He’s not trying to be an ass; he’s really trying to figure it out. He’s a good-looking kid and has plenty of women interested, but like Jeremy and Crispin, he’s shy.
“I like her self-confidence,” I say, attempting to be diplomatic. “But she lives in my building. After we had a fun romp, she might want more, and I don’t do relationships. Her feelings would be hurt, and then she’d be angry, and it would make it hard to live here.”
“She could spank me and do whatever she wanted as long as I got to see what she has underneath those little scraps of material she calls a top,” Crispin says.
The guys all laugh.
I hold up my hand. “Her name is Mindy, and you should treat all women with respect, even if they don’t have that same respect for themselves.”
It doesn’t take long before we’re playing our video game and all conversation has ceased. It’s like I have three little brothers. After a few hours, Crispin and Jake head home, but Jeremy sticks around.
“Are you sure Raymond was only yanking my chain?” he asks.
I nod. “Talked to Mendez myself, and I met with George on another matter, and he didn’t even bring it up. I also talked to Nate Lancaster during the game. He would have given me a heads up if they were looking to trade you. You’re the diamond in their crown. Raymond is doing this to upset you and throw off your timing so he’ll get more time pitching. Put it out of your mind.”
SoBe is curled up on the couch next to him. He thinks he’s a little eighty-two-pound lap dog.
“You’re welcome to stay here tonight,” I tell him.
“Thanks,” Jeremy says, looking around. “I appreciate it.”
I don’t know if he knows about the stalker, or if he’s really that nervous about being traded, but he settles himself in my guest room. He stays here a few nights a week, and I don’t mind. He’s a good kid.
SoBe sticks with Jeremy, so I’m on my own. When my head hits the pillow, I’m out.
“Great game.” People keep patting Jeremy on the back the next evening after his win. The Prospectors finished off the Dodgers quickly and easily today.
Jeremy did have a great game, and right now he’s busy changing clothes, but I can see Jonas Raymond having a fit by his locker. I’m not about to let him get into Jeremy’s head. Once he’s pulled his shirt over his head, I steer him so Jonas is out of his line of sight.
After Jeremy does his press conference, it’s time for our chat. “Jeremy, the team received a letter from a fan that concerns them. Before you go, we need to go upstairs and meet with the GM and the police.”
Jeremy’s mouth drops open, and his eyes grow large. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “I’ll be right there with you. You’ve done nothing wrong, but this person is a little too aggressive, and we need to make sure you’re okay.”
“They’re not trading me?”
I laugh. “I almost wish they would after your game today. We could double your contract.”
He smiles, and I take him through the back elevators to the front office. From there we’re ushered into George Jordan’s office. With the GM are Nate Lancaster and Henry Strong, the team’s lawyer, along with a detective from the San Francisco police department.
They make introductions, and Detective Eric Lenning begins.
“You had quite the game,” he notes.
“Thank you,” Jeremy says. “It’s a team effort to win a baseball game. I’m just glad to be part of such a great team.” I can tell he’s nervous, and he’s been coached by a public relations specialist.
“You must be exhausted after a day like today. I heard you threw over a hundred and ten pitches, and your first pitch was one hundred miles an hour and the last pitch had even more heat—over a hundred and five miles an hour.” Lenning shakes his head. “That’s pretty impressive. I’m hoping you take us to the World Series.”
Jeremy smiles. That’s what he’s hoping for, too. He looks down and mutters, “Thanks.”
“You must get a lot of attention with that kind of fastball,” the detective pushes.
Jeremy shrugs. “Some.”
“Any of it bad?”
Jeremy looks at me, alarmed.
“They’re not talking about teammates,” I assure him. “They mean has anyone left you notes or gifts at your apartment?”
Jeremy shakes his head slowly, obviously confused. “Noooooo.”
“Any women more aggressive recently?”
“I don’t think so. Certainly not like Axel’s neighbor.”
I feel my face heat. “Uh, yeah. One of my neighbors is a bit overly friendly.”
Everyone is looking at me.
I sigh. “Yesterday she greeted Crispin, Jake, Jeremy, and me in a very tiny bikini top.”
“What did she say?” Detective Lenning asks.
“She offered to bring tequila to our party,” Jeremy contributes helpfully.
“Did you have a party?” the GM asks.
“No, not at all,” I assure everyone. “As you know, the guys aren’t old enough for liquor, so we thanked her and moved on. We ordered pizza and played video games.”
“And she never came over, even after the guys left?” Detective Lenning confirms.
I shake my head. “No. She doesn’t know what I do for a living and had no idea who the guys were yesterday.”
“Do you encourage her?” Detective Lenning probes.
I shake my head.
“Axel told us we should respect women, even if they don’t always respect themselves,” Jeremy offers.
Everyone looks at me, and I feel like what I said isn’t playing well. I don’t dare elaborate for fear of making it worse.
George clears his throat. “Son, have you received any unwanted attention recently?”
I nod at Jeremy.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” he says.
“Has anything happened that may have made you uncomfortable?”
Jeremy shakes his
