Page 29 of Catching the Coach
“I already looked at flights, there’s one heading home two hours after the game, You’re already booked for it.”
“I take back what I said earlier.”
“Oh, I’m not an asshole?”
I slap him on the back, laughing. “No, you’re still an asshole. I just meant about you not being bright. You have your moments.”
He flips me off but gives me a grin.
* * *
Five hours later and I’m boarding the plane. I was worried I wouldn’t make it. We went into the 10th inning tied 2-2. Duke came in clutch and hit a walk-off homer, sealing our win. I get to my seat and check my messages. I was in a rush getting off the field, so I didn’t get a chance to look earlier. I take my seat next to the window and see texts from Judd and Lucy. I open Lucy’s first, eager to see how the boys did.
Lucy
Boys pulled it off. 8-7. It was a battle. We don’t play again until 3pm tomorrow for the Championship.
Perfect. That gives me plenty of time. I text her back telling her to congratulate Hudson for me and that I’ll try to check in with him before his game tomorrow. I chuckle to myself, if they only knew what I have planned.
A figure appears at my side and I look up to see a woman staring at me. She’s around my age, pretty, but I find myself thinking she’s nothing compared to Lucy. I give her a small smile. She blinks a few times then snaps herself out of whatever trance she was in, stores her carry-on above and takes a seat next to me.
“I, sorry, I didn’t mean to stare, it’s just, you look familiar.”
“Uh, yeah, I get that a lot. Must have one of those faces,” I comment back politely. I try not to draw attention to myself. So if this lady can’t place me, I sure as shit am not going to place myself.
I move on to Judd’s message.
Judd
SOOOOO Mom called….
I rub my eyes with my thumb and pointer finger. Great, Mom told Judd. I pull my fingers from my eyes and continue to read his texts.
Judd
A single Mom huh?
Judd
That’s hot.
Me
You were adopted.
Judd
*laughing cry face emoji* Nice try. I’m not 9 years old, won’t work this time.
Me
*shoulder shrug emoji* worth a shot.
Judd
You still didn’t answer me.
Me
