Double Play by Nikki Duvall Read Free Book Online

not
possession.”
    “No
J.D.?”
    “Nope.”
    “It’s
really over?”
     “I’ve
already forgotten him.”
    “Just
like that?”
    “Yup.
Just like that.” She glanced at Rita. “Why are you smirking?”
    “I
was just wondering if there’s a branch of AA devoted to women addicted to
Jonathan Dillon Shaw.”
    Halee
sighed. “I’ve made up my mind,” she said, heading back toward the dining room. “It’s
Halee McCarthy on her own from now on. I’m going to adopt a baby and start a
life and family without a man. I already signed the paperwork. All I need to do
is pass the home inspection.”
    “I’ve
seen your place. You’d better start praying.”
     “Temporary
situation. First big paycheck and I’m moving back to this side of town. There’s
a two bedroom over by the park that would be perfect.”
    “Did
the agency ask about a boyfriend?”
    Halee
grabbed a container of salt from behind the bar and started to fill up salt
shakers.
    “Well,
did they?”
    “Yes.”
    “And
what did you tell them?”
    “I
said I was single and planned to remain so,” she said, handing a tray of half
empty shakers to Rita. “Give me a hand, would you?”
     “Gee,”
said Rita with a sad smile, “I was looking forward to being a bridesmaid in
your lavish wedding.”
    Halee
groaned.
     “You’re
like a sister to me, Halee, you know that. We’ve been tied at the hip since
grade school. I want whatever you want. But I need to say this. I’ve watched
men come and go from your life. You always seemed to get over a breakup without
much trouble. J.D. was different. J.D.’s infidelity hit you like a tidal wave.
You had a hard time getting back up.”
    “You
make it sound like I stayed in bed for six months. So, I grieved. That’s
normal. It’s even healthy.”
    “I’m
just saying he found his way into your heart. He hurt you.”
    Halee
swallowed hard. “Water under the bridge,” she said softly.
    “So
if J.D. walks through that door tonight and proposes to you, you’ll say no?”
    “Stop
it, Rita.”
    “Just
a question…”
    “He’s
already engaged.”
    Rita
stopped dead in her tracks. “Where’d you hear that?”
    “From
his manager.”
    “Tony
King? That sleaze ball?” Rita snorted. “I wouldn’t believe a word he says. The
day J.D. Shaw asks a woman to marry him, it’ll make the Tribune headlines.”
    Halee
picked up the last stack of napkins and began folding. “He’s moving to New
York.”
    “New
York?”
    Halee
nodded, avoiding Rita’s eyes. “Got the call from the majors. The Federals
centerfielder tore his ACL. They need J.D. to finish the season.”
    “Damn!”
Rita dropped her salt shaker. “That’s like a dream come true.”
    Halee
nodded. “So I won’t be running into him again.”
    “What,
they’ve cancelled all flights between O’Hare and LaGuardia?”
    “I’d
rather be happy, thanks.”
     Rita
reached across the counter and squeezed Halee’s hand.  “J.D. is like a thick
dark bar of chocolate. There’s no resisting him. Don’t rush into anything like
adoption.”
    “My
life is already screwed up. Add J.D. and I’m over the edge.”
     “Your
life is far from screwed up. You just have a little man trouble, that’s all.
Now help me get this silverware on the tables. It’s almost five o’clock.”
    ***
    By
half past six, a hundred Cubs jerseys crowded the small restaurant, demanding hearty
food and plenty of alcohol to ease the pain of another near win. Uncle Gus had
retreated to the back office to pout with the first round of receipts, leaving
Rita and Halee to handle the restless crowd. After suffering through an early
morning management class on a J.D. hangover and the emotional verbal spar with
Rita this afternoon, Halee’s energy reserves were just about used up. All she
wanted was a cup of warm chocolate and a feather bed. She glanced up at the
clock in search of mercy, then turned wearily back to the bar as a familiar
face approached the last empty