“Can’t, we’re here, and I see some of the team already.”
Trip squeezed my hand before climbing out and pulling his equipment bag out of the back of the Explorer.
“Uncle Trip.” A tiny little rocket barreled down on us.
Trip dropped his bag just in time to catch the child projectile.
“Hey, buddy. Are you ready to play?”
“Yeppers, I’ve been practicing with Grandpa and my dad. Just like you told me.”
“Good for you. Bruce, this is my friend McKenna. She’s going to help us warm up.”
“Hi,” Bruce said shyly, wiggling out from his uncle’s arms.
“Hi, Bruce. Can you introduce me to the rest of the team?”
Bruce’s shyness vanished as he grabbed my index finger and led me toward the team.
“Come on, Raine. You can’t be out of breath?” Trip nudged me with his shoulder and smiled.
“How do they have so much energy?” I gasped.
Trip let me lead the kids in warm up and stretching and it was like herding a group of Tasmanian devils. In the end Trip convinced them to attack. With a war cry I’m sure all of San Diego heard, nine tiny missiles tackled me to the ground.
After crying mercy Trip finally called them off, telling them to go get a drink of water before the game started.
“Those little fingers are perfect for tickling,” I said, slugging Trip lightly in the shoulder. “You’re going to pay, Alfred.”
Trip’s eyes went wide as he searched around to make sure nobody heard me call him by his real name.
“You have grass in your hair.”
My hand instinctively went to my scalp and when I didn’t feel anything I started running my hands through my ponytail.
Trip smiled and plucked at the blade of grass.
“Wait, I got you something.” Trip jogged to his bag and pulled out a Pappies’ hat with his name on the back.
I pulled my ponytail through the back and set it on my head, smiling at him. “How do I look?”
Trip’s eyes roamed over my face and he took a step closer. I inhaled sharply as his body heat seared into me.
“Trip, I’m so excited. This is going to do wonders for your reputation.”
Trip frowned and pulled the bill of my hat down a little before turning and breaking the spell we were under.
“I’m glad to do it, Gwen. Even if it didn’t help my reputation, I would have done this for my nephew.”
Gwen wobbled toward us in bright blue pumps as they kept sinking into the grass. Her platinum hair was pulled back into a sophisticated bun and her flowered summer dress made me feel lacking in all areas female.
“You must be Trip’s sister, Harley.” Gwen reached out her manicured hand.
“Actually, this is my friend, McKenna. She’s the pitcher for San Diego state.”
I shook her hand and she let it go swiftly.
“She’s a player on the team you coach?”
