Page 96 of The Curveball
When I reach Dom’s office, I can hear the murmur of voices inside. It sounds like more than just Dom and Rafe are here. I knock, and when I hear Dom tell me to come in, push open the door.
“Hey Dixie, thanks for coming in.” Dom’s smiling, which should make me feel better, but my gaze has been drawn to the older gentleman sitting next to Rafe. A familiar face that I’ve watched on TV more times than I can count.
“Dix, in case you don’t recognize him, this is Tony Stirling, head coach of the Vancouver Tridents.”
I quickly shut my mouth, which had fallen open in shock. “Mr. Stirling. It’s an honour to meet you.” I stick out my hand and he shakes it firmly.
“Good to meet you, son. I’m guessing by your expression, this meeting is a bit of a surprise to you?”
I nod. “Yes sir. I had no idea you would be here.” I belatedly realize I’m still shaking his hand like a doofus and drop it quickly. “Sorry.”
Rafe lets out a quiet snort of amusement, and Coach Stirling glares at him. “Ignore Pops. He thinks just because he’s not my player any longer, he doesn’t have to show me any respect.”
“Put him out of his misery, Coach.”
“Take a seat, Dixie,” Dom says, gesturing to the chair next to Rafe. My heart is racing as I sit down, yanking off my Cedar Creek Thunder ball cap, running my fingers through my hair nervously, and then putting it back on.
Except, now my hands are empty. What the hell do I do with my hands?
I clear my throat. “What did you want to see me about?”
I can think of only one reason the head coach of a major league team would be sitting in the CEO’s office of an independent league team like the Thunder. But I don’t want to let myself even consider that possibility, in case I’m somehow wrong.
“Well son, I’ve been keeping an eye on you ever since Pops told me he’d got you on board with the Thunder,” Coach Stirling starts, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. “I remember hearing your name back in the day, when I was coaching at the Triple-A level. We allexpected you’d be joining our ranks, and when you disappeared instead, it was a loss to the sport.”
I don’t realize I’ve been holding my breath until Rafe leans over and quietly says, “Breathe, Dixie.”
I suck in air, but the lightheaded feeling doesn’t fade.
“I had Rafe send me some video footage from your games, and when our schedules aligned, and my boys were playing a series close to where you were, I decided to watch you play in person. Unfortunately, I only caught one game, as I understand you had to leave for personal reasons.”
“I had a baby,” I blurt out, immediately blushing.
Coach Stirling just smiles and nods. “Congratulations. Brady, I’ll get straight to it. What I’ve seen of you on the field and on the mound impresses me. I can see you with a future playing for the Vancouver Tridents. I’d like to extend an offer for you to come join us at spring training, see how you fit in with the guys. You might have to spend some time in the minors, hone some skills, but I think it’s likely we’d call you up by the second half of the season. You’ve got some serious potential, Brady, and our bullpen could use you.”
“Holy shit.” I don’t mean to say that out loud. Hell, I didn’t think I did until Dom, Rafe, and Coach Stirling all chuckle. “Sorry. I’m…well, I…”
“You’ve stunned him, Coach,” Rafe says, nudging Coach Stirling. “He’s not a chatty guy, but you’ve literally made him speechless.”
I swallow thickly. “Stunned is one word.” I look at Dom. “How does this affect my contract with the Thunder?”
Dom smiles. “I appreciate you considering that, Dixie, but this is an extraordinary circumstance. We’d need to work with a lawyer, but I think we can reach an agreement to dissolve your contract so you’re free to sign with the Tridents.”
Another wave of shock hits me at his generosity and understanding. All I can muster is a nod of acknowledgment before I look back to Coach Stirling.
“This is a lot to take in, sir. I’m honoured, truly. And very interested in hearing more.”
“That’s great.” He pulls a folder out from somewhere beside him and hands it to me. “Now, I’m guessing you don’t have an agent representing you, so I want you to take your time with this offer. If you want to talk to an agent, I’m sure Pops can help you get in touch with someone.”
Rafe nods. “Absolutely. I’ll put together a short list of agents.”
“Thanks,” I manage to say. “That would be great.” My palms are sweaty as I hold the folder gingerly, as if it might disappear if I try to hold on too tightly.
Dom stands first, then Rafe and Coach Stirling. When I realize I’m the last one seated, still stunned, I jump up.
“Thank you again, sir. Truly.” I stick my hand out and shake Coach Stirling’s again.
“I appreciate you taking the time to come and meet today, Brady. I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon.” He turns to Rafe and Dom, inclining his head. “Gentlemen, thanks for letting me try and steal your pitcher from you.”
