Page 44 of Sometimes You Fall

“Nathan, you’re up first.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I settle into my spot so I can study his movements. He’s not bad, but he’s not very controlled. He’s tightening too much in his shoulders, which is costing him speed. After Nathan throws about a dozen pitches of varying accuracy, I let Max have a go. Max has more control, but he’s inconsistent. One pitch is right on target, and the next is nowhere near the plate.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, Chase,” I say as Scottie’s son shoots me a nervous glance before taking the mound. He takes his time agreeing with the catcher’s call, but when he winds up and lets the ball loose, I swear, I see myself twenty years ago.

I clear my throat, not wanting to get too excited. “Again.”

I keep him up there for longer than the other two boys, which they pick up on sooner quickly. After a good fifteen minutes pass, the boys get antsy.

Max chimes in first. “I think you should let us pitch again, Coach. I mean, everyone needs time to warm up, right?”

Chase looks between me and Max, and since I don’t want to ruffle feathers just yet, I agree to let Max have another shot to prove himself. But he stands on the mound and tries way too hard the second time around, only building up his frustration. Nathan also takes another turn, but at the end, I think all four of us can agree that Chase has more talent in his pinky finger than the two juniors who probably walked onto this team.

I hear Ryan call his whistle from the other side of the field, requesting the entire team to gather around, so I gesture for the boys to jog over as I start to clean up the balls from the pitching practice. I shoot a text off to Ryan to let him know he has a new starting pitcher.

Once everyone is gathered around, Ryan makes an announcement. “One thing you all need to remember is that your behavior and choicesare not just a reflection on yourselves, but on this team as well. They’re also a reflection on us as coaches.” He gestures between me, himself, and the other assistant coach, Brad. “But I want everyone to understand that your spot on this team isn’t guaranteed. Moving forward, there will be a no-strike policy.”

“What’s that?” one of the players asks as I take my place next to Ryan, inserting myself into the conversation now.

“It means you get no more chances. You screw up? You’re off the team.” He shoots his glare at Chase’s accomplices to the break-in at my shop. Their eyes find the ground as the other members of the team murmur amongst themselves. I remember what it was like to be in high school—rumors spread like wildfire. And with cell phones now? I can only imagine how many people in town and beyond know about the mess these boys got into.

“With that being said, I would like to announce that the newest member of our team, Chase Warner, will also be the starting pitcher in next week’s game.”

Nathan and Max instantly tense up, but Chase stands tall next to them. It’s good to know he’s aware of the talent he possesses. His mom would be proud, especially since she always advised me to own mine.

“Now, Chase, Jared, and Trent, you boys are staying after, but the rest of you, take three laps around the field and then we’re done for the day.”

The boys take off to rush through their run, while Ryan and I stare down at the three delinquents in front of us.

Ryan rubs his palms together with a pleased smile on his face. “Now, there’s nothing I love more than serving punishment, especially when it’s due. You three have no idea who you were messing with.”

“Oh, we knew,” Jared mutters under his breath.

“Say it so we can hear you, son,” I bark, reminding myself that he’s a minor and I can’t touch him. But cocky boys like him—I remember them well. His insecurities are lurking right underneath the surface and that’s why he convinced Chase to do what they did. He felt threatened, and with good reason, it seems. But it doesn’t excuse his behavior.

“It was nothing,” Jared replies, avoiding my eyes.

I take a step closer to him, his eyes widen, and then I lower my voice when I say, “It’s not too late for me to press charges. I hope you realize that. I’m trying to do you a favor, so if I were you, I’d shut your mouth and do what you’re told for the next hour and remind yourself never to do something like that again.”

He visibly swallows. “The next hour?”

Ryan chuckles. “Oh yeah. We’re not stopping until each one of you pukes.”

Huh. Maybe this coaching gig might be a little fun after all.

***

“Scottland Warner?” The nurse calls out from the door that separates the waiting room from the office and exam rooms. My knees haven’t stopped bouncing since I sat down, but part of that is because I’m at my kid’s first doctor’s appointment, and the mother of my child still isn’t here.

“Scottland Warner!” She’s louder this time, peering around the room.

I raise my hand like a kindergartener. “Um, hi.”

The nurse looks me up and down. “No offense, Grady, but I don’t think you’re the pregnant woman I’m looking for.”

I chuckle as I stand from my seat and move closer to her. Lowering my voice, I say, “I’m the father. Scottie isn’t here yet and she’s not answering her phone.”

“I see.” She peers down at her chart. “Well…”

The door chimes as the woman in question rushes into the office, swiveling her head around chaotically before her eyes land on me. “Oh my God! Sorry I’m late.” Blowing her curls out of her face, she strides up to the nurse and me in a business-style dress that hugs all of her curves, stealing the breath from my lungs and making my dick harden in seconds.

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