Page 10 of Stealing Forever

Having friends.

Pushing off the bathroom counter, I leave the shower running and walk buck ass naked into my bedroom and grab my discarded phone, pulling up the group message that’s still going crazy. I need to make an effort with people again.

Austin, Gareth, and Jensen added me to their conversation, which means they’re interested in being friends with me, right?

Why not give it a chance?

Austin Cooper

I’m just saying, if I were Coach, I’d put Gareth as first batter over Kellen.

Jensen Fields Jr.

No one’s disagreeing with you there.

Gareth Fox

I feel like I should be staying quiet about this, but you know what? I agree.

My fingers fly across the screen as I reply—nothing long or drawn out, but enough to insert myself.

No one said Kellen would be first up.

A text comes through immediately, and I’m surprised to see Jensen has the fastest fingers.

Jensen Fields Jr.

Oh shit! Coach responded.

Austin Cooper

COACH!

Gareth Fox

Now that you’re here, do we have to call you Coach, or can we call you Declan?

Austin Cooper

Or Deck?

Declan is fine, but on the field it’s Coach.

Gareth Fox

Noted.

Austin Cooper

Heard.

Gareth Fox named the conversation “The Favorites”

An unfamiliar tug at the corner of my lips catches me by surprise as I look down at the phone, and I find myself actually grinning at the conversation.

I know they’re just text messages, and these are my players, but having a lighthearted conversation feels good. It’s something I’ve avoided in recent years, preferring to throw all my time and energy into Sailor and her needs, so much so that I’ve pushed aside mine.

It’s startling how much I’ve lacked basic human contact outside of my workplace.

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