Page 19 of Play Like a Girl

“I know. He kind of went overboard.”

“He’s just doing his job.”

“I guess so.”

“Meet you at Jimmy’s?” she asked as we approached our cars.

“Yep, see you there.”

We don’t usually go out, just the two of us, when we play here, but Nadia’s husband Greg is out of town for business so we’re grabbing dinner. Speaking of Greg, he’d come on our last road trip so Nadia and I weren’t alone as much as usual, which is why I didn’t tell her that Kenny isn’t coming this weekend. Plus by not talking about it, I didn’t really have to face it. Hell, I didn’t even tell Dale or Karen.

Jimmy’s Diner is only a few blocks from the field and I pulled into the parking lot right behind Nadia. We walked inside and sat in our usual booth. I don’t even have to look at the menu to know what I’m having. One of Jimmy’s specialties is a sushi tuna tower. Not what you’d get at a normal diner, but this place breaks all the rules and actually serves things beyond burgers and fries. Although those are amazing here as well.

Once we ordered, I figured I’d fill Nadia in on the Kenny situation.

“Kenny isn’t coming,” I said and filled her in on the details.

“That explains why you seem so distracted the past couple weeks.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“To me it is, but I doubt anyone noticed.”

“Ifeeldistracted and have been extra vigilant to stay focused on the field.” I took a long drink of water trying to collect my thoughts. “I feel so ridiculous letting this mess with my head.”

“We’re not machines, Penny. When life happens, we react.”

“I know, but that becomes a problem when it affects how we play.”

“You’ve been playing just as good as always.”

“But mentally, I’m not there. I’m thinking about how much I miss being in Myrtle Beach with Kenny and my family. Eventually that’s gonna bite me in the ass.”

“So what are you saying?”

“I’ve been thinking about telling Kenny we need to take a break.”

“What?” Her screech echoed through the diner. “Sorry,” she said to the room in general before looking back at me and repeating the word more quietly.

“Just until the Olympics are over.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?”

“I’m not sure of anything at this point. I just know that being miserable and distracted is a recipe for disaster right now.”

The waitress brought our dinners and I picked up my chopsticks. I felt Nadia’s gaze on me and looked over at her.

“I know how much you love Kenny, but I also know you’re struggling. You need to talk to him. Really talk to him. Tell him how you’re feeling beyondI miss you.And if you do decide you need that break, make sure you explain it so he understands.”

Kenny

Penny didn’t answermy call, so I figured she must still be out with Nadia. I took a quick shower and pulled on a pair of gym shorts. After checking my phone, I settled into bed and clicked on the Waves game. They’re playing in Houston so even though I got home later than usual, because of the time difference, I still got to see the first pitch.

In the middle of the second inning, my phone buzzed and slid off my chest onto the bed. I rolled to my side and grabbed it.

“Hey, great game today,” I said then lost all my enthusiasm when I saw Penny’s face. “What’s wrong?”

Her eyes and nose are red and swollen and I’ve only seen her look like that once before and that was when she made me watchMarley & Me.It still boggles my mind that some people choose to watch movies that make them cry.

---