Page 15 of Play Like a Girl

“It definitely enters my mind more now than it used to. I love softball, but let’s face it, we’re not exactly getting rich here. It’s not like my brother who, if he plays an extra couple years, adds a few zeros to his bank account.” I shook my head. “I keep thinking that maybe I can do something related to the game and be just as fulfilled.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“You know that Cal Chase and Dan McMullen own a training facility?” She nodded. “My brother and Jack Reagan are buying in and they’re expanding. Eventually they plan on building a field complex that will host travel teams and tournaments. I’m sure I could

get involved there or even do my own thing for a while. What about you?”

“It would depend on the whole baby situation. If I got pregnant immediately, I’d be a stay-at-home mom, at least for the first year. But if it took time, I’d probably get some kind of job until it happens.”

We finished eating in silence, the weight of our conversation hanging over our heads.

After we paid the check and left the restaurant, I said, “I just don’t want to do something drastic just because I’m homesick. You know I always planned on playing as long as possible, definitely past thirty, that’s for sure.”

“Have you talked about it with Kenny?”

“No, but I might bring it up when he visits me in a couple weeks just to see what he thinks. It’s not something I want to discuss over FaceTime if I can help it.”

Kenny

I glancedat the clock then rubbed my eyes. I’m spending another endless afternoon in a meeting with my father and Kristian Hopkins, the Waves’ general manager. Yet again, we’re discussing the team’s need for a pitcher. Due to injuries, we’re now down two relief pitchers and my father started complaining before we were down one.

“What about Hayes?” he asked Kristian.

“He’s been struggling so I don’t think this is the right time to call him up.”

“Jackson?”

“Same scenario.”

My father slipped on his reading glasses and flipped open the folder in front of him.

“Maybe it’s time to reach out to Pearson’s agent.”

I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Why don’t we just call Youngman up?” I asked. “He’s doing well in Fayetteville and since he played for New York for a few years, we already know he can perform at this level.”

For the past month we’ve been calling pitchers up from our Triple-A team, only to send them right back down because they’re just not ready to be here yet. My father is being stubborn and for whatever reason, doesn’t want to give Trey Youngman a chance to show what he can do.

“I’m concerned about his reputation.”

“We all know about his past issues, but from what I understand, he’s gotten himself together.”

“I don’t think this is the right time.”

“If we’re not going to use him, why did we bring him to Fayetteville?”

“So that he’s there when we need him.”

I know better than to show my frustration in front of Kristian or any Waves employee. My father drilled in the fact that we have to present a united front even before I started working here. I’ll have my say when we’re alone.

The sound of my father’s Montblanc pen scratching across his ever-present notepad was the only sound in the room for several minutes.

“I want you and Kenny to go check out these guys. They’re playing at home next weekend.” When he was finished writing, he ripped off the page and handed it to Kristian. “In the meantime, we can see which way the wind blows with Pearson.”

My jaw clenched and thankfully my father considered the meeting over at that point and Kristian left the office.

“I can’t go next weekend,” I said as the door closed.

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