Page 20 of Catching the Coach
Rhonda clears her throat, startling me from my thoughts. “Muffin tops and coffee from your favorite place this morning, beautiful flowers this afternoon. Looks like someone has an admirer,” she says, amusement in her voice.
I feel my cheeks heat.
“Don’t be embarrassed hun.” She sits in one of the chairs across from me. Rhonda is in her 60s and shows no signs of retiring. I only hope to be half as active as her when I’m her age. She’s been the office mother hen since I was an intern. She and her husband, Frank, never had children of their own, so in a sense, I guess we’re her children. “You deserve to be happy. I’m not saying you need a man to make you happy.” She gives me a wink. “But it doesn’t hurt if one does.” She holds her hands out. “Or woman, I don’t judge. Love is love.” She shrugs. “Either way, you deserve someone who makes you happy.”
I huff a laugh. “Thanks Rhonda.” I pause worrying my lip. “But what if it doesn’t work out? I, I just don’t know if I can go through the heartbreak.” I pick at the torn cuticle on my thumb. “And what about Hudson? It’s not just me I have to think about.” I let out a sigh and slouch into my chair.
Rhonda uncrosses her legs and sits forward. “Honey, how do you know it’ll end, if you don’t begin?” She stands and walks to the door. “Just something to think about.” She closes the door behind her, leaving me to think the rest of my lunch.
* * *
I’m sitting in bed later that night reading the latest Amelia Morgan book when my phone pings with a text. I look at my watch and see it’s 9 pm. The only person who texts me this late is Kara. Grabbing my phone, I look at the screen and see it’s Kessler. A swarm of butterflies take flight seeing his name on my screen. I didn’t text him after receiving the flowers. After the article and my conversation with Rhonda, I was in a weird place and needed time to process my thoughts and feelings. Apparently, that time is up now. I unlock my phone and click on the waiting text.
World’s Sexiest Catcher
Hey Beautiful. I’m sorry if I’m texting too late. I just got back to the hotel. I hope you had a good rest of your day.
Beautiful? He thinks I’m beautiful?
Me
Hi. Not too late. I’m just reading. I had an ok rest of my day. Thank you for the flowers by the way. I’ve never had anyone give me flowers before. They make my office smell amazing.
Me
Good game btw. That throwdown to second in the 5th was spot on.
World’s Sexiest Catcher
I’m sorry, I think I misread that. You’ve never been given flowers before???
World’s Sexiest Catcher
You watched my game huh? And thanks. At least my fielding is decent because my batting is still shit. The only good hit I had was the day I met you. Maybe you’re my good luck charm *wink face emoji*
I snort. I’m no one’s good luck charm.
Me
Uh no? I don’t date, sooo there’s no one to give me flowers.
Me
and we watched our favorite team’s game. You just happen to play for them. As for the batting, you’ll get there. Your injury was not minor and honestly it’s just impressive you made it back at all.
World’s Sexiest Catcher
Challenge accepted.
Challenge? What challenge? No, no one challenged anyone. I’m about to say as much when another text comes through.
World’s Sexiest Catcher
So you’re impressed by me? Good to know. And what are you reading?
Me
Such a healthy ego you have. And a book…
