Training For Love

Chapter 3

1 Week Later
This week has been a whirlwind. We've won every game this week. Christian always asks me to stretch him out before the game, which I don't mind at all. We have actually gotten to know each other in those ten-minute sessions. I told him I was previously on the Astro's. I haven't told him who Cody's biological father is though. It's not like I'm hiding it. Maybe I am. Maybe I'm trying to protect Cody's father.

I walk in the training room and set my stuff down on the desk. I check my phone to see who we are playing tonight.

I drop my phone and tears immediately filled my eyes. Am I even breathing? Am I dreaming? Why? The timing couldn't be worse.

I hear a knock on the door, I quickly wipe away the tears and plaster a smile.

I see the man who I'm finding myself falling for. "Hey," Christian walks further into the room. "Hey, you okay?" I take a deep breath. Do I want to confess why I'm upset? "Who are we playing tonight?" I ask as he lays down on the table. "The Astros.." he pauses. "Oh, that makes sense." He says looking up at me. "Yeah, it'll be fine though. It'll be good to see old friends like Verlander and Springer." I fake smile. "Look at me Claire," I look in his deep brown eyes. I always get lost in those things. "You'll be fine. If it gets too awkward just hang around me. I'll make sure you're comfortable." I smile at him and decide to go in for a hug. "Thank you, Christian." "No problem."

I begin to stretch out Christian. "So who do you not like on The Astros?" Christian asks with a laugh. "I mean all the guys are pretty cool." "So there's no one you secretly can't stand." I hesitate. A lot of people took Alex's side on the break-up. The only ones that took my side were Verlander, Springer, and Marsinik. Which made it very awkward. I hated going to work and being around him.

"I mean there is one, but I'll keep that to myself." I give him a mischievous smile. "Dang, no fun. Secrets don't make friends you know that right?" "If you want to know then you've got to promise me you won't say anything to anyone else." He puts his hand to his chin contemplating. "If you say anything I won't stretch you out for 2 weeks," I say with a little glimmer of laughter. "Fine. I promise." He smiles.

"The one I really can't stand is Alex Bregman," I say, "he's a cocky asshole. Who thinks everyone loves him and that's not the case at all." I half-lie. I can't tell him exactly why I don't like him.

He laughs, "I can definitely see that."

When I finish stretching him, I pat his leg. "Thank you for stretching me." I smile my signature smile, "no problem." He turns towards the door. I turn to do some paperwork before the game. "Hey Claire," I quickly turn back to Christian. "My offer still stands, if it gets too awkward don't hesitate to come talk to me." He gives me a smile. "I will, thanks Christian." I smile back. With that, he walks out. I put my pen down and run my fingers through my hair.

I hear a knock on the office door. I huff annoyed, "come in." I shout.

The door opens and my heart shatters.

Flashback

I just cant wait to see him after the game. I have a huge surprise for him. I walk out onto the field and see him talking to a girl. She's not someone I recognize. I see George come up beside me. "Who's that?" He says pointing to Alex and the mystery girl. "I have no clue."

He leans to kiss her cheek as she hands him a yellow sticky note.

My heart shatters. I turn as he turns to look at me and George. I run. I run and grab my bag and run back to my car. I don't stop until I reach the car and lock myself in. I finally let the sobbing take over. "Why!?" I scream slamming my hand on the steering wheel.

-

I see Alex stick his head in, "do you have a minute to talk?" He asks pushing himself more into the office. "What?" I said shortly. "Ouch, is that any way to talk to the father of your child." I quickly run to shut the office door. "Will you shut up," I whisper to him. "Why?" "It's not something I want my new team to know." "Why?" "What the fuck do you want Bregman." "Ouch, the last name, what about babe or stud muffin like you used to call me." "I only call guys that if they don't cheat on me," I say crossing my arms in front of my chest. "Uh-oh someone's about to get real bitchy." I roll my eyes and uncross my arms. "Like I asked twice now, what the hell do you want?" I say frustrated. "I just wanted to ask if I can see Cody while I'm in town."

"Alex, I don't think that's a good idea." "And why not?" "Because you walked out on us. Cody deserves more than that." "You gave me no choice to walk out Claire." "You could've fought for me, for us, for our family." I feel tears stinging the corners of my eyes. I blink them away. I'm not showing him this side of me anymore. "Alex, I wanted us so bad." "Then why did you run away to Milwaukee and scream to the team Cody wasn't mine." "Because I wanted you to hurt, just like you hurt me. Also, I didn't run to Milwaukee they offered me more money." "Did the DNA test come back yet?"

I shake my head yes, and reach in my locked drawer. I pull it out and hand him the paper.

"Congratulations, Alex you are the father," I say in my best Maury voice.

"Claire, please let me make it up to you." He inches closer. I put my hand on his chest and shake my head no. "I can't Alex, not after everything." "Is there already someone else?" I shake my head no. "It's been 2 months since the love of my life cheated on me and made me question everything for the past 4 years," I say letting the tears stream. "Claire, I'm so sorry. The past 2 months have been hell without you two." "I'm sorry. I'll text you the address, you can come over in the morning to see Cody." I say grabbing my duffle bag and walking out of the room.

I walk out to the field and see Christian standing there throwing with Ryan Braun. I smile at both of the men. Christian throws over Ryan's head and the ball rolls towards me. I see him jog over to me. I pick up the ball, and toss it to him. "Hey do you want to grab a late dinner after the game?" I smile at his offer, "I really wish I could but I have to go home to Cody." "Oh yeah duh, well how about tomorrow us 3 have lunch before we have to go to work." I blush at his offer. "We would love that." He smiles, "great." He jogs backward. "Remember don't forget to eat that banana," I say. He laughs, "I won't I promise."