Page 79 of The One for Me
“Yes, and stretch. It’ll give you a lot more strength later on.”
“Whatever you say, Sean. I’ll do it. I just want to play ball forever.”
This is the part of my job that I love. Looking at the kids who are going to one day replace me. I think about how I looked up to my idols who are now the people giving me advice about how to stay in the game. It’s a weird sort of brotherhood, but one that I cherish.
If it weren’t for the greats who came before me, I wouldn’t be here today.
“All right, you ready to try again?”
“Let’s do this.”
For the next hour, we keep at it. Going over and over them until he feels comfortable. As a catcher, I want to protect his knees and his shoulder, those are the two most common injuries, and the way he was throwing before could cause tears or strain. The way I had him correct it is a bit strange, but it will lessen the burden on his muscles.
Finally, he throws a rocket that hits the target perfectly.
“I did it!” Austin’s joy is overwhelming.
“You did amazing. That was a perfect throw.”
His four teammates who stayed to run drills rush over to him, patting him on the back and laughing. The boys celebrate as I look around, parents are clapping and starting to come down off the bleachers, but I keep looking until I see a smile that makes my heart stop.
Devney has a grin on her face as she makes her way toward me.
“God, you’re gorgeous,” I say when she’s before me.
“You’re biased.”
“Maybe so, but that doesn’t make it less true.”
Her head shakes as she looks over at her nephew. “I told Jasper I’d have him home an hour ago, but I didn’t want to pull him away.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. He did great, and I wanted him to have this down before the tournament in a few days.”
Devney smiles as Austin and the other kids chase each other around the bases. “Well, you are a hero for teaching it to him, Sean Arrowood.”
“Then are you my prize?”
She laughs softly. “You think you deserve one?”
“Don’t all heroes?”
“Maybe.”
“If we’re putting in requests, then I totally want you.”
Devney leans in, kissing my cheek. “You already have me.”
Thank God for miracles. “And tonight, I really plan to have you.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Oh, me too. I am going to have her in so many ways.
“How about we get Austin home so I can have my prize?”
“Deal.”
We get Austin in the car and head to his house. The three of us talk about the tournament, which we have to leave for at five in the morning because it’s freaking two hours away.
