Page 6 of Dibs
Was she flirting with him?
Chase shrugged. “From what I’ve heard, Coach Stat has been doing a great job. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
Hearing he didn’t want to come in and change the way I’d been coaching was encouraging, but I could admit his expertise would be beneficial to the team. I could ignore our history and ask for his assistance … for the sake of the kids.
“If you’re up for it, I’d love to have your help during our practices.” When he didn’t say anything right away, I added, “No pressure, of course.”
He looked at his son, who beamed up at him, and then turned to me. “I’d love to help.”
* * *
The next morning,we arrived at the field early for our nine o’clock game. I had the boys stretching in the outfield while I spoke with one of my assistant coaches. Glancing over to the stands, I saw Heather chatting with Chase. He said something that must have been funny because she threw her head back and laughed. After a moment, she reached out and placed her hand on his arm.
I remember a time when those arms…
I shook my head, ridding myself of memories I had no business recalling, and turned back to Bob who was filling me in on the team we’d play first. I tried to pay attention; however, I couldn’t stop myself from glancing at Chase and Heather every few minutes as she continued to talk and flip her hair. Her body language made it apparent she was flirting with him, and I wondered if she was always like that with other guys and I was just now noticing because it was with someone I had a past with, or was she that enamored with his sports star status that she couldn’t help herself?
Her behavior was reminiscent of what had ruined my marriage with Lisa. My ex-wife had fallen in love with baseball when I played in high school, but she moved quickly from the love of the game to love of the players. Shortly after Dylan was born, she scored a job at the hotel where opposing players stayed when playing in San Diego, and it didn’t take long before she was cheating regularly.
“I just got a text from John,” Bob mentioned as I finished filling out the lineup card. “He said he’s not feeling well this morning and was wondering if we could handle the games on our own.”
I nodded. “Yeah. We’ll be fine.”
“Or …”
“Or what?” I asked.
“Or maybe you could ask Chase if he wants to help. He seemed willing last night.”
That wasn’t a bad idea. The kids would probably love having a pro ball player out there with them. It would also keep him away from Heather.
I walked over to the two of them and stood next to Heather before wrapping my arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple.
“Oh. Hi, babe,” she greeted as her gaze bounced between Chase and me.
I didn’t usually act like a jealous asshole. As a guy, Chase was probably aware of what I was doing, which made me feel like a dick. Still, I felt the need to stake my claim. I just wasn’t sure if I was reminding Heather that she had a boyfriend or if I was telling Chase to back off.
“Hey, Coach. Nice morning for a win.” He smirked.
“It is,” I agreed. “And I was wondering if you wanted to help with the games today? Unfortunately, one of the assistant coaches isn’t feeling well.”
He nodded. “Yeah, sure.”
“Thanks.” As I walked back to the dugout, I peeked over my shoulder and was relieved to see Chase following behind me while Heather had moved to sit next to Tyler on the bleachers.
“All right, Coach, what do you need me to do?”
“Mostly, I need you to be the first base coach.”
“I can do that.”
While going over the lineup with him and giving him a brief rundown on the players, I couldn’t help but wonder if his reappearance in my life had the potential to cause some serious chaos.
Or at least bring up the past I never expected to face seventeen years later.
3
CHASE
