Whatever. She slipped her phone back in her pocket and decided to ignore him.
Just like he’d ignored her for the past four days.
She didn’t know what she’d expected from him. Maybe that he’d call like he said he would?
This was why she concentrated on her work and didn’t do relationships.
They sucked up time and energy better devoted to her career—a career that didn’t disappoint her like men often had.
THOUGH HE HADN’T PITCHED THE GAME THIS AFTERNOON, it hadn’t gone well. Tucker felt bad for Garrett Scott, because he knew exactly what it was like when everything seemed to go against you. Everyone’s bats had been cold today, and Garrett hadn’t hit the strike zone with any of his usually stellar pitches.
They’d lost three to one, and other than Jack Sanchez’s solo home run, they’d had nothing in the way of offense. Tucker couldn’t do anything but pace and hope someone got a hit to get things moving.
It hadn’t happened. They’d had guys on base in two innings, otherwise it had been dismal. And Garrett’s pitching had been way off. He’d been lucky to only give up three runs. Tucker chalked that up to Garrett’s icy-cold control, because even with a bad game, Garrett had managed to hold the opposing team’s run production down to three.
“Tough one today, Garrett,” Tucker had said after the game. “You’ll come back for the next one.”
Garrett gave a short nod, but mostly stared at his knees as he sat in front of his locker. At least they were at home, because the only thing worse than losing a home game was losing on the road.
He also knew he’d said what needed to be said. You couldn’t pump up a losing pitcher. They felt bad, and nothing you could say would make them feel better, so the less said, the better. It was best to just move along.
When he stepped outside the locker room, there was an onslaught of family members and friends waiting for the players. Wives and parents and girlfriends and the like. Which was good for them.
His parents lived on the family ranch in Texas. They came up on occasion when they could, and would often drive up for his games in Dallas and Houston. But he was an adult and certainly didn’t need his mom and dad to attend all his games. His brothers had pro careers of their own, though they sometimes flew in for his games as well, and now that he played for St. Louis, Grant would show up for games, which was nice.
But Grant was doing a PR thing in New York this week, so he was out of town.
Not that he expected his brother to come to all of his games. As a baseball player, he played a lot of damn games, and Grant had a life.
Still, he wondered what it might be like to have a . . . someone. Someone he knew would be there when he walked out that door after every home game.
“Tucker.”
He turned around at the sound of his name, smiling when he saw his agent, Victoria Baldwin. She was with Elizabeth Riley, who was also a sports agent, along with being married to the Rivers first baseman, Gavin Riley.
He walked over to them.
“Hey, Victoria. I didn’t know you were at the game today. Hi, Liz.”
Victoria shook his hand, while Liz kissed him on the cheek.
“Tough loss today,” Liz said. “I know Gavin will hate it. And Garrett will, too.”
“Yeah, Garrett’s not happy. Are you here to see him, Victoria?”
She nodded. “We have a meeting scheduled for this afternoon, though I’m sure he’s not going to be in any mood to talk business.”
“He’ll be fine. We shake off a loss pretty fast and look forward to the next game.”
Victoria laid her hand on his arm. “Of course you do, because you’re all superstars. That’s why I represent you.”
Liz laughed. “Only the best for us, right Tori?”
“Indeed. And speaking of my clients, do you mind, Liz? I’ll take a few minutes with Tucker.”
“Not at all. Good seeing you.”
“You too, Liz.”
Liz walked away and Victoria led Tucker over to a quiet spot away from the crowd. “Just checking in. I know we talk regularly, but I want to be sure you’re happy here since signing with the Rivers, that things are going well.”
“It’s great. I’ve settled in, I like the team and management. Nothing to complain about.”
She smiled. “That’s what I like to hear. I knew this team would be a good fit for you.”
“You were right. They have great talent and everyone gets along. Management is willing to spend the money to get the right players, and the coaches know what the hell they’re doing. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit.”
Victoria nodded. “Plus, one of your brothers lives here in town.”
“Well, you can’t have everything.” He cracked a grin.
She laughed. “You’re so bad. There’s Garrett now so I have to run. If you need anything, call me, okay?”
“You got it. Thanks, Victoria.”
He watched her walk away. She was smart, had been in the business for a long time now, and she was an absolute shark in contract negotiations. He couldn’t ask for a better agent.
He laid back and watched her scoop up Garrett and walk away with him, then he lingered awhile longer. Liz was there to greet Gavin, throwing her arms around him and giving him a long kiss and hug. Gavin had told him Liz used to be his agent, until the two of them got involved, and eventually married. Then they had to sever their professional relationship, but it sure looked like they had a great personal one. Gavin spotted him and waved as the two of them walked away, along with several of the other guys and their wives or girlfriends.