Out in Left Field: Greenliner, #4

By Faith O'Shea

Casey Calipari is back in the spectator stands, filling a seat in the groupie section she thought she'd vacated years ago. Her father, a Hall of Famer, has recently been handed the reins as manager to the Boston Greenliners baseball team, and he's asked her to accompany him to spring training. There's a very big drawback to the deal, one she's not sure she's ready for. Her childhood sweetheart is the new left fielder. That he broke her heart their senior year in high school is only the tip of the iceberg.

Sebastian Layden has finally gotten his shot at the big leagues but he wonders what it's going to cost him in terms of emotional baggage. His manager is his ex-girlfriend's father and the man hasn't been civil with him since he left for college. Seb's not sure what he's facing as he heads to spring training, but he's preparing for every possible outcome, from play to trade.

Or so he thinks.

What he didn't count on was the old magic casting its spell. Casey is not the girl he left behind but so much more. When someone new arrives on the playing field, he knows he has to make all the right moves, unwilling to strike out when there's such an important game on the line. Will he be able to prove he has what it takes to commit to a future or will he be left out in left field?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith O'Shea
• Release date: Mar 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393529187

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Casey Calipari sat gazing at home plate from one of the offices at Citrus Field, watching her father lob some balls to a pint-sized batter. Even from here, she could see the intensity on Charlie’s face as she swung away, trying hard to make contact.

She groaned, snatching her finger from out of her mouth. She’d been nibbling on her nails, a habit she thought she’d left behind a few years ago, but the stress of the last few days had finally caught up and she’d reverted to her old soothing technique. In the background, she could hear Allie, talking on her cell. Her friend was putting the final touches on the upcoming travel days that would take the Greenliners to different cities in the area, as they geared up for the upcoming spring baseball season. Casey had invaded her space, agreeing to come to the field early, in order to avoid another confrontation with Charlie, who’d become intractable, and to satisfy her father’s incessant demands that he get some time with his granddaughter.

She wondered again, for maybe the hundredth time, what the hell was she doing here.

Her father, the new manager of the Greenliners, Boston’s National League professional baseball team, had requested her presence, but it was becoming apparent he didn’t need her for much more than social secretary. She’d thrown her life into a tailspin, accompanying him to Florida for spring training to be more gopher rather than right hand. Mac Calipari, Greenliner icon and legend, had been depending on his coaches and staff to re-organize the team he’d inherited when the former coach died of a heart attack just a few weeks ago, and it had left her very little to do.

She swore under her breath, knowing exactly why she’d done it. It was because he was the sun and she was one of the satellites. Her mother was his other. It had been that way all of her life and it seemed some things never changed.

When she’d dropped by his office this morning, to give him the details on the team barbecue he’d asked her to arrange, he’d suggested, Why don’t you and your mom take Charlie somewhere fun. Orlando’s not far. You could spend the day there. Maybe she’ll stop being so angry with us.

Irritation had curled in her gut. Is that why I’m here? To occupy Charlie? I could have done that at home.

Should have. At least until February vacation was over and Charlie was back in school.

He must have heard the tinge of sarcasm in her voice, because he gave her back some of his own. She wanted to be here, Case. The problem is we’ve never denied her access to the field before. She thinks she’s being punished and my explanation that this is a whole different league isn’t computing.

That wasn’t exactly the truth. He wanted her mother, Galen, here and that meant Charlie had to tag along. They’d both arrived in Sanford on Saturday, and Charlie hadn’t been allowed her usual freedoms. She’d had the pool at the house her parents had rented, and her skateboard and Switch, but hadn’t been allowed to attend the first several games of the Grapefruit season, and the resulting tantrum had been full out. Charlie didn’t understand why she’d been imprisoned at the house, and there was no plausible reason to give her. Not one she’d understand, at least. There’d always been an open-door policy with the team Mac coached. She’d spend time in the dugout during games and attend the parties held at her parents Pittsfield rental, even play catch with some of the more family-oriented guys. She knew every player and every stat, just like Casey’s best friend, Allie, had when they were kids. Today said friend was vice-president in charge of player development for the team and they were rooming together for the next six weeks.

For now, Charlie would just have to deal.

Yeah, well, I can’t help that.

Her father’s voice was tight when he’d said, I don’t think it would hurt for her to be in the stands. Who’s going to know?

She’d clutched her arms to her chest. I can’t take the risk.

Casey, you’re going to have to rethink your strategy. Things have changed, radically. Don’t you think it’s time to set things right?

She’d sighed dejectedly. Nothing’s changed. I… I can’t do what you’re asking.

Yet.

Her father’s impatience had reared its head and his terse Why? did nothing to settle her unease.

It’s too late. I don’t want any more complications in my life, we can’t go back. Do you want any more reasons? I have them.

Maybe the bottom line was she didn’t want to risk having to share her daughter. Or her heart.

Her father pointed out, yet again, It’s going to be impossible to keep this quiet. We discussed all this before I took the job. You said you were okay with it. I hope you haven’t changed your mind because it’s too late now to renege.

I should never have come with you. That’s the problem.

Mac asserted firmly, The problem will exist as long as I’m manager of the team. He raised his voice in irritation. Do you want me to make a trade?

Her gut twisted at the implication, her anxiety straining for the top of the meter.

No. That wouldn’t be fair. Not to you, not to Allie. She’s counting on the team she’s put together to get you to the World Series.

It wouldn’t be fair to the man he was suggesting to be traded, either. He’d done nothing to warrant it, except maybe break her heart.

Her father gentled his voice. Your happiness is more important to me than the team, and you know that.

Mac had always claimed it was, that their family was his number one priority, but there were too many times that it took second rung because of his job, his status, his reputation.

Yeah, well, Allie might feel differently. I don’t know whether you’ve heard but she’s gone to extreme lengths to bring this team together.

Her friend had married a man to get a third baseman. That she fell head over heels in love with the Cuban was icing on her cake.

The headache had started throbbing and she wanted out. I’ll let you get back to work but you and I are going to have a meeting to discuss my role here. Being your social secretary is not a compelling reason to stay.

If she went back home, she could put off the upcoming conflict indefinitely. The younger Casey would have done just that. But her father was right, and although she didn’t want to admit it quite yet, she was inching her way towards resolution. She was here, and that had been her first step.

You can’t keep procrastinating, Casey. I should have insisted you be honest from the start.

Her jaw dropped open. That really wasn’t your decision. It was mine.

I’ll let you keep believing that if it makes you feel any better. But it was a bad one from where I sit. They both have a right to know.

She knew that at the very core of her being but every time the thought surfaced, she pummeled it back down, petrified to take the step. She didn’t know how the hell she was going to spring this kind of news.

She put her attention back on the field. Charlie and Mac had switched places. Charlie was taking fielding practice, Mac hitting the ball out to her. Her daughter was keeping the ball in front of her like she’d been taught, giving up her body if she had to. She wondered how many bruises she’d have before the practice session was over.

A smile crept onto her face without warning.

Charlie was good. It was too bad she was female. She might have used those genetic markers she’d inherited to play professional ball. The ones she’d inherited from both sides of her family tree.

They both have a right to know.

The thing was, she hadn’t wanted anyone to know and had kept it a secret for months. In shock mode the moment that damn stick read yes, she’d gone on an emotional roller coaster ride, the curves and hills creating as much nausea as the pregnancy itself. There was denial, panic, depression, grief, until she’d finally found acceptance. After she’d gone over all her options, she’d decided there’d been only one course of action. For her, anyway. Allie became her confidant, sat holding her hand while she cried her eyes out, and accompanied her to her first doctor’s appointment, where it was officially confirmed.

She’d known she couldn’t avoid telling her parents, but never in a million years did she think she’d have to have that conversation with them. Getting into any kind of trouble was out of character for her. She’d always followed their rules, her mother’s rules, tried to please at every turn, wanted to be the daughter they deserved. She’d always insisted on using protection, but there were a couple of times they’d slipped up. She was naïve enough to believe they wouldn’t get caught, and held an underlying belief that if they did it wouldn’t be any big deal. They’d just get married sooner than anticipated. She’d never been so wrong in her life.

She’d known she had no recourse but to sit them down and tell them, when she was only a few weeks away from starting college. She remembered the day, vividly. It was the second worst of her life. The first had been the break-up and all the repercussions that came with it, one she hadn’t even suspected, and it was a big one that had scared her shitless.

As if isolating herself from the shock and disappointment she knew would come, she’d sat on the love seat in the family room, opposite the couch where Mac and Galen were sitting side by side, a united front, waiting patiently for her to get to the point. Her tears had pre-empted the telling and when it finally came spilling out, they’d already figured out the worst.

Her mother had cried. Face-in-her-hands cried. It was one of the only times she’d seen her mother break down like that. She was usually so staid and calm in the face of crisis, and it had completely undone Casey. Her father had wanted to wring some necks. But she’d made them promise her they wouldn’t do anything rash, like call and tell him. She’d laid out her reasons for not wanting the father to know, like a detailed map, and they’d agreed. More out of anger than consensus.

The anger had withered over time as Charlotte became an intricate part of their lives and Mac had suggested more than once that the girl’s father had a right to know. The first time had been after Seb’s graduation from Tulane. He’d been drafted by the Greenliners and his first stop should have been Pittsfield where Mac was in talks to become the manager. She’d avoided the bullet when Seb was sent to Cranston rather than the triple A team her father eventually coached. She thought Mac would drop the subject after that, but it became a yearly reprimand, usually on Charlotte’s birthday.

The badgering picked up speed when Mac took the job as Greenliner manager, knowing Seb would be attending spring training. Actually, it became more of an ultimatum. He all but threatened to tell him without her consent. Her mother, of course, was on his side.

It will be impossible to keep this from coming out, Casey. We need to handle this before it becomes a real problem. Like your father said, it’s way past time.

The long-held secret was gasping for air and she was gearing herself up to let it breathe.

Unconsciously, she rubbed the rim of the coffee mug she held, her mind a whirling dervish of unwanted thoughts and unavoidable feelings. She was on a seesaw— to tell or not to tell. That was the question. If she told, she might be putting her heart on the line again, and it wasn’t as resilient as it used to be. It had been glued back together one shattered piece at a time and it was tight and withered from lack of use.

As she chewed on her nail, she castigated herself for not remaining back in Boston. She would have avoided the upheaval, the restless nights and secretive days. The only good thing that had come out of the move was her broken engagement. She should never have accepted the proposal, and still didn’t completely understand why she’d said yes. Greg was a good man beneath it all, but he didn’t… understand her. And there was no passion there. That had been stripped away from her arsenal of emotions a long time ago. The only thing she missed was the security blanket he’d wrapped her in.

She brushed her hair back, pushed her glasses up and looked out over the field before snapping out of her trance. Her dad had stopped hitting balls to Charlie, to look across the field at the man walking toward them.

He could still make her heart flutter, but she had no time to take in the rangy body, the confident stride, the muscles that she knew rippled beneath the shirt. This was her worst nightmare taking center stage in her reality. Was it coincidence or…? Couldn’t be. Not the way it was playing out. She’d been checking her watch every ten minutes, knowing exactly when the players would start arriving and she was determined to be long gone by the time it happened. Her father’s incessant demands had hidden an ulterior motive, and anger might have flared if terror hadn’t taken over.

She jumped out of her seat and raced down the stairs, and across the concourse until she came to the rim of the green carpet that lined the diamond. But when she got there, she halted in her tracks. Should she stay quiet, hidden, so she didn’t give anything away or show herself and let whatever happened happen?

Sebastian Layden was standing not three feet away from Charlie. She couldn’t read his expression because his back was facing her, but she heard the excited timbre of his voice when he said, This is that kid who was at your baseball camp that day I volunteered. Did she win a trip down or something?

Mac appeared to be chewing the inside of his cheek. She waited with bated breath for her father to say something, but he remained mute, quietly studying the man who’d approached. It was Charlie who broke the ice. She had personality plus, could talk an Eskimo into buying snow and her smile was wide when she said, You’re Sebastian Layden.

With a similar grin, he exclaimed, I am. And you are one kick-ass player.

Casey saw a look of puffed-up pride on Charlies face at the compliment.

Thanks. I saw you at the baseball camp. I wanted to be with the older kids, but they wouldn’t let me.

Little did Charlie know she wasn’t supposed to be there at all, that she was a month shy of the minimum age, but they’d all agreed there had to be some kind of perks that came with being the granddaughter of the man who ran the camp.

Seb said good-naturedly, You have to work from the ground up. It takes a little longer, but then you’re ready to take on the big guns.

Charlie tilted her head, squinting at him in the hazy sunshine. Are you ready?

I think so. Mr. Calipari here would be the one to answer that question.

Gramps said you could be better than him.

Casey noticed her father’s forehead crease. He’d probably never expected her to give that secret away. If he’d set this up, and she had a funny feeling he had, it would serve him right. He should have talked to her about it before… She didn’t know whether to be grateful or pissed.

When Mac arched an eyebrow, as if offended, Seb added hastily, his attention back on Charlie Not sure about that. I don’t know whether you know this or not but Mac here’s a legend.

Charlie giggled. Of course I do. I know everything there is to know about the Greenies.

A real fan, huh?

Since before I was born.

Casey was holding her breath, knowing her whole life was about to become unraveled while Seb had no idea what was coming. His voice still held a tinge of amusement.

Not too many start that early.

Not too many have a gramps who’s a legend.

Casey was now walking onto the field, knowing the secret was about to pop out of the jack-in-the-box. Her breathing was labored, and her heart was racing, but her stride was full of purpose. She was thrown off as her daughter came racing over and threw herself into her arms.

Hey, Mom. Did you see me? I’m getting good at keeping the ball in front of me.

Seb had turned to face them, his face draining of color as he did. All amusement was gone. His eyes had narrowed. His nostrils were flaring. He met her gaze just before she wrapped her arms around Charlie and said, I did.

She was staring right into steely blue eyes that pierced her to the core. Trying to recover her balance, she kissed Charlie’s nose and put her down, taking a braid in each hand.

I guess there’s no denying you got Gramps’ genes and not mine.

Seb was staring open-mouthed at the seven-year-old standing several feet away. As he moved closer, she sensed unsteady legs. He crouched down when he reached her, eye-to-eye when he extended his hand, his voice shaky when he stuttered out, Nice to meet you…

Charlie. Blue eyes flashed up at Casey and she amended, Charlotte Calipari.

Casey could see Seb’s profile as he studied the face. What was he thinking as he examined his eyes in a smaller face, his hair, only finer, more fly away, and his chin, a little too defiant, in the face of adversity?

CHAPTER TWO

Seb almost collapsed. His legs, usually so steady, all but refused to hold him up. He was dumbstruck, tongue-tied, his emotions seesawing back and forth between anger and awe. He plowed his hands through his hair, rested them on his skull, to keep his head from coming off. He’d take the anger up with Case, share the awe with…his…daughter. And he couldn’t deny it. She was his, from the jut of her jaw to the set of her shoulders.

In a flash, his life had been irrevocably altered. He’d heard from some of his teammates that having a kid involved an instant love affair, but he couldn’t imagine it until now.

He shoved his shaking hands into his pockets and said, It’s nice to meet you Charlotte Calipari.

He was ensnared by her sparkling eyes, the innocent smile. The eyes were his. The smile was all Case. The innocence told him she knew nothing about his genetic connection.

It’s nice to meet you, too. I can’t wait to meet Rique. He’s the only part of the triumvirate I don’t know. Leo said you guys are magic out on the field. She gave her mother a look that could have curdled milk. I’m hoping Mom lets me see a game before I go back home.

Anger nestled deep in his gut. Allie’s husband knew about her? And hadn’t said a word? What the fuck?

His eyes narrowed. You know Mattie?

Yeah. He helped me with my swing the other night. He’s a really good teacher. I can hit it much farther now than I could before.

Case interrupted his growing temper. He promised he wouldn’t say anything. He agreed it was my story to tell.

He all but snapped at her, Were you ever going to tell it?

He saw the gulp, the panic in her eyes, and the fingernail that went right to her mouth. She was still the same timid girl he’d left behind. She’d never handled conflict well, always tried to smooth the waters, rarely stood up for herself. Retreating had always been her course of action. Hadn’t the years matured her at all?

He glanced back at Charlie, who looked confused at the building tension. Mom, what is he talking about?

Mac stepped into the fray. Seb, not here and not now.

He backed off, knowing Mac was right, even as the anger poured through him, boiling his brain. They’d have this out where small ears couldn’t overhear the shouting match that was brewing. How dare they keep this from him. He’d had a right to know he had a child.

When he returned his eyes to Charlie, her chin was jutting out in defiance.

Why are you mad at my mom?

Backtracking so as not to do any damage before a relationship could take shape, he said, Mattie had a secret and I thought your mom told someone.

Mom wouldn’t do that.

He gave her a twisted smile, trying to keep his vision clear of the purple haze.

I know. It appears your mother is very good at keeping secrets.

Charlie wrinkled her nose. Is that a bad thing?

He closed his eyes, unable to say what he wanted to. He’d have a few words for Mattie when he saw him but for now, he wanted to know, You haven’t seen us play yet? How long have you been here?

Nana brought me down over the weekend. I have school vacation this week.

Had they hidden the poor kid away? Because they didn’t want the secret to come out? One that should have come out years ago? He couldn’t stop the raw fury that knotted every time he thought about the deception. Why the hell hadn’t Casey told him? Did she know she was pregnant when he left for Louisiana? Was that the reason Mac had refused to talk to him whenever they chanced to meet? He must have known he’d been kept in the dark about it. Otherwise… what?

What would you have done if she’d told you? Come back? Married her?

He shook his head, bouncing those thoughts out. It wouldn’t have been the right decision. Not for him. Not back then. Had she done him a favor by keeping it quiet?

Some of the fury rolled off him.

When he looked back at the face so much like his own, a feeling of undiluted love washed over him, almost toppling him. Would this kind of love have sealed his fate? Imprisoned him in marriage vows? Those questions would never be answered now.

Needing to know, he asked, When are you going back?

Sunday but I don’t want to. I like it here.

That would give him four days with her.

Four days out of the last…

When is your birthday, Charlie?

February eleventh.

He counted back nine months, wanting to know when Casey had gotten pregnant. May? Senior prom night? When would she have suspected? June? July? He was already gone by then. But she’d never reached out, never called to tell him. The why was messing him up.

You…just turned seven?

She nodded.

He’d have four days out of the last seven years. How many days with her did that mean he’d missed? Three hundred-and-sixty-five days times seven years. It had to be close to three thousand days he had a daughter and hadn’t known it.

Three fucking thousand days.

He hadn’t noticed Galen arrive until she asked Casey if she was all right. When he glanced over at her, her mouth was pinched, and her arm was wrapped tightly around Casey’s waist.

Charlie had ambled over to her mother and grandmother, and Galen put a possessive arm around her, too.

You have a game to play soon, don’t you Sebastian? I think perhaps you should go and get ready for it.

He bridled the anger still seething and said, You’re not going to get rid of me that easily, Galen.

There was a chill in her voice when she said, I have no intention of doing that, but I don’t think this is the time or the place to discuss this further. Do you?

He stood there, glaring, still trying to make sense of this. Then he looked back at Charlie and asked, Is she finally going to be allowed to see a game? Now that— he flashed azure fire at Casey, letting her know he was not going to take this lightly, —she’s met us all?

I guess she will.

Charlie was clapping, jumping up and down with excitement, turning around in a circle while she did. Can I sit with Grandpa?

Galen all but snapped, No. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, said in a more moderate tone, He’s got to concentrate on the game. You’ll sit with your mom and me.

There was an immediate frown on Charlie’s face. He used to sometimes let me in Pittsfield.

Mac lifted her up and explained, We’re in a different league now, Charlie. Not only do I have to get this team to the Series, I’ve got to spend the next few weeks deciding who’s staying and who’s going back down.

But I’d be really quiet, and I promise I won’t get in the way.

Mac’s expression told Seb he was having a hard time saying no, but as always, the team had to come first.

Mac gave her a fierce hug before setting her down. I’m sorry, honey, but I can’t do that anymore. Why don’t you get your bat and glove? I’ve got to get back to work and you’ve got to go have some lunch if you want to be back for the start of the game. I’ll make sure you have good seats.

Galen watched her granddaughter do as requested before looking at Seb.

Why don’t you plan on coming over to our place afterward?

He nodded to Charlie, asking silently where she’d be when this discussion took place.

Casey’s voice was small when she said, I’ll talk to Allie, see if she’s willing to watch her at the condo where we’ve been staying. Mattie will be with her, so Charlie should be fine with it.

Where Allie was, there was Mateo, and he wanted to punch his lights out. He’s known that long?

Casey was quick to point out, No. He only found out the other night. He’s been living with you, or did you forget?

He gritted his teeth. Sorry if my mind is a little scattered right now.

Galen said quietly, We can talk later.

We?

Seb’s chin set in defiance. I would think this is between me and Casey.

And where we’ve supported them until Casey graduated, I think we have a vested interest in the outcome.

Mac added, And where you’ve yet to learn about parental love, let me assure, you don’t set your children up to be hurt.

He might not have learned it yet, but it had only taken an instant of recognition for him to have been willing to die for the girl.

When Charlie had gotten back to where they stood, he crouched down again, curled his finger and asked her over without words.

Your gramps really said I could be better than him?

She nodded.

It meant that if she was born a boy, she might have been able to play in the majors, and with her inherited genes, she could be better than both of them. The thought that he liked having a daughter nestled in his heart, and he admitted he wouldn’t change her for the world. He pushed a strand of fly away hair off her face, his heart near to bursting. He wanted her to be proud of him, and it prompted him to say, I guess I have a lot to prove out there this afternoon.

I’ll be rooting for you.

Can I have a hug for good luck?

She looked over to her mom for permission. With Casey’s hesitant nod, she stepped into his arms. He lifted her up and held her, felt her small legs wrap around his middle. She smelled like sweet summer sweat, coconut shampoo, and sunscreen, and he breathed her in. He squeezed and held on a minute too long. Her restlessness kicked in and she loosened her hold, forcing him to put her down. He hadn’t wanted to let her go and continued staring at her, still trying to wrap his brain around her existence. Needing to keep the connection, he said, Let’s see if I can beat Mattie’s numbers tonight.

She giggled. I bet you can’t.

That sounds too good a challenge to pass up. What should we bet?

Her smile lit up her face. If I win, you take me to see the monster trucks. Nana won’t, Gramps is too busy and it’s not Mom’s thing.

And if you lose?

She shrugged. Then you get out of it.

He didn’t want to get out of it. He wanted to take her. Monster trucks were his thing. Excitement was streaming through him at the thought of sharing this with her. He was going to have to make sure he got at least a home run this afternoon. He wasn’t in the same league as Mattie when it came to the batter’s box, but he’d give it his all.

Don’t discount it yet. Even Mattie has an off night occasionally.

Of course, that was only when Allie was gone. When she was around, the guy was a grand slam waiting to happen, and he had a feeling Mattie might not be in the mood to negotiate stats tonight after the blistering fight they were going to have.

It began as soon as Seb entered the locker room, Mattie standing by his cubby getting dressed.

His teeth were gritted when he said, I need to talk to you.

Mattie’s look was guarded. Okay.

Not here. Somewhere private.

Mattie looked around as if to ask and where would that be. Almost the whole team had arrived and were in the stages of dressing for the afternoon game. There was barely any elbow room, never mind a private corner.

Outside.

After shrugging back into his shirt, Mattie followed him out and into the blistering heat.

All but in his face, Seb snarled, Why the hell didn’t you tell me?

Tell you what, exactly?

Nothing rattled the man, nothing except Allie’s absence, and he had a feeling his unflappability was going to piss him off even further. That he was spoiling for a fight was evident.

About Charlotte.

Mattie’s eyebrows arched up as if surprised he knew, but he kept his voice modulated.

Because it was told to me in confidence.

Seb poked a finger at the guy’s chest. And I didn’t have a right to know?

Mattie took a step back, his hands up in warning.

You did. But not from me. I take it the secret’s out now.

If Mac hadn’t—

Mattie’s voice held surprise. Mac told you?

Seb narrowed his eyes. Mac had texted him, asked him to go to the field. And then his mind was racing back to the day he’d been invited to Mac’s day-long camp. Charlie had been present. Had he meant to tell him that day? Was that the reason