Page 6 of Rain Delay

“You’ll start Friday, actually. Opening Day is Wednesday, but we’re going to give you time to get packed, get moved, and get comfortable in your new surroundings before we send you to the wolves. We’re notifying the player tonight, so the hope is that you’re ready to move on Thursday.”

“Got it!” I nod. “I…I guess I will get right on that packing. Will more information be sent to me about this?”

Carly chuckles. “Of course, silly! We aren’t going to leave you in the dark about this. The only part we can’t divulge is who the player is.” She repeats, further heightening my anxiety.

“What if they end up hating me? Wouldn’t it be important to know who I’m living with?” I ask.

“Normally, yes. However, I can promise you that it’ll be nothing like last season. The player you’re going to be with actually cares more about the sport than just the money and notoriety it gives him,” Carly explains to me. “I mean, if anything, he’ll be thanking you. You’re going to help him look better in the press.”

“Hopefully,” I mutter.

I had to remember this was part of the job. To remember that I was being paid to do what I loved – and it was a lot of money – and I had the opportunity to take this project to the top with MLB, and be the one who got it there.

How was the player going to take all of this news? Were they even wanting this to happen?

I never was a fan of change. Luckily, I was familiar with Milwaukee – I knew my way around, and I was ready to embark on this new adventure.

“I mean, hey, all of the players on the Crafters are hot, so either way, you’re winning.” My sister, Lila, points out as she helps me finish up packing my things. “I’m surprised you said yes to it even though you have no clue who you’re going to be working with.”

“I’m at the mercy of MLB, sis. They’re paying me way more money this year, and I need that money if I ever want to live on my own.”

Lila scrunches her brows together. “Your housing is paid for, your car is paid off, what could you possibly need to worry about financially?”

“I’m not going to make the player pay for my necessities and food. I feel like that’s my responsibility.”

“I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem for them, El,” Lila says. “You’re overthinking everything. I think it’ll be okay.”

I nod, exhaling. I wish they told me who I was working with. I kept telling myself it was so I didn’t look them up and come in with this preconceived image of who I think the guy would be like.

I was also painfully aware of who played for the Crafters. And yes, the thought did run through my head of potentially being paired with him. MLB doesn’t know anything about my past relationship, so it’s not like they would purposely pair me with him.

However, I did have to prepare myself for that potential scenario. I wondered how he would react if he found out I was the one he was going to be working with.

My sister stands up from her chair, moving to sit next to me on the floor. “Hey. Deep breath. You got this!” She encourages me. “You’re amazing at what you do, and you always have been.

One thing about my sister was that she was always going to be my biggest supporter.

She’s been there for me through everything. It was a scary feeling, for sure, I kept telling myself I wouldn’t have this job with the big guns if they didn’t trust me and trust in my work.”

“I guess I’m nervous, and not knowing who I’m going to be with is making it worse.”

She gives my shoulders a gentle squeeze. “It’s going to be great! And you’ll be able to give me juicy details on players. I want to know all the hot gossip around that clubhouse and who’s single.” She wiggles her eyebrows, giggling.

I roll my eyes at her. “For you? Or for me?”

“Well, both!” She laughs. “Just make sure the guy you are working with doesn’t just want to fuck you.”

“I don’t think this girl will be hooking up with anyone, especially baseball players, any time soon. I can’t be breaking fraternizing rules.”

My mind didn’t want to think about a future with anyone else but Wyatt. It wasn’t an ugly breakup by any means. Heartbreaking, sure – but it wasn’t something I would consider to be toxic, though; I tried not to dwell on it much.

Lila grabs my suitcase after I zip it up, carrying it down the stairs for me as we walk out to my car. “If you get murdered, though, I’m going to be really pissed.”

I chuckle, putting the last bag in my trunk before slamming it shut. I pulled my sister into a tight hug. “I’m going to be okay, Lila. Promise.”

She rubs my back, not letting go of me. “Okay, but if he’s really weird—”

“I’ll be fine.”