AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He’d said to call, not email or text. I would have felt more comfortable limiting our phone conversations. Even though the topic was baseball and Hunter, it felt far too intimate.
Before he hung up, I rushed to add, “I have a few questions. I wasn’t sure what the schedule would be like, the cost …” The coaches from the other travel team told us to expect a payment of two thousand dollars, a commitment to three practices a week, and numerous out-of-state tournaments. I’d figure it out if I had to, but I was hoping for something a little less intense.
“This is a spring team. That means our main season is in the spring, but we still practice two to three times a week. We can schedule scrimmages and tournaments. We get a break in November and December. Then we’ll start up again in January with indoor practices. During our regular season, we’ll have two games a week, Wednesday and Sunday. No doubleheaders.”
“Okay. That sounds doable.” I breathed out a sigh of relief. Most of my events were Friday and Saturday, so I’d be free on Sundays.
“Kids can play a second sport if they’d like, they just can’t play on a second baseball team in the spring.”
I laughed softly. “I can’t even imagine how I’d swing two teams. One is enough for us.”
Nick fell silent as if waiting for me to ask another question.
My stomach twisted because I hated to ask about the money, but I had to know. “How much do you think it will cost?”
“Five hundred to one thousand. It depends how much we fundraise. My mom is active with community groups and loves to fundraise. We’ll have a parents’ meeting once I’ve heard back from all the players, and we can talk more about it then.”
That wasn’t too bad. I could probably swing it.
“If money is an issue, we can talk about it. I wouldn’t want to lose Hunter—”
“No, no. Of course, it’s not an issue. I just like to know so I can plan.” I cringed, hating that I’d made him think I was money conscious. I was, but I didn’t like anyone knowing my business.
“Good.” But his tone sounded like he wasn’t convinced.
Eager to get off the phone, I said, “Thanks for the information. Let me talk to Hunter.”
I hung up without waiting for his response, then startled when I realized Hunter was standing in the doorway to my office.
“I made the team?” His facial expression was so earnest, tears stung my eyes.
“That was Coach Nick calling to offer you a position. He said he’s very excited to coach you.”
Hunter raised his fist. “Yes. I knew it.”
I took a step closer to him. “I’m so proud of you. You picked yourself up and tried again.”
Hunter shook his head. “It was all you, Mom.”
Frowning, I asked, “What are you talking about?”
Hunter rolled his eyes. “You’re the one who gave me that speech about how every pro athlete was told no at least once. That the sign of a good athlete is his or her ability to pick themselves back up and try again.”
“That was a pretty good speech.” I wasn’t sure where it came from except I’d been told I wouldn’t make it as a photographer. Seth had always been against me opening a business, saying it was too risky.
Hunter gave me a look. “And you found this team.”
I waved him off. “A friend mentioned this league. It was a simple internet search.”
“Thanks, Mom. You’re always there for me.”
I hugged him, so he wouldn’t see the tears threatening to escape. “I just want you to be happy.” After I pulled myself together, I drew back and asked, “Should I call him back and tell him you said yes?”
“Say yes,” Hunter said before disappearing into the living room.
I pulled up his number and added him to my contacts as Hunter’s Baseball Coach, not Nick. It seemed like an important distinction. Then I dialed his number, my heart racing like I was calling a boy in high school to ask him out.
“Abby?” Nick answered, sounding slightly out of breath.
