Page 24 of The Perfect Love

I park my car and lean back in my seat, waiting for Hyla’s answer.

“You wouldn’t beyouif you didn’t care, Trev. It’s who you are. And it’s how your dad raised you to be. I know you’re afraid of caring too much and getting hurt, but we both know you won’t be able to let this go. You felt a connection to her, and even if it’s fast, that still means something. So don’t be a dumbass and miss out on your chance with the girl who could be my sister-in-law one day. This is important.”

I sigh and shake my head. “Way to make this all about you.”

“Only because if you won’t do it for yourself, you’ll do it for me. Cause you love me.”

I hate that she’s right about that.

“Seriously. Do it for yourself. Don’t second-guess how you feel. If you see her again, it’s okay to check in. Just take it slowly.”

“Pretty solid advice. Maybe you should become a therapist.”

She scoffs. “Please. I’m too much of a mess to handle anyone else’s problems. All you needed was some objectivity. And a kick in the pants—which I am always happy to provide.”

“You’re so generous. Really.”

She laughs. “Well, I guess I’ll let you go now that I’ve done my job.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey, how was the rest of your first day?”

“Pretty good. I’m on my way to meet with the baseball coach now.”

“Good. I’m sure however you end up being with the team, it’ll be great for you.”

“Thanks, Hy. And thanks for the advice. You were moderately helpful.”

“Asshole. Oh, and make sure you call your mom later or she’ll be annoyed.”

I pause with my hand near the ignition button. “Don’t tell her about Chelsea.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t get her hopes up.”

“God,” I groan. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

“I’m officially shipping you two now. Chelvor? Oh no, that’s a horrible ship name. Trelsea? What’s her last name? I need better ideas.”

“And on that note, goodbye.”

She laughs. “Bye. Love you.”

“Love you too, sis.”

Then I hang up and throw my car door open. I make it a point to call Hyla my sister regularly. It’s the smallest way I have to remind her how important she is to me. She tends to forget she should be important to the people in her life—and herself. No matter how upbeat she sounded on the phone, I know she’s been struggling lately. The last time she was like this, things didn’t end well, and I don’t want her to get to that place again.

As I walk to the athletic building, I put everything else behind me and focus on the present. Baseball. What it has the potential to look like now.

Coach M is waiting for me in his office, and with a bright smile on his face, he looks less like a hard ass this time.

“Matteny, have a seat.”

“Morning, Coach.”

I do as he said and take a seat, but my legs bounce and I’m drumming my thumbs on my thighs because there’s so much nervous energy running through me.

“So, I spent some time yesterday thinking through some options for you. I’m always looking for volunteer coaches to help run practices and work with the players in small groups, but with what you’re studying, it seems like a waste to only have you involved for practices. Plus, I can tell how hungry you are to be involved with the team. I want to give you as much of that as possible.”

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