The Problem with Players (Problem #2)

by Brittainy C. Cherry

Besides, I’d be fine. I’d always be fine. Being fine was my default setting.

“What’s wrong?” “What?” “You look…off.” My chest tightened slightly from his words. No way. There was no way he could see me—see the real me—when the rest of the world seemed so blind.

But nothing would compare to what losing Avery did to me. Losing Avery Kingsley would be one of the greatest regrets of my life. If I could turn back time, it would’ve worked out differently. If I could turn back time, I would’ve never played another game of baseball if it meant I had her.

“Should I be worried about you, Coach?” “No. I’m the strong one, remember? No one worries about the strong one. The strong one worries about everyone else. We take care of others. We don’t get taken care of.” “I’ll take care of you.” Tears began streaming down my cheeks as I stared into his eyes. The sincerest looking eyes I’d ever seen. The same sincere eyes I’d once loved.

It wasn’t fair that mamas could die. Their daughters still needed them so very much, no matter how much we grew up.

“I must’ve fallen asleep sitting next to your room.” “But why were you sitting next to my room?” “I wanted to know that you were okay. I wanted to stay next to the room until you stopped crying, in case you needed me to come in. I must’ve fallen asleep here.”

I grimaced even though my tired heart wanted me to smile. “That’s stupid.” “I’m stupid.” And sweet. So, so very sweet.

“Go where you’re loved, baby girl, and never stay a second longer when the love is removed.”

My hands pressed against his chest as my heartbeat intensified. “That sounds dangerous.” “I like danger.” “That’s funny. I tend to run from it.” “Don’t run from this, Coach.”

“You’re taking it so well. Keep your eyes on me,” he ordered, placing a hand beneath my chin. He tilted my head up to make sure our eyes stayed locked. “Yeah, that’s right…just like that…”

“That’s it, Ave, that’s it. Give me all of it, give me all of you. I love feeling you come for me. That’s my sweet girl.” Oh my goodness. That man could talk dirty to me for the rest of my life, and it still wouldn’t be enough.

I raised my eyebrow. “What is it?” “Nothing,” he said, falling back to his pillow. “I’m just trying to figure it out.” “Figure what out?” “How I lived all these years without you.”

Love didn’t cure self-doubt. Sometimes it only made it louder.

“And don’t worry about the journey to healing, Ave. It’s okay to go slow,” I swore. “Go slow,” she echoed with a nod. “I think that’s what I need to do. I need to go slow.” “Take your time.” “I know I don’t deserve it, but…” She stepped away and gave me a small, broken smile. “Thank you for walking with me.” I grinned back. “My favorite steps yet.”

I also knew I’d spend the rest of my life stepping up to the plate to let her know that I’d always show up to bat for her, no matter if she had good days or bad. Because loving her was, and always would be, easy.

Avery Kingsley was my best friend. My partner. My greatest grand slam. With her around, my world would never again become too dark. She was, and always would be, my very favorite sunbeam.