“I won’t play with her either,” came shouts from most of the team.
Coach Mae ran her hand through her hair, blowing out a breath. She looked over at me and Claire and shook her head.
“They’re idiots. Just wait until they find out I’m getting kicked off the team. They’ll run right back to you.” Claire moved to sit next to me, but I stood next to her instead.
“They won’t get a chance. I told you I’d fix this,” I said, moving so Claire was behind me.
“McKenna, what are you doing?” Claire hissed to the back of my neck.
“I’ve already turned in my letter of resignation from the team. Hoffer will be your starting pitcher, and I have all the faith in the world that she’ll carry this team to victory.”
“Well, that’s good and all, Raine, but there are other things we need to discuss,” Coach Mae said as if I needed to be reminded of Coach Rutching and Claire getting it on in his office.
“I don’t really see the need to discuss those things with the team,” I answered her with wide eyes, hoping Coach Mae would let it go.
“Since I have to find another pitching coach, again,” she stressed, “I do feel the need to discuss those things.”
“What, did you seduce Coach Rutching too? Don’t act like we didn’t see you flirting with him. Were you trying to break up his marriage? You’re disgusting,” Drayanna, our shortstop, sneered.
“You girls are out of line. All of you sit down and shut up. There are other things not involving Raine that will impact this team things you know nothing about. And, Raine, you’re not quitting.”
“She has to. She violated the rules,” Cheeks said, her finger trained on me.
“That has yet to be determined,” Coach Mae answered.
“What? There are pictures of her kissing Coach Butler all over the news,” Jennifer, our right fielder, insisted.
“Coach Mae, I’m through with the team. Claire’s the right pitcher for the job. And what Coach Mae has been trying to tell you is Coach Rutching made inappropriate remarks and actions toward Claire yesterday. That’s the reason he’ll no longer be coaching here, or in any school if I have anything to say about it.”
“You’re out of line, Raine.” Coach Mae ground her teeth together as I overrode her team meeting.
“McKenna.” Claire placed her hand on my back, but I refused to let her get in trouble for making a stupid mistake I perpetuated.
“Is that true?” Cheeks asked, rushing to Claire, pushing me out of the way so she could hug Claire.
“I knew he was a scumbag. He gave me the creeps,” Jennifer admitted.
Claire gave me a questioning look and I shrugged my shoulders. The team was embracing her, and if Coach Mae went with it, her spot on the team would be cemented even more than before.
Coach Mae gave me a small smile before schooling her features and addressing my claims. “It’s true. I caught Coach Rutching making advances toward Claire and wasn’t sure what would have happened if I hadn’t walked in when I did.”
The team murmured as they closed around Claire. I stepped back and let them bond.
Claire looked over the girls and mouthed, “Thank you.”
Shooting her a wink, I moved farther out of the locker room.
“Raine.” Coach Mae’s words stopped me before I could make it to the door. “Girls, go out and start practicing. I’ll be out there soon.”
The team shuffled out, shooting me dirty looks as they went. I smiled widely and waved at them. Claire rolled her eyes and laughed before running up and hugging me, garnering curious looks from the team.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Coach Mae asked when the room was clear.
“I’m positive. Thank you for giving Claire another chance.”
“That was all you, Raine. You’re a good person. I really do wish you’d reconsider.”
“I can’t. I was caught red-handed with Coach Butler.”
