Hail Mary Baby: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Kara Hart Page B

answer, yet full of complications. “Of course I like him. But with Alex in the picture, it makes things a little weird. To be honest, I barely even know the guy. It sounds weird saying that, but it's true. I like him a lot, but I can't let him know we have a son together. I just can't.” I felt the heavy pressure rise up in my body. Tears formed in my eyes but I shook them away.
    She sat down next to me on the couch and held me in her arms. “It's okay. I understand.” She said softly. “Us women always get the shit end of the stick. I don't have much advice to give, but if he actually wants to be with you, then he’ll have to man up and prove himself. Because as of right now, he's done nothing of the sort.”
    I shook my head. “It's not really all his fault. There's more to it.” I admitted.
    “Like hell it’s not!” She yelled, getting fired up. “It's all his fault!”
    I couldn't help but laugh. “Alright, fine. Whatever. Anyway, I'm willing to forgive him. I just don't know if I'm willing to bring Alex into this. You're right. He has to prove himself. So far, he hasn't.”
    “That’s right! He hasn’t. But he will. You have it all. He’ll pine for you, girl.” She said confidently.
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    I t wasn’t long before he texted me. “There’s a booth with your name on it. Best seat in the house. There’s a badge in there you can wear to get all the food and drinks you can handle. Go crazy, the night is yours, baby.” Right after he sent me those words, he sent a picture. It was a luscious room, complete with leather couches, a stereo system, and everything else you’d want during a game.
    “I’ll only come if you sign my football.” I said sarcastically.
    “Deal. See you after the game.” He said.
    For the first time in a long time, I felt that feeling in my stomach. You know, the feeling of butterflies. I hadn’t felt that since college. Okay, so he was trying a little bit at least. He wasn’t perfect and it wasn’t all his fault for not finding me. I left, gave him the wrong number, and he tried his hardest to get to me. I didn’t really hold any grudges. Mainly, I was just excited to get to know the guy. We had such a strong connection, what could possibly go wrong?
    From the other room came the sound of Alex’s shrill cries. Oh yeah. There’s that…

Liam
    S he was coming to the game. She was really coming. I honestly couldn’t believe it. Most of this season I had felt like shit. It was one bad day after another. My playing was horrible out there on the field. My team resented me for it. But now was my time to make a come back. Now was the time for me to shine.
    “Alright, bring it in.” I said to the rest of the players before the game. “Look, I gotta level with ya’ll today. It’s not easy for a guy like me to lay my cards all out on the table, but it’s something I feel I need to do. I’ve had my head in my ass this past season. I’ve let you all down. Charlie, I’m lookin’ at you. I’m sorry, brother.”
    He nodded as if to say, “It’s all water under the bridge.”
    I continued my speech, “So I get it if I’m not the most popular guy on the field. That’s okay. I’ve never been the most liked. What I come to you with is this: my utmost apology and a guarantee for you all. I promise you that I won’t fuck up again. I know how far behind we are in the stats. I know just how much we need to win to be taken serious again. But I’m tellin’ you right now that we can do it. We can fucking do this and I won’t let you down. Never again. You all with me?”
    I looked at the small crowd of players around me. There was silence and a whole lot of hesitance in the air. Finally, after mulling it over for a few minutes, Charlie came forward.
    “I’m with you, man.” He said, giving me a huge man-hug.
    “Thanks, brother.” I said in his ear.
    “Anybody else? Or is it just Charlie who’s cool with me now?” I asked.
    “Just don’t let us down.” Another player