Chapter 28 Summary: Reese Struggles With Fallout and Milo's First Game
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Reese walks as slowly as possible from the parking lot to the team plane, dreading the scrutiny she knows awaits her. After trading Harrison Kaiser, she has faced brutal headlines, questioning her competence as the first female MLB owner. She privately worries that her ex-husband, who wanted the team’s spotlight, might have been right about her leadership. On the plane, her usual seat has been given to the Walkers, winners of a charity auction. Emmett, the field manager, has saved her the window seat next to him. He immediately notices she hasn’t eaten and insists she take a granola bar, then offers her his team hoodie as a pillow. Their hands rest on the shared armrest, and Emmett’s pinky brushes hers—a small, discreet gesture that lets Reese finally relax enough to sleep. Days later, Reese watches Milo’s debut from a visitor’s office. He strikes out three times, drops an easy catch in the outfield, and strikes out looking in the top of the ninth with runners on base. The game ends, and Reese fears she made the wrong decision.
Key Events
- Reese arrives at the plane, feeling humiliated and exposed by the media and staff reactions to the Kaiser trade.
- Onboard, she finds her seat taken by charity auction winners, but Emmett directs her to the seat beside him.
- Emmett forces a granola bar on Reese, acknowledging she hasn’t eaten, and later offers his hoodie.
- During the flight, Emmett’s pinky brushes Reese’s on the armrest, providing silent comfort.
- Reese and Emmett agree to sit Milo for two games to help him adjust, despite growing public pressure.
- Milo’s first MLB game is disastrous: three strikeouts, a dropped pop fly, and a final strikeout looking in the top of the ninth.
- Reagan watches the game from a private office, hoping for a miracle that doesn’t come.
- The chapter ends with Reese doubting her decision to trade Kaiser.
Character Development
- Reese: Her confidence is shaken by the public backlash. She second‑guesses her judgment and worries that her gender makes her mistakes more damaging. Despite her self‑reliance, she finds herself leaning on Emmett’s steady presence and even admits she wanted to call him during the worst moments.
- Emmett: He continues to support Reese without pushing professional boundaries, prioritizing her well‑being over appearances. His protective instincts show in small acts—feeding her, offering his hoodie, and keeping their contact discreet.
- Milo: Though seen only through Reese’s eyes, Milo demonstrates the immense pressure of his first MLB game. His stiff, hesitant movements show that the weight of being the replacement for Kaiser is overwhelming him.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Scrutiny of female leadership: Reese repeatedly notes how the media labels her “emotional and impulsive” because she is a woman. She believes a male owner would have been forgiven quickly.
- Comfort in small gestures: Emmett’s pinky touch and the shared granola bar symbolize partnership and quiet solidarity, contrasting with the loud criticism Reese faces.
- Partnership vs. ownership: Reese reflects that her previous marriage was not a true partnership, while with Emmett she finally feels part of a “we”—even if the relationship remains professional.
- Pressure of a debut: Milo’s disastrous first game mirrors the public’s expectations and the high stakes Reese has placed on his success.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 28 deepens Reese’s internal conflict and raises the emotional stakes of the Kaiser trade. Her vulnerability humanizes her as a leader, while Emmett’s support reinforces their growing bond. Milo’s failure to deliver under pressure creates a critical turning point—if the trade fails, Reese’s position could be permanently damaged. The chapter sets up the aftermath of the loss and Reese’s first major test as an owner.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Reese hesitate to call Emmett during the days following the trade?
Answer: Reese wants to maintain her self‑sufficiency and remembers that Emmett is still her employee. She fears burdening him when he already has enough to deal with because of the trade’s fallout. -
How does Emmett show support for Reese on the plane without drawing attention?
Answer: He saves her the window seat, quietly brings her food, offers his hoodie, and brushes her pinky with his—all while speaking in hushed tones so others cannot hear. -
What does Milo’s performance in his first game reveal about the situation?
Answer: Milo is visibly tense, stiff, and unable to execute basic plays, showing that the intense public pressure and expectations have affected him. His strikeout looking in the ninth inning underscores that the trade’s success now hangs in the balance.