Page 34 of Catching the Coach
Great, because I just texted her *angry face with horns emoji*
Me
Fucking Dick.
Judd
*middle finger emoji* *laughing cry face emoji*
I’m in the middle of replying to Judd when my phone rings.
MOM
Fucking Judd. I release a huff and slide to answer.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Kessler Howard Davis, did you call meold?”
I look up at the sky and sigh. “Technically? Yes, but I’m sure Judd made it sound worse than it is,” I say, trying to get myself out of the hole.
“Mmmhmm ok, so tell me your version.”
I’m half listening to my mom, half watching the game. Joey, the starting pitcher struck his first batter out and I fist pump.
“Kessler?”
“Oh, sorry. I was watching the game. Well, Judd was texting me. He was mad at me because it seems you’ve set your sights on his love life now that I’m interested in someone. Which by the way, I applaud. He mentioned I was in love, and I told him I never said I was in love. To which he said you told him I was. So actually,Mother,now that I think about it, don’t you have some explaining to do?” I ask her, hoping putting this back on her gets me out of trouble. It doesn’t.
“Oh please, you know for a fact you’re in love, and there’s nothing wrong with it. So, just because you didn’t say it out loud, doesn’t mean it’s not true and that you get to call me old,” she says matter of factly.
The second batter hits a line drive to the shortstop, who catches it no problem. Two down.
I let out a resigned sigh. “Ok, Mom, I’m sorry I called you old. You’re not. I just don’t want everyone freaking out over something that hasn’t happened yet. I haven’t even got her to agree to go out on a date with me, so can we keep the ‘L’ word to a minimum, or you know non-existent, until I’ve actually gone out with her?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything to your brother. So you’re at the game?” she asks, changing the subject.
“Yeah, the game just started a few minutes ago. We have one more out, then we’re up to bat.”
I hear my mom chuckle
“What?”I ask
“You say ‘we’, like they’re your team. It’s cute, and I’m happy for you, Kess.”
I chuckle. “Thanks, Mom. I’m happy too. Now, get back to bugging Judd and let me focus on the game.”
She laughs. “You got it. Just text me later and let me know how many to expect for dinner.”
“I will Mom.”
I disconnect the call and watch as Joey strikes out the third batter.
“Yeah, Raptors. Let’s go!” I yell, clapping my hands a few times.
The other team takes the field and starts warming up. I haven’t been this nervous for a baseball game since my rookie year in the majors. My mom’s right. I’m completely invested. I see Lucy standing at third base and Kara at first. Our first batter takes steps up and takes his position. I squint to see who it is but can’t quite make out the face. He lets two pitches go by him, one ball and one high strike. On the third pitch, he winds back and cracks it right in between shortstop and second, making it to first easily. The next batter I have no problem making out.
Hudson.
