Chapter 2
GABE
THE NEXT DAY
I’m sitting on the plane, tablet in hand, when Adam, the pitching coach, sits down next to me.
“Gabe,” he casually greets me.
“Adam. Any updates on Jake?” I ask, concerned about one of our starting pitchers.
“He still has upper body tightness. Other than that, the doc says he’s okay. Just tight muscles.”
I nod and let out a breath. That’s the best news I could have hoped for. I was sure it was worse, the way he was grimacing last night.
“Glad to hear it.” At this point, we need him in the rotation. If he’s not, we’re in trouble.
“How are the kids?” I ask. It’s hard being a dad in this line of work.
We’re gone more often than not and our spouses, or in my case, my ex, shoulders the responsibility of taking care of the family.
Hell, who am I kidding. She’s the rockstar who does it all.
Every single one of us, married or not, appreciate the women who take care of our children. Exes or otherwise.
Adam smiles. “Growing up fast. It seems like just yesterday they were learning to walk. Now they’re in grade school.”
“I hear you. My kids are getting ready for college soon.”
“Anyone special in your life?” he asks, suddenly serious.
I shake my head.
He claps me on the shoulder. “Maybe it’s time to get out there again. Try dating. You need a woman in your life.”
I crack a half-hearted smile. “Maybe.”
He laughs. “Progress.”
I shrug. Not really. I don’t have time for a woman right now.
The rest of the plane ride goes by smoothly, players and coaching staff alike dropping by my seat to chat and strategize.
All in all, the trip goes by pretty fast. Which is good, because I hate flying.
And I’ve flown my fair share as both a player and coach.
The pilot’s voice comes across the intercom as the fasten seatbelt sign comes back on.
“Okay, folks, we’ll be landing shortly. Please stow away all personal items. Make sure to stay in your seats with seatbelts fastened as we descend.”
I fasten my seatbelt and tuck away my tablet and other items. The pilot lands the plane without any trouble and taxis across the runway, towards our gate.
As we move, I think back to what Adam said, about needing a woman in my life.
He’s not wrong, but it’s tough in my line of work.
For now, though, I’d at least take one night with a beautiful woman.
And if we never see each other again, so be it. I’ll take what I can get.