Page 218 of Out of Left Field

EVERETT

“It’s good to see you, man.” Ned Parcell shook my hand before he sat down across from me at The Red Tourist Bar and Grille on Calusa Key. We went to high school together and he was currently the high school’s history teacher and head coach of the baseball team.

He was a standup guy. Always had been. He loved his job, was good at mentoring kids, knew a weird amount of history even for a history teacher, and treated women with respect. He was perfect for Willa.

“How’s spring training going?” He grinned as the waiter left his favorite beer on the table.

“Good. I’m feeling really good.”

Ned shook his head. He had auburn hair that curled at the ends. “I still can’t believe it. You’re a Manta. This is fucking wild.”

“Two years ago I threw bullpen for your practices and now I’m closing out games at the highest level of baseball. I don’t believe it and it's my life.” But I wasn’t here to reminisce.

“I can’t wait to see the looks on the kids faces when you show up.”

“I’ve got a box of shit from the team to give them.”

Ned’s grin widened. “You’re going to make their year.”

I didn’t tell him that Seth and I had already booked the whole team—varsity and JV of both the baseball and softball teams—seats for a game next month. We had all their travel arrangements made and everything. I also didn’t tell him Seth was coming with me to make the announcement. Or that the rest of the team would be with us to surprise them with a scrimmage game. Half the team was going to the baseball practice field and the other half had the softball team. A couple of the guys were married to former softball players, and we had a handful of staff members who were also former softball players. They were all coming too.

The one thing I could always count on was that the Mantas family showed up.

“Hey there…” Willa came to a stop beside the table with Seth and Annalise right behind her.

Exactly as planned. “Hey. You’re right on time.” I tried to make eye contact but she avoided me just like she had for the last few weeks. Luckily Seth was oblivious. He shook Ned’s hand and made the introductions.

And because Ned and I had already taken two of the seats it left Willa with the one beside Ned. “So you used to work with Ev?”

Ned didn’t miss a beat. “He helped me out with the baseball team.”

“You’re the coach?”

“I am.” His smile deepened, making his dimples pop. He only did that when he flirted.

Bingo.

“I also teach history at the high school. What do you do?”

Willa gave him the surface level summary of her work then turned the conversation to all things Tangerines.

And even though everything was going just like I hoped, I was more uncomfortable than ever. Each time Willa laughed my gut twisted. Every time Ned inched closer I wanted to puke. They were definitely into each other, and the chemistry was so hot I downed my beer and chugged my water. Instead of making my feelings disappear I had the unsettling suspicion they were getting worse.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

When Seth went to the bathroom Annalise leaned closer. “You okay, Everett?” She blinked at me.

“Fine. Why?”

“You’re sweating.” She blinked some more and her lips pinched. “Anything bothering you?”

“Of course not.” My stupid voice cracked. I was an idiot.

“Hmmm. Willa and Ned make quite the couple, don't they?”

“I had a feeling they might.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “You did this on purpose?”