Page 32 of Jocks

Bases Loaded 4

Off We Go

Mydadpickedme up and took me to the school. He and mom are flying out the next day with the other parents. We’re very lucky as a team to have a group of parents who travel to cheer us on. Since this is a big event, almost all of them are flying in and staying at the same hotel together. After unloading my bag and hugging my dad, I walked over to where the team was starting to assemble. We are earlier than we need to be, but I was worried I would miss it so I told dad an earlier time.

“Ladies” I greet Mary, Cheyenne, Chloe and Brooklyn. They all return the greeting.

“Merideth, I was worried the coach was going to kick you off the team.” The always nervous Chloe states.

“No, we just had a difference of opinion, that’s all.” I try to play off yesterday’s incident.

“Never seen coach so mad before.” Brooklyn adds.

“What happened to cause Erin to leave school?” Mary asks the group.

“I don’t know.” They all look at me like I’m lying. “Really, I don’t know what happened. I would like to, but I don’t.”

“Is Taylor that bad? I mean, is that why you had such an issue with coach?” Mary asks me.

“It was an issue at first, but I was wrong and judged Taylor too soon before I got to know her. Everything’s okay now. You all will like her. She will fit in with all of us really well.” I assure them.

“Hell ya, I will.” Turning, I see Taylor stop right behind me. “That’s assuming you were talking about me.”

“You caught us. We were. Let me introduce you.” I introduce Taylor to the team members and the questioning begins. Stepping back to allow Taylor to be front and center stage. I take a moment to look her over. She has on a cute tunic style dress with capri leggings underneath. “Did you get a team coat?” I interrupt the conversation.

“No, I didn’t. I would love to have one, so I don’t look like the kid who forgot theirs.”

“Let me see if the equipment coach has one.” I leave the girls talking and head into the coaches’ offices, which are near the locker room.

“Success.” I announce as I approach the now larger group of ladies. “Attention Ladies, Taylor, it is our custom. When a new player joins the roster and receives their jacket, they are responsible for a round of drinks for the team. As we are going to a tournament and drinking isn’t allowed on team trips, we will wait till we return victorious. Agreed? Welcome to the team, Taylor. May your throws be on aim, you’re catching be spectacular and your batting jaw dropping.”

“Agreed!” the team cheers.

“Absolutely agreed.” Taylor beams. “Thank you everyone. I’m honored to be a part of such a successful team. I hope I’m worthy.”

Everyone claps and I pass the coat over to her as she smiles at me, then at all the others. My stomach does a flip-flop when our eyes met.

“Gather around everyone. Taylor, nice to see you in a team jacket. What did they make you get them?” Coach Simons calls to the team.

“A round of victorious drinks when we get back.” Taylor yells back.

“Sounds good. Now listen up everyone while I read your assigned travel buddies.” The team is silent, waiting to hear who they will be seated by and rooming with. I silently hold out hope that coach kept her word and put Taylor and I together. “Merideth, you and Taylor will be together. I want you two to go over pitches, signals, and plays. Got it?”

Coach is still in the mindset of us not getting along. Boy, if she only knew.

“Yes, Coach.” We both call out. Glancing behind me, I catch Taylor’s eye, and she quickly winks at me. I feel a tingly sensation.

Boarding the bus coach asks me to call out the roster once everyone is on. Just to make sure we are all here. I wait till everyone has their seat, tell the coaches everyone answered, and we are off to the airport. Taking my seat next to Taylor, my leg brushes hers, and she giggles, causing me to smile at her.

The airport is packed, and we have to stand in line to check in. It always takes a while to check in a whole softball team and their gear. Once we are checked in, we head to security and then to the gate. Taylor and I have stuck together the whole time. We spend the time chatting with the others in line around us. I would like to talk to Taylor alone, but I don’t want the team to find out that we like each other. Taylor agreed with me last night when we were texting that we need to make sure the tournament comes first.

The plane ride goes off without a hitch and we arrive at the hotel just in time to check in.

“Ladies, here are your keys. I will be around in just a bit to discuss tomorrow’s practice schedule and what I would like you two to be working on.”

We both nod, grab our luggage and head to the elevator with the rest of the team, who are all talking up a storm. Everyone is excited. Reaching our room, I unlock the door and walk in. As soon as the door closes. Taylor drops her bag and walks straight over to me. We wrap our arms around each other, and our mouths meet.

“It was hard not to flirt on the plane.” Taylor says as our mouths are still together.

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