Page 17 of Play Like a Girl

“I’m here through next week then we’re off to Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, and ironically we’ll be in Cary a couple weeks after you’re in Fayetteville. Too bad it wasn’t at the same time because they’re only an hour apart.”

“Maybe I can take another trip and meet you there.”

“If not then, we probably won’t be able to get together until after the Olympics.”

We stared at each other for several heartbeats before Kenny shook his head.

“No, I’m just going to tell him I can’t go to Fayetteville. I had plans and I’m going to keep them. What’s he going to do, fire me because I took a vacation? The only real time off I’ve taken in the past fourteen years was last year when I went to St. Pete for Max’s wedding.”

I smiled because that’s when we got together. He was down there for the wedding and I was staying at Dale’s condo trying to figure out what to do with myself since softball was cancelled. Kenny and I ran into each other on the beach…literally. Both of us were out for a run and saw each other. He asked me to go to breakfast and the rest is history.

“Kenny, as much as I love you and want you here, you can’t just leave. Your father might not fire you, but he’ll make your life a living hell for who knows how long after.”

“I can deal with it. Hell, I’ve been dealing with him my whole life,” he added with a chuckle.

“You wouldn’t ask me to compromise my job and I can’t let you risk yours. We’ll make this work.”

“I miss you so much it hurts.”

“I know. Me too.”

Kenny

Once again,my father had me in meetings all afternoon. After the last one, I made my way outside to get some fresh air. Some of the players are already on the field getting ready for today’s game. I leaned against the railing and took in deep breaths trying to clear my thoughts and soothe my nerves.

I should be getting ready to go visit Penny, but instead I’m packing to go to Fayetteville with Kristian Hopkins. If she wasn’t so adamant that I do what my father wants, I like to think I’d have the balls to just stick with my original plan.

Before I could obsess on that too much, I looked toward the first-base line when something caught my eye. I blinked when I saw Dale waving his arm back and forth in big arcs. When I made sure he wasn’t just warming up his shoulders, I rounded the railing. He jogged toward the wall and I walked down the steps to meet him.

“Penny asked me to get some balls and jerseys signed for a fundraiser and they’re in the locker room. Could you grab them and bring them when you go visit her?” When I didn’t immediately answer, he added, “I was gonna just ship them but since you’re going there…”

He gestured, finishing the sentence non-verbally.

“Oh uh, I’m not going to Florida.”

He straightened and the friendly look that had been on his face faded.

“Why? Did something happen?”

“Not between Penny and me. My father wants me to go to Fayetteville to check out some pitchers.”

Thankfully Dale plays for this team and knows how my father works. At least he understands what I’m dealing with.

“What’s wrong with Kristian?”

“He’s going too.”

“I spoke with Penny last night and she didn’t say anything.”

I don’t imagine I’m the main topic of conversation when they speak, but didn’t mention that. Since we smoked cigars together, the air has been a little lighter between Dale and me and I don’t want a sarcastic comment to reverse the progress we’ve made.

“I can still grab the stuff and have Marie ship it if you want.”

“That’d be great. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

I expected him to walk away, but he didn’t.

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