Page 14 of The Billionaire's Heart

Mia

This afternoon flew by and now I’m at my very first kickball practice. This time, my GPS gave me the right directions, and I was able to find Hibiscus Harbor Park easily.

I’ve been sitting on the bench in the dugout with a few other women as one-by-one, more show up.

“Hi there. It’s our first time.” One woman says as she and her friend walk into the dugout. “What?” She asks her friend that’s giving her a dirty look.

“You don’t have to announce that it’s our first time to the entire team.” Her friend says.

“Actually, it’s my first time, too.” A blond at the other end of the bench says.

“Me, too.” Another girl says and then everyone nods.

“See? We’re fine.” The first girl scolds her friend.

A lady with a clipboard approaches the front of the dugout, “Good evening, ladies. I’m Sunni and the captain of this kickball team. Thank you for coming out. Has anyone played kickball in the last ten years?” I look around at the other women on this bench and see that no one else raises their hand, either. Good;then I’m not the only one who hasn’t played since elementary school.

“No worries, neither have I, but I have read the manual. We have twelve people here and that’s the perfect number of players. I mean, we could play with less if we had to, but I’m glad you all signed up and showed up.” Sunni continues. “Now, how about we go down the line and tell everyone your name and I’ll check you off my list here.” She points to her clipboard.

“I’ll start. I’m Sunni and as a day job, I’m a nurse at Hibiscus Memorial. You?” She points to one of the women that just sat down.

“I’m Grace and I’m an accountant.”

“I’m Kate and I own the Bean and Bagel.”

“Oh my god, I love your coffee.” One of the other girls says.

“Thank you.”

Sunni smiles at me. “I’m Mia and I’m a receptionist at Hibiscus Island Country Club.”

“I’m Becky and I’m the manager at the animal shelter.” Ah, she’s the one I’ll be working with when I volunteer. Good to know. Making friends. One of my three points of getting my shit together.

“Hi, I’m Kelly and I bartend at Shooters on the Beach.”

“Oh, I’m next. Okay. Hello, I’m Kendall and I’m a property manager for the county buildings.”

“I’m Molly and I work in marketing.”

Sunni points to the next girl. “Oh, yeah. I’m Brooke and I’m a teacher at Hibiscus Elementary school. Go tigers.” I laugh because she makes a tiger paw and claws the air.

The next girl laughs too, “I’m Riley and I’m an event planner. Call me if you have any events that need planning.”

“We should talk after this.” The girl next to Riley says and then turns to Sunni, “Hi. I’m Charlie and I’m a private chef.”

“Hi, I’m Kennedy and I’m an attorney.”

“Okay. Great. That’s twelve, one more than needed, so good. Now, I want to set some ground rules. There is absolutely no drama allowed. We are a team, and we will work as a team. We support each other and give only constructive criticism. Nothing more. If you want to bring drama here, then please find another team to join because that’s not how the Bad News Babes will be run. Do we all agree?”

I instantly like Sunni. She’s a ‘take no shit’ kind of girl. Perfect.

Sunni hands out positions and I get an outfielder position, which works for me because I’m not sure I’m coordinated enough to play anything infield right now. Hell, I can barely open doors on my own, apparently.

We play a few rounds to get our groove but stop when the field lights start to dim.

“Sorry ladies, but this will have to do for today. The sports complex is closing for the night. How does everyone’s schedule look for tomorrow evening for another practice? Our first game is against the Palm Beach Pirates on Saturday afternoon, so tomorrow will be the only time to practice before then.”

“Works for me.” I say as my other teammates agree.

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