Page 25 of Falling Together

“Really, Coach?” someone calls from the back. “Isn’t that a bit basic?”

I smirk when a couple of the other guys scold him. “When it becomes second nature during games, maybe we can reconsider doing it, but until then, I say we’re doing it.”

The guys break up into their positions and start working with the coaches. Gavney is still by my side.

“Pretty ballsy to call you out like that,” he says.

“They’re still getting the lay of the land with me. Nothing basic about cleaning up our game.”

“Damn right.” He elbows me in the side. “I’m going to like having you around.”

“Good, because I like it here.”

The rest of practice goes by in the blink of an eye. It’s easy to see how much everyone likes one another. I think it’s going to make things easier in the long run. Coming into situations where a manager is fired because they aren’t doing well is one thing, but when they’re winning, it makes it an easier change to slide into.

As everyone leaves, I head back into the office to make some notes on practice and what we can continue working on. My phone buzzes across the desk. Picking it up, I see it’s from Luke.

Luke

What’s for dinner?

Fridge is empty

Grant

I’m going to the store after practice

Any requests?

Can we grill out? Maybe brats?

Sure thing

Baseball is easy. I won’t have to worry about much here. Luke is who I’m going to worry about it, and that will never go away. But right now, the move here and changing schools isn’t going to be easy for him. If cooking some brats on the grill will help him, I’ll do it every damn night.

Because he doesn’t need any more changes. Not if I can help it.

Chapter Eight

GRANT

“You’re new here,” the man behind the butcher counter comments.

I smile back at him. “I am. Just got into town a few days ago.”

“How long are you here for? You stayin’ out at the ranch?”

“Here for good.”

He smiles at me. “Good to have you. I’m Mr. Moore. I own this place.”

“Grant Prescott. Nice to meet you.”

“Now, what can I get you?”

“I’ll take four of your brats.”

“Good choice. I’ll throw an extra couple in. On the house.”