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“You don’t have to announce that it’s our first time to the entire team.”
“Actually, it’s my first time, too.” A blond at the other end of the bench says.
“Me, too.” Another girl says and then everyone nods.
“See? We’re fine.” Grace scolds me, and I agree.
Just as I’m about to tell her she’s right, a lady with a clipboard in her hands and a baseball hat that says ‘BNB’ on it stands in front of the dugout. She must be in charge. She has a clipboard. Makes it official.
“Good evening, ladies. I’m Sunni and the captain of this kickball team. Thank you for coming out. Has anyone played kickball in the last ten years?”
No one raises their hands, and she smirks. “No worries, neither have I, but I have read the manual. We have twelve people here and that’s the perfect number of players. I mean, we could play with less if we had to, but I’m glad you all signed up and showed up.”
She walks in front of us on the outside of the dugout. “Now, how about we go down the line and tell everyone your name and I’ll check you off my list here. I’ll start. I’m Sunni and as a day job, I’m a nurse at Hibiscus Memorial. You?” She points to Grace.
“I’m Grace and I’m an accountant.”
“I’m Kate and I own the Bean and Bagel.”
“Oh my god, I love your coffee.” The girl next to me says.
“Thank you.”
She smiles at me. “I’m Mia and I’m a receptionist at Hibiscus Island Country Club.”
“I’m Becky and I’m the manager at the animal shelter.”
“Hi, I’m Kelly and I bartend at Shooters on the Beach.”
“Oh, I’m next. Okay. Hello, I’m Kendall and I’m a property manager for the county buildings.”
“I’m Molly and I work in marketing.”
Sunni points to the next girl. “Oh, yeah. I’m Brooke and I’m a teacher at Hibiscus Elementary school. Go tigers.”
The next girl laughs, “I’m Riley and I’m an event planner. Call me if you have any events that need planning.”
“We should talk after this.” The girl next to Riley says and then turns to Sunni, “Hi. I’m Charlie and I’m a private chef.”
“Hi, I’m Kennedy and I’m an attorney.”
“Okay. Great. That’s twelve, one more than needed, so good. Now, I want to set some ground rules. There is absolutely no drama allowed. We are a team, and we will work as a team. We support each other and give only constructive criticism. Nothing more. If you want to bring drama here, then please find another team to join because that’s not how the Bad News Babes will be run. Do we all agree?”
Everyone nods their head, and suddenly I like Sunni. She seems like a no-nonsense kind of person. And I love the fact that she doesn’t want any drama. Nothing worse than a bunch of women being catty with each other and knocking others down.
“Great. Now let’s get started. Who wants to play what position?” Sunni starts listing the different positions, and I ended up with an outfield position mostly because I have no idea how to pitch or catch. Grace got pitcher and is totally psyched about it.
We play a few rounds to get the lay of the land and then the field lights start to dim. “Sorry ladies, but this will have to do for today. The sports complex is closing for the night. How does everyone’s schedule look for tomorrow evening for another practice? Our first game is against the Palm Beach Pirates on Saturday afternoon, so tomorrow will be the only time to practice before then.”
Everyone seems to be good with practice tomorrow and we all help Sunni clean up the supplies and then head out to leave.
“So, what did you decide to wear for the big date tomorrow?” Grace asks me as we approach our cars.
“What are you talking about? It’s not a date. It’s lunch. And we’ve gone over this many times in the last two days, I’m just wearing jeans and a shirt. Stop asking me.”
“I’m just excited for you, that’s all.” She whines as she pulls her car door open.
I shake my head and smile at my best friend. “I know you are, and I appreciate it, but I’m not getting my hopes up and I’m not expecting anything to happen. Okay? I know you’re addicted to dating… Don’t interrupt me.” I catch her just before she does. “You are addicted to dating, just not to the same person, because you don’t let anyone get close enough. But it doesn’t mean that I am. I’ve gone over everything in my head, at nauseum, and I’m just going to have lunch with a friend tomorrow. That’s it. Okay?”
