Free Better Than Perfect by Kristina Mathews Page A

did like being put on the spot. He especially didn’t like talking about his past. But then, why would he? His mother had been a prostitute in one of Nevada’s legal brothels and he’d never known who his father was.
    “Did you have any brothers or sisters?”
    “Nope. I’m an only child. Like you.”
    “Pets?”
    “No. Just my ball and my glove.”
    “Did you ever name your glove?”
    “No. I never did name my glove.” Johnny smiled and gave her a look that showed amusement and hope the questions would get less personal.
    “I read somewhere that you lived with your coach in high school. Is that true?”
    “Yes. I did.”
    “Why?” Zach didn’t seem to notice he was being a pest.
    “Coach Ryan was like a father to me. He was a huge influence on my game. And my life. I don’t think I would have made it to college or the majors if not for him.”
    “Cool.” Zach seemed satisfied for the moment.
    “It’s getting late, young man. And we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.” She took the opportunity to change the subject before Zach could ask any more questions. Questions she knew Johnny wouldn’t want to answer. About his mother’s profession. About her roommates who’d offered their services to Johnny, on the house. About why he couldn’t finish high school under the same roof as the woman who’d given birth to him.
    “Yeah, I know. It’s just…” Zach glanced over at Johnny, like maybe he could help a fellow out. “There’s so much I want to ask Johnny and I know he’s not going to be around for very long.”
    “I’ll be around.” Johnny gave him a quick smile. “You’ll see. Maybe we can play catch again tomorrow.”
    “That would be awesome.” Zach jumped up, clearly excited about the prospect. “Maybe you could help me some more with my pitching.”
    “I’d be more than happy to work with you.” He put a fatherly hand on his shoulder. “I think you’ve already got pretty good stuff.”
    “Really?” Zach looked up at him with such admiration. No, awe.
    “Really.” Johnny nodded. He meant it.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Zach’s excitement was evident in the way he practically skipped up the stairs.
    “You have no idea how much this means to him.” Alice stood, suddenly aware that they were alone in the room. “He’s nervous about moving up to the big field this year. Some of the kids are so much bigger than him. He’s tall, but thin.”
    “He’s got a good head for the game. His body will catch up. You’ll see.” Johnny was the voice of experience. “And I’ll be around.”
    “Not for long. You’ve got six weeks of spring training. Then you’ll be on the road half the time.”
    “But I’ll be here half the time too.” He moved closer, the heat from his body radiating in waves. “Look, if I’d known about Mel… No kid should have to grow up without a man in his life. I’d like to be there for Zach. If that’s okay with you.”
    “Johnny, that’s…” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “That would be wonderful.”
    “I know my schedule won’t make it easy, but I want to be a part of his life.” He actually sounded excited. “It’s not the same as having his father here, but I’d like to think Mel would have stepped up if I’d had a son and couldn’t be there for him.”
    He had no idea how Mel had stepped up.
    * * * *
    Damn. He liked the kid. A lot. It surprised him. But it also made it possible for him to accept their dinner invitation. It hadn’t been that bad. Considering the torture of sitting in the same room as Alice. In the house Mel had given her. With the child he’d given her.
    But Mel wasn’t here anymore. Johnny was. Did that mean he could just forget what they’d done to him? He wasn’t sure. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to forgive them. But knew he had to try.
    For the kid’s sake.
    “Can I help you with the dishes?” Johnny stood with his plate. Feeling awkward that he needed to even ask. There’d been a