Page 66 of Out of Left Field

Isaac

“If we get Joe more time at third I think he can be a great utility player. Someone we can use anywhere on the field. He’s got the talent for it.” Gordo stood too close to the television where we had footage from practice up on the screen.

I swear the man thought he could step into the television and actually be part of the footage. Maybe technology would advance enough in a few years that he could. “Yeah, keep that up. I would love that kind of versatility.”

Gordo turned suddenly, staring right at me. “We need to talk about Everett.”

“Okay…”

“He’s been late every day this week. His slider hasn’t hit once in a game. And…have you seen his beard?”

“I don’t keep a running record of my brother’s beard, no.” I couldn’t tell you what it looked like at all, if I was being honest. Details like that were not my strong suit.

Gordo pushed his phone in my face. On it was a photo of Everett from the game today. His beard was a little unruly instead of the perfectly shaped and groomed feature he bragged about. “So he’s having an off week?”

Gordo blinked at me. “An off week? Isaac, his beard is his pride and joy. If he’s on the mound looking like this, he’s way past a bad week.”

And I was so caught up in Kate that I hadn’t noticed. In fact, I wasn’t sure if I’d had a solo conversation with him all week. Great big brother I am. “He’s been late?”

Gordo nodded, tucking the phone away and folding his arms over his chest. “And his slider.”

A pitcher missing pitches was definitely not good. Especially for Everett.

“Okay. Okay…I’ll talk to him.”

“Before the game tomorrow. As soon as you get home if possible.”

What was going on with Everett? Was Seth’s mood catching? “How’s Seth?”

Gordo’s lips thinned. “Not better. It’s like someone stuck a hose in him and drained out all his energy. He’s here. He’s going through the motions. But there’s no spark.”

“How are his numbers?”

“Fine. Not good or bad, just fine. Like Everett.”

“Has Liam said anything? About either of them?”

“He brought it up in the meeting today.” He rocked back on his heels.

And that’s when I saw it. The exasperated frustration. “I don’t remember.”

“I know. You were reading the scouting report while he was talking and you never hear anything when you’re reading, Isaac.”

But that was why I had Gordo. To call me out on my bullshit. “I hear you. I’ll do better. And I’ll talk to Everett.”

“Don’t you want to know what Liam said?”

I suddenly felt very tired and my stomach grumbled. Did we eat dinner or did we go straight from the game to the press conference to here? I think we might have. “Yes. What did Liam say?”

“He said he’s very concerned about both of them. Said their mental health was in a fragile place and therapy might be the best solution.”

“Isn’t that what Liam does?”

“No. Liam helps them set goals, helps them condition their minds. He guides them on how to navigate failure and criticism. He’s not their therapist.”

I should probably have known the difference. “I’ll talk to them. Get a handle on them. We’ll get them whatever they need.” What was going on with Everett? Maybe Mom noticed a change. I would call her too.

“Knock, knock,” Kate said very loudly as she came in. “Are you boys planning on sleeping here tonight? Because if so, I’m heading home to my nice soft bed.”