Page 31 of Small Town CEO Grump

“Hello,” I said, trying to sound as soothing as possible. “Can you please patch me through to the voicemail for the baseball coach? I’m sure he is busy right now, but I would like to leave a message for him.”

“Just a minute,” she responded, and I could hear her wrestling papers in the background. “Actually, I can transfer you directly to him. He has a prep period right now, so he is available.”

Before I had a chance to respond I heard a few clicks and beeps, and then I heard a male voice on the other end.

“This is Coach Anderson.”

“Hello Coach, my name is Ryan Jackson. I am a businessman here in town, but I am also a former baseball player. I was wondering if you would be interested in having more help with your program,” I said. I realized that I was speaking very fast, and I felt nervous about how he would respond.

“Wait, are you Ryan Jackson from Penn State?” Coach Anderson asked.

“Yes,” I said, surprised that he had heard of me.

“Oh my word! I grew up in Williamsport, which is only like an hour from Penn State. I knew all about you when I was a kid. I actually went to watch you play.“

“Oh wow, that’s surprising!” I said. “I don’t really know how to respond to that.”

Coach Anderson laughed. “And you would really like to help out with our high school program?”

“Yes,” I said. “I would like to volunteer if possible, and get out there and help however I can. I miss being around the game, I would love to be able to help as much as I can. I have all the fingerprints and background checks done, and I could start as soon as you would like, if you’re willing to have me.”

“Of course I am willing to have you help,” he said.” Are you kidding me? This would be amazing.”

“Great,” I said. “When would you like me to start? When are your practices?”

“We have practice every school day when we don’t have a game. We have games today and tomorrow, so maybe you could come to one of the games so you could get a feel for the team.”

“That works,” I said “And that way I can meet you too. What time is the game? And will you be playing at home?”

“Yes,” he replied. “It is a home game today, and it starts at 3:45. We will start warm-ups at 2:45. Come by whenever, and I’d love to meet you and introduce you to the other coaches and the team. Does that work?”

“That works perfectly,” I said. “Thank you very much. I will be there at 2:45 at the latest today. I am looking forward to meeting you.”

“I am looking forward to meeting you! I will see you then.”

I hung up the phone, looked at my watch, and began counting down the minutes until I would be on the field.

Chapter 12

Jenna

“Okay, thank you,” I said, and placed the phone back in the receiver, my hands trembling.

I sat and stared at the phone for a minute, unable to fully believe what I had just heard.

I got up from my desk and knew that I had to tell Ryan. There is no one else I would rather share the news with.

I went and knocked on his door, and he looked up at me and waved me in.

“What’s up?” he said. “You are obviously excited about something. You’re radiant.”

I smiled. “Really? Is it that obvious?”

Ryan laughed. “Yes,” he said. “It is that obvious. So what is it?”

“I just got off the phone with the publisher of the newspaper. And you know that article that I wrote about you?”

Ryan nodded.

---