Champagne Brunch: The Stiletto Sisters Series Ainsley Claire (primary phonics books .TXT) 📖

guest house with Jeremy? It will only be for the weekend.”

“Not in the least.”

We talk about logistics for a few minutes, and then I call Mia.

“Sorry for a slight change in plans…” I tell her about Jeremy’s parents’ surprise arrival. “Do you mind if we meet over at the park? If you and Peter could meet me at the players’ gate in the back, we can all walk in together.”

“No problem. If it’s too hard, we can meet you up at the box.”

“This is a big game. I thought we’d get in early and hang out, but if it’s too much time away from your work, I get it.”

“No, no,” she says. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

We hang up, and next I use the personal phone number I have for Nate.

“Axel! Today’s the big day!” he bellows into the phone when he answers.

“I hear the game’s sold out and the Coast Guard is already chasing boats away from the bay behind the stadium.”

“I think most of the City is shutting down.”

“Have you heard from Jim?” I ask. “Jeremy’s parents have flown in to surprise him. Do you mind if they watch the game in the owners’ box?”

“Not in the least. It may be tight, but they’ll be fine.”

“Excellent,” I tell him. “I’ll be at the stadium soon.”

Chapter 15

Mia

I run my hands down my pink capri pants. I’m dressed nicely, but still ready for a baseball game. Despite the end-of-June warm temperatures in the rest of California, the fog will roll through San Francisco at some point during the game and I’ll be cold. So, I’m taking a sweater as well.

I take a deep breath. I’m excited to see Axel. I know he’ll be working at the game, but I’ve missed him. It will be great just to be with him again. I know I’m falling for him, but I’m trying to manage myself so I don’t scare him off. Ugh. That reminds me of the conversation we need to have this evening. Axel knows something is going on with me. I mean, anyone who picks up a newspaper or catches the news sees my face, along with Nate and Viv’s mugshot all over it. I hate Viviana so much right now.

Tomorrow her counsel is going to depose me at Marci’s office. That will not be fun, but I hope it will be the last hurdle I have to clear before the trial in a few months.

Peter studies me with his lips pursed, looking very serious. He’s been waiting patiently while I obsess over all the details. “If this Axel guy is a shit, you just let me know. I’ll make sure he gets the right message.”

I laugh. “It’s not that. We’re going to talk tonight. I need to bring him up to speed on what’s going on with me. My life is overwhelming right now, so I’m trying to be prepared for him to walk away.”

Peter nods. “I know it’s easy to say this, but if he walks away, it’s him and not you. Viviana set you up, and she did it because you’re a good person.”

I smile. “Thank you. I hope you’re right.”

I gather my things, and we head for the car. When we arrive at the stadium, Peter parks in the garage and we find the right gate. As we enter, I see Axel before he sees me. He looks so handsome. Women, young and old, check him out as they walk by, and I want to elbow all of them out of the way. He’s mine.

He glances up at me and smiles a brilliant smile, and my insides melt. “You look beautiful,” he says as he kisses me softly. “I hope you’re ready to celebrate.”

He nods at Peter. “Good to see you.” Then he takes my hand and leads us into the lower level of the stadium. He tells me all about Jeremy and his family’s visit for the game. I don’t even realize he’s led me out onto the field until we’re standing on the first base line. I’m amazed as I look up into the stands.

Crispin sees us and comes over. “Hey, Mia. Thanks for coming to watch me play.”

My heart is beating triple time. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

He winks and runs back out to left field.

I spot Jake at third base, and he salutes me. I don’t see Jeremy. “Is Jeremy excited his parents are here?”

“He doesn’t know. They wanted to surprise him. They’re up in the owners’ box.”

“He’s going to be thrilled.”

Jeremy runs by and nods at Axel, then does a doubletake and returns. “Mia! Thanks for coming.”

“I’m here for your home field, record-breaking fastball debut.”

“No pressure.” Jeremy looks everywhere but at us. “The stadium is only sold out and the City is shutting down.”

I lean in so only the three of us can hear what I have to say. “You already broke the record, so just play today. Do what you always do and focus on one pitch at a time.”

He pulls me into a hug. “Thanks. That’s what I needed to hear.”

Axel’s mouth is open. He says that kind of thing to him all the time. “You little shit. Are you flirting with my girlfriend?”

That’s a positive sign for today’s conversation. My stomach flutters as I suppress a giant smile.

“Naw.” He looks at me and smirks. “Will I see you guys after the game?”

Axel nods. “We’ll meet you in the locker room.”

Jeremy runs off, and Axel talks to the third base coach for a bit. Then he stops at the pitching coach, who’s studying Jeremy’s form as he warms up.

The Prospectors’ manager spots Axel and walks over, shaking his head. “He’s throwing heaters. I don’t want him using all his energy to warm up.”

Axel shrugs. “How’s