CHAPTER 25
Somehow she made it back to the ranch without running the car into a ditch, and managed to make it to her bedroom without running into anyone. A small miracle in a house filled to the brim for the big game.
In a fog, she pulled on her favorite jeans and one of the exhibition tees she’d had printed for the game.
She’s not my girlfriend.
I. Don’t. Want. You.
The words she’d overheard and the words he’d flung at her materialized in her head. How could she have been such a fool? He hadn’t changed. He was as capricious as he’d ever been. A tear squeezed out of her eye and her hands shook as she buttoned up the exhibition jersey with the Kansas City Kings logo. For a split second, she contemplated wearing the Navy cap. But then her shoulders sagged. What would that prove?
Nothing.
And for the first time, she didn’t want to act like everything was okay. That nothing affected her. Let Sterling see the fallout from his stubbornness. From his stupidity. At least she was ready for today. It turned out to have been a good thing that she’d taken care of nearly all the details yesterday, while she had a brain. She could get through the next six hours. It would suck, but she could do it. Then she could go home to Kansas City and lick her wounds in peace. By the time she returned to Prairie to wrap up work on the poker tournament and concert, she’d be good as new. She’d make sure of it.
She blinked hard, shoving back the wave of nausea that threatened to turn her stomach inside out.
Heck, maybe she’d even take a trip to New York City to see her fellow Athena Scholar sisters. They were always bugging her to come visit. She grabbed her phone and typed a note to herself to look into that as soon as she was home.
Pinching some color into her cheeks, she glanced into the mirror and practiced smiling. She looked on the verge of tears. That wouldn’t do. Not with so many big names descending on Prairie. She’d have to rely on the cover of sunglasses. At least everything was taking place outside.
Twisting her hair into a low bun and opting for no baseball cap, she rolled her shoulders back and left for town. She wasn’t on the fast track to the corner office at Royal Fountain because she took things lying down. No sirree. She’d overcome obstacles before. Sterling was just another obstacle. But even a personal pep-talk couldn’t spare her from the piercing in her heart as the thought entered her head. Filling her lungs and blowing out slowly, she blinked back tears. She could do it. She could look at him without falling to pieces. Her mother had endured worse, and never cracked… in public.
Emma pulled into the high school parking lot just ahead of the Kings’ team bus. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Travis, Weston, and Cash. And across the lot Sterling stood huddled next to Jason with Trace McBride. Even with sunglasses on, it was obviously him. Rounding out the group was Macey holding little Sophie. Her heart flip-flopped as she quickly looked away. Grabbing a clipboard from her bag on the seat, she hopped out of the car, smile firmly in place when the bus door opened and Alex Jordan hopped out. He caught her in a bear hug and swung her around.
“You look fabulous, Emma. Gorgeous as ever.”
A little ego fluff wouldn’t hurt at all today. “You look pretty good yourself.” She patted his broad chest. “The exhibition jerseys look fantastic. You all ready?”
He nodded. “You’ve met Marki and Rock before, but let me introduce the rest of the guys.”
One by one, she met the team and waved Travis and the others over. “Alex, let me introduce to you the founder of Resolution Ranch, Travis Kincaid.”
Travis stepped up, offering his hand with an easy smile. “It’s an honor to meet you. Thank you so much for all you’re doing for us.”
“The honor is ours. Believe me. My cousin is still at Walter Reed, or he’d be here too. We need more organizations like yours, doing tangible, meaningful work with veterans.”
“You’re helping us get started on the right foot,” Travis answered. “And let me know when your cousin is ready to join us. We’ll keep a space for him.”
Emma looked at the clock she’d attached to the clipboard. “We have an hour until the official event. Our diner won’t be up and running until May 1st, but a little birdie told me there’s special breakfast and orange juice waiting for all the players over at the food truck. Why don’t we head that direction? Once you’ve eaten, you can toss the ball before we have the official autograph session.”
“I’ll take them over,” Travis offered.
“Sounds great.” Alex gave her a side hug and took off after Travis.
Sensing eyes on her, Emma turned her head to catch Sterling shooting daggers at Alex’s back. She pushed away a hysterical sob. He’d given up all right to be jealous this morning. She’d done nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing that she wouldn’t have done if Sterling was right by her side and things had gone differently. “How is everyone this morning?” she forced herself to say brightly as the quartet passed.
Jason cocked his head at her, looking at her quizzically. “Great. Slept like a baby.”
“Glad to hear it.” Her voice felt brittle. Thin. Sterling focused on something far away, barely acknowledging her. Thank God for her sunglasses. She turned to the man in sunglasses. He was shorter than she’d imagined. Barely six feet by her estimation, and trim, but more slender than Sterling. He had the air of a man who lived an easy life. She extended her hand. “And you must be Trace? Thank you so much for joining us today. It means so much that you want to help our cause.
He flashed her a brilliant white smile. “Happy to help. Jason has become a good friend of mine, and anytime I can use my reputation to give back, I’m happy.”
His words rang true, and Emma relaxed a fraction. “I hope you enjoy yourself this weekend.”
He gave her hand a final squeeze. “I plan on it. I love the lodge. I’d love to come back another time. Get to know the area.”
Excitement flushed her cheeks. “That’s wonderful. I’m sure Brodie and Jamey would be thrilled to have you.”
“Maybe you could show me around.”
Was he flirting? A flash of anger burned through her. She should flirt back. Let Sterling see what he was missing. She flicked a quick glance at Sterling. He stood stony-faced, eyes fixed on the horizon. Not even looking at her. It was like she no longer existed. Emma’s stomach hollowed. She wanted to scream. Hit him, pound on his chest until he came to his senses. But if she did that, she’d be as weak as her mother. Letting him go was her only choice, even though the thought of it took her breath away. She let out a little laugh, shaking her head. “Sorry. I no longer live at the ranch. But I’m sure we can find someone if you’re interested.”
Jason clapped Trace on the back. “Come on, let’s get breakfast. The paparazzi are starting to circle like sharks. We’ve got to keep moving. You coming too, Emma?”
She shook her head, and turned for her car. “No. I’ve a few last-minute items to take care of before the game starts.”
Autopilot kicked on, and she pushed her feelings aside as she slipped into event mode. By the time the team and visiting veterans trickled back, everything was set. From the banner for the photo-ops to the table showing off raffle prizes, every detail on her pages of lists had been checked off. She approached a group of photographers dragging big telephoto lenses, video cameras and microphones. These guys made her skin crawl. They embodied the worst of the press, and she’d do what she could to mitigate their presence today. “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m Emma Sinclaire. I’m handling media for this event.”
One burly photographer, smelling of cigarettes, stepped forward. “We have every right to be here.”
“No one’s disputing that. But I want to make sure everyone has a pleasant time today,” she said firmly. “First and foremost, this is a fundraiser for an organization helping injured veterans. Everyone here today has given money to support the work of Resolution Ranch.” She pulled off her sunglasses, looking each of the slime bags in the eye. Today of all days, she was in no mood to take their crap. “Trace McBride and the Kansas City Kings are here for the veterans, their families, and the fans who have donated to Resolution Ranch. You do not have the right to interrupt them when they are speaking to the public. You must maintain a respectful distance and respect their desire for privacy. You may not take pictures of minors, and you must ask permission to take a photo of any non-celebrity. Do I make myself clear?”
A couple photographers grumbled, but mostly they nodded their assent. “Of course, if you feel so inspired to make a donation to the ranch, you are welcome to do so. We would welcome your support.” She gave them a cold smile and turned for the ball field.
“Hey, Goldilocks,” a voice behind her called.
Whirling, she sought the owner of the voice. When she made eye-contact with him, instinctively, she knew he was the kind of sleaze bag who’d sell out his grandmother. She marched right up to him. “I have a name. Use it. Or I’ll be happy to have security invite you to find another celebrity to stalk.”
A few of the men on either side of him snickered, and she raked her gaze imperiously over the lot of them. “Any other questions?” she snapped. “Good.” She replaced her sunglasses and marched back to where the players were grouped together, adrenaline pumping. It might be the only armor she had today, but she’d use it.
Alex flashed her a look of concern. “You okay? You look like you’re ready to rip someone’s balls off.”
“I’m fine. I don’t know how you guys do it, living in a fishbowl.”
He grinned at her. “That’s why they pay us the big bucks.”
“I guess so. Everyone ready?”
After the high school choir sang the national anthem, Emma introduced the line-up and Travis. “Be generous today, ladies and gentlemen. We have the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of men and women who’ve put their lives on the line for us. Please give a big thank you to our servicemen and women.” She loved that Cassidy Grace was playing for the Army side. Sneaking a look at Sterling, even he wore a smile as the crowd jumped to their feet. And Jason Case wasn’t the only veteran playing with a prosthetic. A man playing for Navy had a prosthetic arm. According to a very pregnant Elaine, some of the players today would be returning in a month to become the first class of Resolution Ranch Veterans. Six weeks of horse training, farrier and farm work, concluded by a six-hundred-mile trek following the Santa Fe trail. At one point, she’d considered volunteering to be trail support, but no more. The proximity to Sterling would be too painful.
The game started off with Weston Tucker first at bat for Navy. Crack. On the second pitch, he sent a ball flying over the fence. Score one for Navy, and with it came the salty talk.
The fans loved it, responding with their own Army vs. Navy cheers. In spite of the black cloud and the beginnings of a migraine hanging over her, it cheered her to see so many people she loved wearing smiles, relaxing, and obviously having a good time.
By the fourth inning, the teams were tied two-two with Army at bat, zero outs, and a runner at second. Sterling walked up to bat, making a show of getting ready to swing as Salvador Márquez, “Marki”, gave him pointers from his position as catcher.
Forgetting herself, she yelled as Sterling took a swing and made contact with the ball sending it into left field. “Go, go, go!” she screamed as Sterling rounded first base and held up at second. Score another for Army.
“Sure you don’t want to double down, Frogman?” Sterling hollered at Travis, who had moved to play outfield.
Travis threw his head back in a hearty laugh. “Game ain’t over yet, my friend. Just remember who’s come out on top fifteen of the last sixteen years. Navy always beats Army.”
The crowd and the pros loved the banter between the two teams. They were evenly matched, and it made for exciting ball. During the seventh inning stretch, Emma made a final plea. “Don’t forget, Trace McBride is over at the raffle table autographing raffle tickets and spreading a little luck of the Irish. After the game, the players and veterans will be around to sign autographs and take pictures. Then we’ll look forward to seeing you out on the ranch on May 1st for high stakes poker, a concert and fireworks. Thanks again for supporting our veterans.”
The rest of the game flew by in a blur, and the knot of tension screaming between Emma’s shoulder blades only released when the bus pulled away. All she wanted was to drive home and curl up under a blanket and sleep for a week. But at least it was over. And she had a month to gear up for the final fundraiser. After that, she’d refer Travis to a coworker. One of the junior execs would hop all over this. She slipped into the driver’s seat, pressing her fingers to her temples trying to ease the band of pain squeezing her head. But it was only when she glanced over to where she’d left her bag with her phone and iPad on the passenger seat that the jewel in the crown of this craptastic day winked up at her. Some asshole had stolen her bag.