“She’s so full of shit, Tiff. I’ve never slept with that girl, let alone gotten her pregnant. I’m hopeful that we can do the DNA test as soon as I get back to Indianapolis, but I’m not sure how all that works, since the baby isn’t born yet. It is going to really suck if I have to wait until it is born to find out.”
“Depending on how far along she is, they can do a simple blood test from what I was researching earlier. It is ninety-nine percent accurate. They can also do an amniocentesis, but that is more invasive and comes with some risks.”
“I’d be fine with the blood test if it is that accurate,” I tell her.
“That’s what I’d suggest starting with. The lab that I found looks like they offer same day rush results for another five-hundred bucks, otherwise, it can take three to five days.”
“Five-hundred bucks will be well worth the cost, just to know for sure within a day,” I tell her and mean every word. I’d rather drop a couple grand on this test and know for sure than to spend only a few hundred and have it hanging over my head. “I think a lawyer has to step in and get involved. Brent was going to handle everything for me and let me know once I’m back in town.”
“When do you fly in?” Tiffany questions.
“After tomorrow’s game.”
“So, you could potentially be getting the test done in as soon as two days from now.”
“I guess so, but that also means they have to get this chick to agree to it by then.”
“Do you even know her name?” Tiff asks.
“Nope, do you?” I ask her as I push back on the bed, leaning against the headboard as I get a little comfortable.
“The report said Abigail.”
“Yeah, no recollection of an Abigail, ever.”
“Do you need to check your little black book?” She chuckles, giving me shit.
“Don’t be a bitch.”
“Me? A bitch to my little brother, the hotshot of major league baseball?” she asks all innocent like. “Never!” She breaks out into a maniacal laugh and I can’t help but smirk at her antics. “That’s the smile I was looking for.” She beams. “I knew I could make you laugh at this crazy situation.”
“Thanks, Tiff. I knew if anyone could get me through all this BS, it would be you. Now, how’s my nephew today?”
“He’s good, really good, actually.”
“The cast giving him any problems?”
“He’s finally getting used to it, I think. Although, it is still like a little weapon attached to his leg. I’ve got some nasty bruises to show from the times he’s accidently hit me with it.”
“Damn, well, only a few more weeks and he can get it taken off.”
“I’m so ready for that day. He’s starting to stink since we can’t give him a full shower or bath.”
“No worse than my gym bag growing up.”
“Gah, don’t remind me. That thing was vile.”
“Well, I should get off to bed, it’s been a long day. I’ll call you once I’m back in town. Love you, Tiff.”
“Love you, too, bro. Hang in there and we’ll get you past all of this. Once it all blows over, maybe it is time for you to find someone to settle down with, leave your manwhore ways behind you.”
“Yeah, yeah. There is one woman who I wouldn’t mind pursuing,” I let slip, and know I’ve made a big mistake.
“Wait, hold up. What did you just say?” Tiffany says, sitting up and giving me a WTF look via the camera.
“There might be one woman who drives me insane—the good kind of insane–but I don’t think she likes me all that much, so I’m sure it isn’t going to happen,” I tell her.
“And who is this mysterious woman that has piqued your interest?”
“Carmen Gibson, she’s the team’s PR manager.”
“Tell me more. A workplace romance, and the one person who has to deal with all your fuckups. I love this.”
“Yeah, well, she doesn’t usually like me all that much, so I don’t see how I’d ever convince her to go out with me or give me a chance. She sees me as nothing more than a player man-child.”
“Well, little brother, maybe it is time that you show her you are a man and have given up your childish manwhore ways.”
“This whole baby thing isn’t helping that image at all. And to think, I was doing good. I haven’t been with a woman since the strip club incident.”
“Well, give it a few days, maybe a few more weeks. Let all the chips fall as they’re going to fall and then move forward. Even if this Abigail chick is telling the truth and the baby is yours, it isn’t like you’d be the first guy to have a baby with a stranger. It is what you do to step up and take care of the baby that shows your true character. You know I love you, but I’m here to tell you, little brother, that sometimes you get in your own way. Just lay low, and I’ll be right by your side as things unfold.”
“Thanks, Tiff. I love you. Give Milo a kiss from Uncle Lucas.”
“He’s sleeping, but I’ll do so in the morning. Maybe on your next day off you can come over for the day. He’d love to have a day to hang with his favorite uncle.”
“Damn straight he would,” I tell her before we say our last goodbyes and end the call.
Thanks to my manager and attorney, a nurse is coming to the stadium today to draw my blood for the paternity test. Abigail agreed to the test, eventually. Tried to swindle money out of me to do it now, but the threat of a lawsuit had a way of convincing her that she needed to agree to this, and now. Everyone agreed that she could also show up here at the facility so the
