The Changeup (Men of the Show) by Rhonda Shaw Read Free Book Online Page A

scattered all night.” She sat up in her chair and looked expectantly at her. “So what happened?”
    “He saw us walking down and came over. He played catch with Bree.”
    Karen’s sharp stare remained trained on her face as she waited. When Maddie didn’t offer anything else, she rolled her eyes. “And?”
    “And what?”
    “Come on, Maddie. Hello? Did you forget who you’re talking to? I know there’s something you’re not telling me.”
    She scoffed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.”
    Maddie glared at her friend as she reached for her wine. “You’re such a pain in the ass.”
    “I know, I know. It can be a real annoying when someone calls you out on your lies.”
    She sat quietly for a second before she sighed. “Fine. If you must know, I think there’s something seriously wrong with me.”
    “We all know that’s true,” Karen laughed.
    “Seriously, I had some really inappropriate thoughts about him.” Maddie explained how Chase’s hands had been all over her when he was teaching her the mechanics of throwing and how all she wanted to do was turn around to jump him. “Add to that the fact that he’s so young and dating my niece, and I have major issues.”
    “I don’t know. Sounds pretty hot to me.”
    “Karen!”
    Karen looked at her unapologetically. “What? Who cares how old he is? If he gets your blood running, that’s all that matters. I mean, it’s not like he’s illegal or anything.”
    Maddie shook her head. “This is just great. There’s something wrong with me and you’re telling me everything’s okay.”
    “No, what I’m telling you is that if he’s dating Sandy, which I’m beginning to question, by the way, based on everything you’ve told me...I knew he was trying to impress you! But anyway, if he’s dating Sandy and you try to go after him, then yes, you have issues. But if he’s available and interested and you’re available and interested, then what’s the issue?”
    “Uh, what about the fact that he’s like a child to us?”
    “How is he like a child? Does he look like a child? Act like a child? Like I said, he isn’t illegal. Who cares how old he is exactly? If he made me feel that way, I wouldn’t care and you shouldn’t either.”
    “It isn’t that easy,” Maddie sighed.
    “It’s as easy as you make it.”
    She leaned her head back on her chair. “Karen, you know if a younger man dates an older woman, everyone’s all over it. People say the woman has coerced him or something, or the guy’s only with her for sex, like it’s some sort of conquest. There’s nothing positive about it.”
    “Julianne Moore,” Karen said as a triumphant look passed over her face.
    “What?” She lifted her head and frowned.
    “Geena Davis.”
    “Is there a reason you’re reciting the names of actresses to me?” Maddie asked.
    “Both of them married younger men and had kids with them.”
    “Oh great,” Maddie said as she slouched back in her chair. “Now we’re comparing my life to movie stars. Like I want that drama.” She sat back up. “And I’m not going to even ask how you know this. I didn’t realize you were that up on your Hollywood gossip.”
    Karen waved her off. “Look, all I’m saying is don’t close the door on something just because it isn’t the perfect scenario. Just because he’s younger doesn’t mean he isn’t the ideal guy for you. You never know, maybe you need to change things up.”
    She thought her friend was just as delusional as she was as she eyed her wineglass suspiciously. It didn’t matter anyway. She had definitely misread the look in his eyes and if he ever knew what she was thinking, he would probably be embarrassed for her. There was no way a guy like him would ever be interested in an older, divorced mom like her.

Chapter Four
    Chase sat in the dugout working on a mouthful of sunflower seeds as he watched his team try to make a comeback against the Texas