Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
GRANT
“I’m really sorry I can’t be there today.”
“I told you, it’s okay. Go be the best scouting guy out there.”
I laugh, flipping on my blinker to turn into Thistle Creek’s ballpark. “I thought you were learning about baseball, and I find out you’re not.”
“Does it help that I know it’s a round ball?”
“Not funny.”
“I am learning, but really, what do you call a scouting guy?”
“A scout.”
I wish I was having this conversation with her in person, but alas, I’m here. There’s a bright young prospect playing out here, and the team is hoping to recruit him to play for us. He’s rough around the edges, but with some training, he could be ready for the big leagues.
“Har har. Go do all the baseball things and we can celebrate the news at dinner tonight.”
We’re supposed to find out the gender of the baby today. It’s both exciting and nerve-racking. I know Georgia wants to find out, but I’m still on the fence. Why ruin the surprise? We’ll find out soon enough.
If only I could convince her of that.
“Sounds good. I’ll stop by the store on my way back and grab something,” I tell her.
“Are you really that worried I’m going to eat pancakes again for dinner?”
“Yes. I want to make sure you and the baby are well fed.”
“You know I won’t say no to whatever you’re making.”
“I know. I’m not above bribery,” I say. “Have a good day with your students.”
“See you tonight, Grant. Have a safe drive home.”
I end the call and grab my tablet from the seat next to me. With Georgia working late last night at the ranch, I was able to get in some more study time on this guy.
He’s only nineteen, but has a bright future ahead of him.
The field here is smaller than the one in Pinecrest—I know it’s a big spot for little league teams to come play. There’s a few people in the stands, likely more scouts, watching as someone rounds the bases.
Resting my arms on the aluminum fence, I watch as he sets back up at home plate. His form is good, from the way he holds the bat to his footing. A pitch is thrown and the crack of the ball hitting the bat echoes around the open field.
“Damn.” I let out a whistle.
The ball sails in a perfect arc over the fence. A home run.
Sure, it’s not a real game, but if he can hit like this without any pressure, it’s a good thing. I take my place in the stands away from the other scouts and make my notes as I watch him play.
I glance at my phone again. I really hate that I’m missing Georgia’s appointment today, but she said it was okay.
I wish I felt that way. I want to be there for her. Show her that I’m not going anywhere.
It’s not like I’m blowing her off because I didn’t want to go, but I also didn’t want to get fired from my job and not have a source of income in Pinecrest.
Even though I wish I were with Georgia, I love these kinds of days at the ballpark, with the sun shining and a cool breeze. It’s what drew me to baseball when I was a kid.
I never had the talent to go far, but I love playing in a pickup league and getting to coach others.
By the time his practice wraps up, the rest of the scouts are already clamoring to get a few minutes with him. I hang back and wait my turn.
My guess is this kid already knows who he wants to go play with before turning pro. No sense in rushing over there to be first in line. I smile to myself as they all talk over themselves and push business cards in his face. I shake my head at the obvious ass-kissing they’re doing.
Once they clear out, I head over to the dugout to make my pitch.
“That was some practice you had out there today,” I say.
Hey, I’m not above it either to get this kid to play for the Loggers.
“Thanks. Aaron Wyle. Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Grant Prescott. I’m with the Pinecrest Loggers.”
“I’ve seen you guys play,” he says. “My grandpa used to take me over there during the summers for the games. Some of my favorite memories.”
“Is that what made you want to play ball?”
He nods. “It is. I loved it. The ballpark hot dogs, catching the fly balls, my very own baseball hat. I loved every minute of it.”
“I think you might get fewer of the hot dogs now.” I smirk.
“No time for that when I’m training, sir,” he agrees.
I smile at this kid. Someone taught him good manners. Something I can appreciate.
“I know you’ll have some options as to where you want to play, but I hope you’ll consider Pinecrest. With some training, I think you’ll be a great player.”
“You think so?” He swigs from his water bottle.
“I wouldn’t lie to you. Get you trained up before a major league team comes in and steals you from us.” I pass my card over to him. “Like you already know, Pinecrest is a great place to come and visit, and if you ever want to come out and see the field again, just let me know.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
I shake his hand before taking my leave. “Have a good one. Keep up the good work. That homer you hit? A thing of beauty.”
“I will.”
The kid is beaming as I pop my sunglasses back on my face and head to my truck. Dropping everything in the front seat, I pull out my phone. A smile comes easily as I see the messages waiting for me.
Luke
Can you make gnocchi for dinner?
We have everything for it
I already checked
And there’s a movie night at school later for freshmen as part of back to school
Can I go?
This doesn’t feel like the same kid who came here with me all those weeks ago. He’s starting to make friends. And talk to me. Who knew what a milestone that would be?
Grant
Sure thing. Headed home now
Luke
To which thing?
Both
Georgia is coming over tonight for dinner, so you can leave any time after
Thanks, Dad
Do we know what she’s having?
Not sure. We’ll find out tonight
Cool
Damn. Not only is his mood infectious, but the text waiting from Georgia makes me grin like a fool.
Georgia
How’d today go?
Grant
Good
Didn’t get a commitment, but I think he’ll come here
I knew you could do it
Really?
Yes, you can be very convincing
Think I could convince you to spend the night tonight?
Only if you make gnocchi for dinner
Then it’s a good thing Luke already asked for it
It will be waiting for you when you get home
A woman could really get used to this five-star treatment
Only for you
How was your appointment?
Good. Everything looks really good
Did you find out the gender?
I have it
I didn’t want to find out without you
Damn. This woman is something else. I thought the only person I’d have in my life when I got here would be Luke. Now we both have Georgia. Because not only am I falling for her, but so is Luke.
It takes a certain kind of person to get through to a teenage boy. Georgia is certainly that kind of person. I don’t know if anyone else would want to stick around, but I’m glad this baby brought us together.
I’ll see you when you’re done tonight and we can talk about it then
I can’t wait
There’s still a long way to go before this baby comes. But right now, things feel good. After the rocky start we had, I could use a lot more good in my life.
Even if it’s making the people I love happy by making them gnocchi. I’ll take it.