Tim: Not too bad. It’s supposed to be out of ten, but what we don’t tell people is that we also give bonus points that are only used for internal purposes. That gives us a little more leeway.
Gemma:Nice. I was wondering, do guys who have one area of talent that’s better than the others and still have a shot at making it to the trick round?
Tim: Of course. The main qualities we’re looking for are a positive attitude, and personalities that can really connect with the audience. Everything else, including their baseball skills, can be coached.
Gemma: Just like when you joined.
Tim:Exactly.
Three dots blinked—Tim was typing.
Tim:How would you like to come down to the field during the lunch break?
Gemma:Yes! Yes! Yes!
Tim: *Laughing emoji* Come down to the fence, I’ll be waiting for you.
Gemma:*Heart emoji*
As if she were fighting a current to swim upstream, she turned her body sideways and stayed to the far right as she rushed past the fans making their way up the steps to the concession stands, heading down toward the field instead.
A few fans lingered near the railing, attempting to catch Tim’s attention.
“Yo, Lyons, can we have your autograph?”
“Mr. Flaming Bat! Can we get a picture with you?”
“Of course.” Tim’s cheeks flushed pink, and he shot a quick look of apology in Gemma’s direction.
She watched as he reached over the railing and signed a hat, T-shirts, and a few programs, stopping to pose in between for some photos. She was struck by how attentive and engaging he was with the fans, treating them as if they were long-time friends.
When he’d finished with the last child, she heard Tim say, “The rest of the team and players will be signing out front after tryouts.”
“Thank you!”
Gemma covered her mouth with her hand, hiding a laugh. As the assembled group dispersed, she took her own spot on the railing, right in front of her boyfriend.
“You’re Mr. Popular today.”
“Sorry about that.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s weird. I’ve been retired from the Sloths for a couple years, but I’m more popular now than I was back in the day with everyone watching our videos on SearchTube.”
Placing his hands on Gemma’s waist, he assisted her over the fence and kissed her on the cheek. The sensation sent a hum of electricity through her body.
“You were so good with those fans just now.”
“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. Sloth Ball was created to build lifelong fans, not just to play games and make money. Wherever we can, we try to give the people who come watch us a memorable experience.”
Lacing his hand through hers, Tim led her to the area near home plate. They walked in silence as she let the weight of what he had just said wash over her. She was beginning to understand just how much the Sloths meant to her boyfriend.
Stopping at the plate, Tim placed his arm on Gemma’s shoulder and spun her around. “Look behind you.”
“Wow, what a view.” From this vantage point, she could see just about everything in the stadium. There was a carpet of pristine green grass extending to the outfield, flags waving in the wind, and a few players in the bullpens playing catch. As she looked up into the stands, she could see people moving up and down the rows of seats like ants, and members of the media perched inside a few of the suites.
“Does being out here make you miss it?”
“Yes.” He flashed her a sad smile. “There’s nothing like playing in front of a big, energetic crowd hyping you up when you’re about to take an at bat.”
Tim’s eyes glossed over as if he were reliving his past. She took his hand and squeezed it. Blinking slowly, he returned his gaze to her.
