit freaky smart—and is incredible with clients.

She was maybe six months into her position when we had our little meet cute. I sat next to this adorable garnet red-haired woman; she looked over at me—I want to say her eyes were green at the time—and she said oh my god, you’re stunning! To which I responded. No, you’re stunning. And that was that…kismet. She’s the first person I’ve ever felt that almost fated love with. Not in a romantic sense, but friendship wise. I wish she lived in Providence, but I’ll settle for the few times a year I get to see her when I go out to San Francisco.

I answer without video since my face is healing, but it still isn’t pretty. “I am hurt, Gen. Hurt. What kind of friend are you?”

“Oh, don’t you even go there, babe. One who just got back from vacation and saw you’re out on leave for at minimum two weeks! What kind of friend are you? Where was my call to let me know what happened? Also, what the fuck happened?”

I chuckle. “It’s a mile-long story, girl.”

“I’m waiting. Also, where is your pretty face? Why didn’t you answer my video call?”

I heave a sigh. “All right. You asked for it.” I press the video button.

Gen’s slim face, violet eyes, and short dark-haired bob appear on the screen. Her eyes go comically wide, and she gasps.

I arch a brow. “See why I didn’t answer with video.”

“Baby girl, what happened?!” Her hand is covering her mouth, and her eyes glisten like she’s close to tears.

“Bar fight.”

She cocks her head and shoots me an incredulous look, tears evaporating just like that. “You. You, who embodies everything that is happy and fun and are like a walking firework, got in a bar fight?”

I see that mask I wear for the world is working like a charm. I send her a wink. “Some people are intimidated by this much greatness. Totally jealousy motivated.”

Her violet eyes sparkle. “All right. I can see that. So, that bruising is from…”

I nod. “Taking a fist to the face.”

Her dainty nostrils flare. She’s a little feral pixie.

“More than anything, I’m pissed I didn’t land one. But I ended up with a concussion, so my screen time was limited for a while. I’ve been testing it out, playing around on the computer to see what I can handle. I’ll be able to come back, maybe for half days, as soon as I think I can tolerate that much screen time. It’ll be slow going easing back in. I’ll probably avoid the office for a bit and just stick to working from home.”

She nods. “Makes sense.” She gasps. “Ohmygod. Thank goodness it happened after your exam!”

I lean forward. “I know! That was literally my first thought.”

She nods seriously, her hair bobbing vigorously. “Literally. That would have been the cruelest thing. How do you think you did? Think you passed?”

I hesitate, an uncomfortable pressure settling in my chest. “I think I feel pretty good about it. But I’m always so terrified I’ll get the fail. It’s so hard to know with these exams. I just want to be doneee.” I end on a whine. I failed my last exam twice before I passed. I don’t want to go through that again.

Her forehead wrinkles in sympathy. “I feel you, babe. At this point, I just assume I’ve failed so that it’s the best surprise when I pass. You’re so damn close. That FSA raise is right there waiting for you.”

My eyes flutter shut. “And that bonus. Please and thank you.”

“I expect some of that to be spent on me. I am your exam emotional-support person. I must be compensated in the form of Mai Tais.”

I perk up. “Oooh. Yes. Let’s go get Mai Tais the next time I’m in San Fran.”

“It’s a date. So, how are you feeling? I cannot believe this. Like. Can. Not. I need names. Addresses. Descriptions of faces. I’ll send Kieran after him.”

I chuckle. “I’m feeling much better.” Thanks to a big, comfy center fielder spending time with me. “The first few days were the worst, but it’s mostly just ugly at this point.”

She clucks consolingly. “You poor thing. Well, I’m glad you have all those men living with you. They better be taking care of you. Do I need to lecture anyone?”

“No.” My lips tug up. “I have been well taken care of. All these sexy men doting on me. It’s been quite the treat.”