Sure, this is still technically an extension of work, but if I had to pick any guys from the team to become friends with, it’d be these three.
A lightness embraces me as I toss my phone back down and head back into the bathroom for that shower I promised myself almost ten minutes ago. Something in me shifted tonight, and I didn’t realize I needed it until I walked in and saw an eruption of flour all over my kitchen.
This time, though, when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t scoff at my reflection. Somehow, in the last five minutes, it’s felt like a page has turned in my book, and like I can finally relax into this next chapter.
And it all started becauseshemade me laugh.
CHAPTER THREE
“Asses on the field in five!” Stalking through the locker room, I glare at the players as they change into their practice gear. They’re wasting time by fucking around, pulling their practice uniforms on at a pace that could rival a snail.
I glance at my watch. Hailey’s at the house for about three hours before she needs to head to Ridgewood for an on-campus exam. She’s never expressed any sort of time restrictions when it comes to her availability, so Ireallywant to make sure I respect this one request. Which means I need to wrap this practice up on time for once.
“Anyone who’s not on the field at exactly ten will be benched,” I bark, still striding through the room, trying to embody the authority I’ve been given.
A collection of groans echo through the space, along with some laughter. Pushing through the doors, they slam behind me as I make my way to the dugout. The metal bats clank when I toss my bag into the dirt.
Footsteps catch my attention, and I’m not surprised to find Jensen, Gareth, and Austin coming my way. A few of their other teammates linger by the side door leading from the field to the stadium.
“Hey, Coach.” Gareth grins, then takes a long drink from his water.
Austin slaps me on the shoulder. “Glad you joined us in the group chat.”
“I had a choice?”
Jensen grabs a batting helmet and pulls his favorite practice bat from the bag. “I tried to tell them you wouldn’t engage, but you proved me wrong, old man.”
“I’mmaybetwelve years older than you.” I glare at him, trying to remember if he’s twenty-five or twenty-six.
“Makes a big difference in baseball.” The bastard tosses me a wink then strides onto the field, swinging the bat as he walks.
Jensen Fields Jr. is arguably our best outfielder. He’s incredibly quick and seems to have a sixth sense of where the ball is heading before it’s even in the air. Not once have I seen him miss a catch unless it’s in the stands.
“Don’t let the grump bug you, Coach. His panties have been in a twist since he caught wind of Marsh's potential trade.” Gareth suppresses a laugh as he tugs on a batting helmet.
Austin’s behind him, shoving his hand into a mitt, listening intently.
Gareth is first batter and a wicked third baseman, while Austin’s greatest strength is pitching. He’s on his way to breaking records with that arm of his.
“Never said Marsh was coming over.” I send a pointed look their way, my brows pinched. “Stop spreading shit.”
Austin puts his palms outward in surrender. “Not me spreading rumors—” he tips his head at Gareth “—talk to Baby Face over there.”
“It’s not a rumor if you heard it from the mouth of the top dog.” Gareth shrugs.
“Since when do you talk to Blake Bradley?”
“I don’t.” Gareth grins. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t hear things.”
The rest of the Bears start filing into the dugout, so the topics of group chats, bad attitudes, and rumors are cut short.
For the next three hours, I dive into coach mode, directing drills, critiquing, and discussing potential plays. Around me, my assistant coaches all do their part with breaking the team into smaller groups and working with them in development, and focusing on areas for growth.
By the time I dismiss everyone, we’re all sweating from the springtime sun, tired, and ready for lunch.
Austin surprises me with a rough clap on my shoulder. “Any interest in grabbing a beer, Coach? We’re heading to the pub after this.”
“I thought we were going to Andromeda?” Gareth perks up from the dugout bench where he’s kicking off his cleats in favor of his slides that he brought with him instead of leaving them in his damn locker like he’s supposed to.
