Page 85 of Falling Together

It’s not like I’m blowing her off because I didn’t want to go, but I also didn’t want to get fired from my job and not have a source of income in Pinecrest.

Even though I wish I were with Georgia, I love these kinds of days at the ballpark, with the sun shining and a cool breeze. It’s what drew me to baseball when I was a kid.

I never had the talent to go far, but I love playing in a pickup league and getting to coach others.

By the time his practice wraps up, the rest of the scouts are already clamoring to get a few minutes with him. I hang back and wait my turn.

My guess is this kid already knows who he wants to go play with before turning pro. No sense in rushing over there to be first in line. I smile to myself as they all talk over themselves and push business cards in his face. I shake my head at the obvious ass-kissing they’re doing.

Once they clear out, I head over to the dugout to make my pitch.

“That was some practice you had out there today,” I say.

Hey, I’m not above it either to get this kid to play for the Loggers.

“Thanks. Aaron Wyle. Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Grant Prescott. I’m with the Pinecrest Loggers.”

“I’ve seen you guys play,” he says. “My grandpa used to take me over there during the summers for the games. Some of my favorite memories.”

“Is that what made you want to play ball?”

He nods. “It is. I loved it. The ballpark hot dogs, catching the fly balls, my very own baseball hat. I loved every minute of it.”

“I think you might get fewer of the hot dogs now.” I smirk.

“No time for that when I’m training, sir,” he agrees.

I smile at this kid. Someone taught him good manners. Something I can appreciate.

“I know you’ll have some options as to where you want to play, but I hope you’ll consider Pinecrest. With some training, I think you’ll be a great player.”

“You think so?” He swigs from his water bottle.

“I wouldn’t lie to you. Get you trained up before a major league team comes in and steals you from us.” I pass my card over to him. “Like you already know, Pinecrest is a great place to come and visit, and if you ever want to come out and see the field again, just let me know.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”

I shake his hand before taking my leave. “Have a good one. Keep up the good work. That homer you hit? A thing of beauty.”

“I will.”

The kid is beaming as I pop my sunglasses back on my face and head to my truck. Dropping everything in the front seat, I pull out my phone. A smile comes easily as I see the messages waiting for me.

Luke

Can you make gnocchi for dinner?

We have everything for it

I already checked

And there’s a movie night at school later for freshmen as part of back to school

Can I go?

This doesn’t feel like the same kid who came here with me all those weeks ago. He’s starting to make friends. And talk to me. Who knew what a milestone that would be?