The Sweet Spot - Strike Zone Series Book 1

Chapter 19

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Chapter 19

Nate

      I knew when I woke up I was going to have to do this. Carla isn't going to stop until she gets her way, or she can no longer hold my past over my head. There's only one way to do that. I have to speak out before she does.

     Finding Kayleigh ready to walk out, lit a fire under my ass. I knew that kiss wasn't going to go over well. I knew I was going to have some explaining to do. I knew Kayleigh was going to be hurt. I was prepared for it, but I did ask her to be here for me last night. She chose to stay away. A good part of this could have been avoided. No matter what could have happened, I still hold the blame.

      I don't blame her. I don't think I would have handled it as well as she has. But then I'm used to getting my way. Kayleigh is used to being forgotten, ignored, dismissed. No, I can't be upset with her for feeling betrayed. But I'm going to fix it, all of it, for the last time.

      I'm glad Molly is here to help me. She'll talk to Kayleigh better than I can. Molly has suffered a lot at Carla's hands, but there's no love lost between them. Molly is strong, she'll make sure Kayleigh is too. I can trust her to do that.

     "Nate, what are you planning?" Molly asked, concerned about what I'm going to do next.

      "I'm putting an end to this. There's only one way, Molly. I have to do this. For all of us." My eyes shift to Kayleigh and I see so much hurt in her eyes. I did that to her and it eats at me.

      I hate knowing that it's my fault. I could have done something a long time ago. I should have done it long before now. I was a chicken. I love my career, I love my life. I wanted to keep everything just as it was. I did, before I met her. I don't like knowing I hurt a woman who is innocent in all this. A woman who I really want to keep in my life.

     No, this is on my shoulders. I have to do the hard thing and face the music. It's time. "I'm going to go up and make some calls. Don't leave, Kayleigh. Just stay with Molly and let me fix this."

     I waited for her to agree before I headed up. Leaving Molly and Kayleigh downstairs, I went up to my office and sat down. My head in my hands, I reconciled my resolve. I won't let her beat me to the punch. I won't let her take me down. Carla won't destroy the best relationship I've had.

     There's only one person I know that I could ask about this. He's one of the best sports managers in the industry. I know he only handles football players but I'm not asking him for representation. Yet. I'm asking for advice. Matt McConnell of McConnell Management has dealt with some pretty nasty gossip about his clients and got them through better than before. He's the one I need help from.

     Looking up his number, I dial and hope he doesn't charge me an arm and a leg for his advice. I have no problem paying him for his time. But without an income, I need to play this smart. I have to, I might not have a career when this is all said and done.

      "McConnell Management, this is Chelsea." The sweet female voice answered.

      Searching my brain, I try to remember her connection to Matt. Chelsea, Chelsea... oh, that's right! She's Blake (top quarterback in the league) Bradford's sister and Matt's wife. It's all about family with the Bradford's. I respect and envy that about them. I vaguely know Blake. I wouldn't call him a friend, more of an acquaintance. But in the sports industry, you can't help but know who he is. The guy's face, his name has been everywhere since he was drafted.

     "Hi, Mrs. McConnell, I'm Nate Segler, third baseman for Anaheim. I was hoping I could talk to Matt. I need some advice." I'm not sure how this is going to go, but I'd rather get the input of the best before I make things worse.