Page 15 of Catching Dreams

“Well,” Mack began. “I do have a proposition for you, and you can say no if you want. No pressure. The media has been all over because of the tornado, how it hit the stadium, Ash’s passing, and everything else. I talked to the Tiger’s owner, Sebastian Campbell, and we want to try to put a good spin on all the bad stuff that has happened.”

“What can I do?” I asked.

“We want to get word out about the MiLB supporting the Red Cross and, how for every minor league game played today in the Midwest Conference, they will donate 20% of the ticket sales to the Tornado Relief Fund. It will help those in Trinity Falls who lost their homes, loved ones, or jobs. I would be the face of the support if I were still in Trinity Falls but -”

“You’re needed with Nico, Mack,” I interrupted him. “I can make a speech, talk to the media, whatever you need. I think it’s an awesome cause, and it hits home with me, literally.”

“I figured you’d say that,” Mack said. “Thanks, Tyler. It will take a load off my shoulders because I know you’ll do a great job. There is a local reporter waiting to video call with you to talk about what to say and everything. Is it okay to give him your number?”

“Of course,” I agreed. “You stay with Nico. He is your number one priority. Let me know how he’s doing, okay?”

“You know I will,” Mack said. “Thanks, again, Stone. Tell Molly that I’m really happy that she’s okay.”

“I will. And please let me know when you’ve made arrangements for your wife for her celebration of life. I hope they’ll let me off to be there.”

“We’ll figure out a way to get you there. Hey, Stone, the nurse just walked in, so I’m going to talk to her about Nico. We’ll talk later.”

He hung up, and I saw a new text from Molly.

My everything: What was your meeting about, Ty? I’m worried my coming will get you in trouble. I’ve never seen anyone leave a game mid at-bat before. And I’ve watched a lot of baseball.

Me: Oh, baby. I love you so much. Don’t worry. I’m not in trouble. But it’s not a conversation to have over text.

My everything: Ok, I trust you. I love you, too, Ty. I’m going to get in the bath and then see what Pen and the kids are up to.

Me: That sounds good. Take a long bath, Molly, and just relax. Love you.

I put my phone in my pocket and almost jumped when there was a knock at the door. I opened it to find a man several inches shorter than me wearing a dark blue suit with a bright blue shirt underneath and a tie that matched the suit color. He has short brown hair that was gelled a little in the front and wore round glasses over his brown eyes. He had a kind, genuine smile. “Hi, sorry to bother you. I was told to give you a few minutes, and hopefully, I’m not interrupting. Are you Tyler Stone?”

“I am,” I responded and then shook his outstretched hand. He looked vaguely familiar to me, but I couldn’t place where I knew him from.

“I’m Erick Carlile. I work for Sports Network Corp. The MiLB has hired me to be with you every step of the way as you are the new face of Baseball giving back to Trinity Falls.”

“Wow. I’m a big fan. Nice to meet you. My old coach said I’d get a video call.”

Erick smiled, “Nope, you get the real deal. I take it you’ve heard of SNC.”

“Of course,” I said with a chuckle.

“Good, good. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure I need to get to practice,” I said as I looked down at my watch.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. You’ve been put on the Development List for the next seven days.”

“The Development List? But I thought that was only for players who needed help watching the game or taking extra batting practice. They don’t play but are still part of their team and all.”

“It usually is used for that, but since you aren’t injured or being punished, this was the best way the league could get you time off. They were able to call up the catcher from another High A team in your absence.”

“Time off for a week? For real?”

“Well, not really time off, but you will be away from the Lightning. At 2:45 you and I will be leaving for Trinity Falls, my friend.”

“But the game starts at 2:30.”

“We have a lot to discuss,” Erick said and motioned me to sit back at the desk as he opened up his briefcase and took out a folder.

“Well, my wife is here with her friend and her friend’s kids. We were planning to meet for lunch between practice and the game.”

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