Page 7 of Catching the Coach
“The boys can run around if they want,” Charlie says, walking up to me.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, turn ‘em loose.”
I turn to the boys and tell them they can check out the field, if it’s ok with their adults. Cheers erupt and 12 boys take off. Some running the bases, others seeing who can reach the outfield wall first.
“Hudson seems like a great kid,” Kessler says, watching the boys run off their excess energy.
I sigh. “He’s the best. I hit the jackpot with that one.”
Kara makes her way over to us, giving me a knowing smirk. I’ll definitely be hearing about this later.
Kessler clears his throat and turns to me. “So I wanted to thank you again, for the bunting suggestion. I may have gotten my ass chewed for it, but it really helped in the confidence area.”
I can feel my face heat up, I wave my hand like I’m brushing away the compliment, which I am. “Fans yell things all the time. I was just another fan yelling.”
“No, you weren’t. After you’ve played for as many years as I have, you learn to tune out the crowd, or at least what they’re yelling. Your voice came through.” He gives me a look I can’t quite read. “I’d really like to thank you properly, with dinner, or something.” He looks down at my left hand and back up to my eyes. “If that's appropriate?”
I’m about to tell himno, that I’m flattered but not interested–when my loud mouthex-best friend butts in.
“Totally appropriate and she accepts.” Kara smirks at me. “I’ll leave you two to discuss the details, I’m going to go talk to the parents.” She twiddles her fingers at Kessler and moves off.
I’m going to kill her and it will be worth the jail time, I think while glaring after her retreating backside.
“Why do I have the feeling you don’t accept,” he asks, seeing my annoyance.
I sigh and glance at him. “It’s not you, I promise. I just… don’t date.” I debate on whether or not to add especially ball players, and decide against it.
He lifts his eyebrows in surprise. “Like ever?”
I shake my head. “Nope.” Popping the P.
“What if I wasn’t asking you out on a date? Just a… Thank you?”
I feel my face heat. Of course he doesn’t want to date me. What the hell is my problem? He’s just trying to be nice. “No, of course, I, uh nevermind. Um, you don’t have to thank me. Today was enough. Seeing Hudson happy was enough.” I move to go collect Hudson and maim my best friend. Kessler puts his hand on my arm, stopping me.
“Wait, I–”
I cut him off and pull my arm away, giving him a polite smile. “We don’t want to take up any more of your time. Thank you for everything Mr. Davis.” I turn and walk away, but not before seeing the resignation in his face. I call the boys in and tell them it’s time to leave. I need to get out of here before I make a bigger fool of myself.
CHAPTERTHREE
kessler
I wakeup the next morning to a text with the information I asked Charlie for before I left the field yesterday. I feel like I fucked up with that little league coach yesterday and I need to fix it. Why? I’m not sure, but the feeling is there. She intrigued me, and that hasn’t happened in a while.
I get out of bed and stretch, my body screaming at me from my various injuries throughout the years. After a quick shower, I make my way into the kitchen to make breakfast. Turning the TV onSportsCenter,I scramble up some eggs for an omelet. I add green onions, mushrooms, and cheese to the bowl and pour it all into the pan. While my eggs cook, I shoot off a quick text putting my plan in motion. I flip my omelet and my phone pings, indicating a text.
Kara
How do I know this is really Kessler Davis?
Valid question. I snap a quick picture and send it also.
Kara
How do I know this isn’t just a photo off the internet? Oh hold on, I can reverse search.
