Page 74 of Catch Me
He raised a curious brow, but I just pulled off my gloves and stepped away from the serving area. The dining hall was pretty loud, and just seeing everyone having a hot meal—people who didn’t get that luxury most days—reinforced my belief in humanity.
As I was about to pull out my phone, a man approached me. I looked at him, then my gaze moved to his side where there was a kid, not older than eight. His eyes held something like fear, and it made me drop into a crouch to be at his level.
“Hey,” I said with a smile. “Did you get enough to eat?”
He hid behind his dad’s leg, keeping his gaze on the floor.
“Sorry, he’s shy,” the man said.
“Don’t apologize for it. I’m no stranger to being scared.”
“He’s a huge fan. Just a minute ago, he was begging to meet you, but now...”
“I may be big, but I’m very nice. I promise.” The kid still seemed too freaked out to say anything. Humming thoughtfully, I straightened. “Hold tight.”
Pulling out my keys, I jogged until I reached my Jeep. I swung open the passenger door and grabbed the glove that was on the seat, along with the ball. When I returned to the kid and his dad, both of their eyes widened. Slipping the glove on, I tossed the ball in the air, then caught it.
“Do you have a glove?” I asked.
“No,” the boy said in a timid voice.
“Well, guess what? I’m due for a new one.”
“Really?”
I tugged it off and held it out to him. Tentatively, he took it and wiggled his small fingers into it.
“I think you’ll grow into this one real nicely. Here, catch.”
I tossed the ball underhand, and it landed directly in the glove. The kid smiled, which brightened his eyes.
“It might have some dog slobber on it,” I said. “It still works just as good, though.”
“Are you sure?” his dad asked.
“Yeah, a little dog slobber doesn’t hurt.” I winked at the boy, which made him laugh. “I only have one condition. When I was a kid, my dad threw the ball with me every day. My mom had to drag us back inside for dinner, and she always got on me about the dirt under my nails and on my face. If you’re gonna keep the glove, you have to use it, alright? Exercise that throwing arm, and never let yourself get discouraged. The only way to get to the top is to keep climbing, especially when it’s hard. Got it?”
“Got it.” He jerked his chin down in a determined nod.
“Then it’s yours. What’s your name?”
“Carl.”
“I’m Travis, but you probably know that, huh? Have you been to a game before, Carl?”
“No.”
“Do you have a phone?” I asked his dad.
“Uh, yeah.”
He pulled one out, and I took it from him, plugging my number in. I sent myself a text so I’d be able to contact him.
“When our first home game rolls around next season, I’m gonna get you the best seats, alright?”
“You really don’t have to do that, Mr. McKinney.”
“If I had to, it wouldn’t mean much. You never forget your first game. I’m telling you, it can change your life.”
