Last Strike

Are You Quitting?

Elizabeth’s POV:

I dashed out of the locker room, running past Malcom, who was still standing outside, before anyone could say another word to me. I headed up the elevator to the executive floor, rushing into the office they had provided for me. Closing the door behind me, I fell to the floor in tears.

How could a man I once loved with all my heart be so cruel? I understand him not being happy with his current situation, but to bring up my father in such a way when he’s only been gone two months. That’s truly despicable. He once claimed to love my father like his own, and yet he has no problem using his death to inflict emotional harm on me.

I should quit. I should march straight into the owner’s office and tell him that Ashton Tate is beyond redemption. He’s a lost cause and should be sent packing.

So, why am I sitting here hiding in this office, soaked in my tears? It would be so much easier to walk away and let him deal with the consequences of his actions.

A knock on the door pulls me away from my thoughts. I managed to get myself up off the floor and dab at my now swollen eyes.

When I open the door, I find Jacob standing there, looking around nervously. “Hey Elizabeth, can I chat with you about Ashton?”

Stepping out of the doorway, I gestured for him to join me. He studies my face, and I know that he can clearly tell that I’ve been crying. Being the kind man that he is, he doesn’t pry. He takes a seat and wastes no time asking me, “Do you honestly believe you can help Ashton?”

I rake my hands through my curls, taking a moment to think of the best response to that question. “It will take a lot of effort on his part. I’m great at what I do, but I can’t work miracles if someone isn’t willing to do their part. He’s going to need constant reminders that his career with this team is on the line, and it’ll inevitably be up to him to decide what he does.”

Jacob tapped his feet anxiously, “I’d hate to see us part ways with him, but it seems as if he’s spiraling out of control. I hope for his sake that he listens to you and turns himself around.”

“Now, it’s my turn to ask you a question, Jacob. How long has he been making errors like the ones he made in today’s game?”

“Defensively, he’s been pretty strong up until a few weeks ago, when he started making more errors. Offensively, his hitting has been off for at least a month now. I don’t know what to make of it. Why do you ask?”

“There’s always a connection between how an athlete performs and their behaviors. We need to address all issues, both on and off the field.”

Jacob smiled, “You have our full cooperation, Elizabeth. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

As he stood up to leave, I glanced at the open doorway to discover Ashton standing quietly just outside. His eyes were fixed on Jacob, and I could see a look of fear on his face. Had he realized that he had messed up already?

Jacob stepped out and said, “I’ll leave you two to discuss things. I’d advise you to be on your best behavior and listen to her, Ashton.”

Ashton hung his head, nodding in compliance with his coach’s advice.

Ashton asked nervously, “May I come in?”

I gestured towards the chair that Jacob had just abandoned. He sat quietly, staring down at the floor. When he finally spoke, his voice cracked, “I’m sorry for what I said earlier, Lizzy. I didn’t know about your dad.”

Tears threatened to fall once again, but I managed to hold them off. I refused to show weakness in front of him. Though I’m sure my face still showed signs of my previous crying fest. If I’m lucky, he won’t pay enough attention to my face to notice. It’s not as if he has any desire to look at me.

Noticing my silence, he continued, “I’m genuinely sorry for your loss. He was a great man whom I have always admired.”

“You really didn’t know?”

His eyes met mine, and I could see the truth in his gaze. “I swear to you that I didn’t. Malcolm just informed me. I loved your dad, Liz. I would never intentionally be that insensitive to his memory.”

I didn’t know what else to do in this awkward moment. The man sitting before me had once been the one I envisioned marrying and spending my life with, and now here we sit in uncomfortable silence, unsure of each other’s motives.

He suddenly asked, “Are you going to quit?”

“Do you understand that if I were to quit, you would also be out of a job? If you don’t believe me, you can go ask Jacob.”

He nervously fidgeted with the seam on his jeans. Why did he have to wear skin-tight jeans? I was trying my best not to look at him, but he’s hard not to notice, especially when his clothes cling to his well-sculpted body.

“I believe you, but that doesn’t mean I’m pleased with any of this. You’re the last person I want to be taking orders from.”

And there’s the return of the arrogant man that he has evolved into over the years. His attempt at sympathy sure didn’t last long. I let out an exasperated sigh. “Well, I hate to break it to you, Tate, but if you want any chance at saving your career, you’re going to have to listen to me. You’re also going to need to be completely honest with me about everything. It’s your decision. Are you willing to do the work, or will you throw in the towel?”

I waited patiently for him to think through everything I had just said. Scrolling through the latest tabloid reports about last night’s incident, I noticed that a majority of the comments appeared to be from people who were in support of Rebecca, the woman who claims Ashton got her pregnant and then caused her to have a miscarriage. I made a mental note to research her in detail later tonight.

When Ashton still hadn’t answered me, I asked, “What’s it going to be, Tate? Are you in or are you out?”

I almost did not hear him say, “Fine. Let’s do this.”

I began packing up my bag, and turned my attention to him to say, “Alright, go grab your stuff and meet me back here. You’ll be staying with me tonight.”