Page 27 of Catching the Coach
“She had him so young. And the father? Is he in the picture?”
I see Coach Dixon and the rest of the coaching staff come out of the hotel. He gives me the ‘wrap it up’ signal. I nod my understanding to him.
“I asked her about him and she just said he’s not in the picture and never had been, but I have to go, Mom. Coach is getting on the bus. I’ll call you later.”
“Ok, good luck today and I will expect a call later, I have more questions. Like does she have a name?”
I laugh. “ Her name is Lucy and I know you do, Mom. I promise I’ll call you later. I love you”
“Love you too sweetie.”
I disconnect the call and hop back on the bus, I take my seat next to Reese, who’s staring at me, eyebrows raised. “Everything good?”
I nod. “Everything’s good. Just Mom, being Mom.”
He nods. He knows my mom well. She’s pretty much adopted him as one of her own. I wouldn’t be surprised if she texts him and asks him about Lucy. I tap on my text thread with Lucy and read over a few of our texts from last night as we make our way to the stadium. I’m itching to text her and see how the boys are playing in their first game.I look at the time, they should be close to being done with their first game. I click over to TikTok to kill some time. I’m watching one my brother sent me when a text pops up on my screen from Lucy.
Lucy
Boys won 4-3.
I see more dots appear then disappear. They bounce on my screen again, then disappear again. I catch myself bouncing my leg up and down in anticipation. Finally another message pops up.
Lucy
Hudson had a beautiful throw down to second in the last inning and got the out. Kinda reminded me of someone else I know.
Pride fills my chest, and a huge grin takes over my face.
Me
Hell yes! That’s awesome. I wish I could have seen it.
Lucy
Me too…
That aching feeling appears in my chest again. I rub at it, like it’ll help ease the feeling, but it doesn’t.
Me
Tell him I’m proud of him.
Lucy
I will.
“Good news?” Reese asks, nodding towards my phone.
I look at my screen, then back at him. “Remember that Little League team we worked with last week?”
A shit eating grin spreads across his face. “Oh, you mean the one with the hot coach you have a thing for?”
Brent’s head pops over the seat.
Great.
“You’re talking to the hot coach?” He’s not exactly quiet and a few of my teammates look over at us with confused stares.
