DOUG
Good to know. Let’s keep them on a strict pitch count. Especially Lucas.
FLETCH
Will do. How’s the trade for Rodgers working out?
DOUG
Pfft. He’s Jake Rodgers. Great third baseman. Terrible attitude.
FLETCH
Glad he’s your problem and not mine.
DOUG
Maybe I’ll send him down to the minors for a couple of months. Teach you both a lesson.
FLETCH
You should worry more about making the playoffs.
DOUG
Good idea. Why didn’t I think of that?
I set down my phone with a chuckle and look at Lucas and Logan further down the table. “That was the Firebirds. You’re both on a pitch count. Stay healthy and don’t do anything stupid.”
Lucas and Logan swap excited looks. Well, Lucas is excited. Logan looks like his brow just gained a hundred pounds.
I’m sympathetic. Getting the call is nerve-wracking.
And that first moment on the field …
After a few more minutes of the rest of the table making small talk, my patience dries up. I stand and give everyone a nod. “I’m heading out. See you tomorrow.”
I make my goodbyes to Kayla and Sean next, accepting Kayla’s hug and Sean’s handshake.
I try not to let their happiness bother me.
Try not to let jealousy at what they have fester in my gut.
Because I’m not the kind of guy good things happen for, and even if they did, it’s not like I could appreciate them. Some people see the glass as half full, others half empty.
I’m convinced whatever’s in the glass is poisonous. Whether it’s fast-acting or slow, it’ll kill you eventually.
Grace has hinted at wanting to know more about me. She’s given me enough details that I could piece some things together, if I tried.
I won’t try.
She’s the one good thing in my life, and I refuse to taint it by letting myself wish or hope.
GreenArrow11
Good night. Don’t pick up any hitchhikers.
GracieLou
