The blonde woman grinned. “Totally. It makes me feel so connected to the team to know that we were here to witness the very beginning of some of the guys’ Sloths’ careers. Stilt-Walking Sterling is a shoo-in. It won’t take him long to become a legend and gain a big fan following.”
The redhead of the group checked the time on her mobile’s lock screen, then slid it into the side pocket of her backpack. “Who do you think the team’s next manager is going to be? The Sloths always promote internally, so it’ll have to be a former player. My money is on the Maverick.”
“Haven’t you heard? It was all over the Sloths’ fan forum this morning. Someone leaked that the job has been offered to the Flaming Bat!” the blonde exclaimed.
Gemma froze. They couldn’t be talking about Tim, could they? She preened her ears.
“What!? The Flaming Bat?” The redhead fanned herself. “I’m hot just thinking about him in that uniform again! If he manages the team, I may just have to move to Scottsdale.”
The brown-haired woman snorted. “Your husband would kill you.”
“A girl can dream.” The redhead sighed. “I just hope the rumors are true. I’d heard he’d retired from baseball for good.”
“That’s what everyone on the fan forum thought too, but apparently the internal source seems to think it’s pretty much a done deal. After seeing the fiery bat stunt today, I have to agree with them.”
As the trio stood to leave, they waved to Gemma, who could only offer them a weak smile. Her chest grew tight. Tim was seriously considering becoming the next team manager? What about his teaching? What about his life in Sequoia Valley? What about their relationship?
Her phone chimed—she had a text from Tim.
Tim: We have a meeting in the clubhouse that’s going to be a half hour, then the team owner has also asked if I can meet with him right after. I don’t want to keep you waiting though, so I can tell them I’m not available if you’d rather get going.
Gemma: Take the meetings. I’ll just be in the car.
Tim:If you want, you can take the car to the mall or go exploring while you wait. You still have my keys, right?
Gemma:I do have your keys, but unfortunately, I can’t drive. I can’t get used to cars being on the wrong side of the road.
Tim:I’m sorry, Gem. I’ll try and be less than an hour.
Gemma:*Thumbs-up emoji*
She shuffled with the last couple of stragglers out of the stadium to the car park. It wasn’t difficult to spot Tim’s white minivan. There were few cars remaining. Outside, the sky had taken on a ghostly pale-blue hue. A thin layer of fog lingered near the lamps spotlighting the vehicle.
Pulling the door open, Gemma climbed inside and locked the door. Her pulse raced, still trying to process what she’d heard.
Tim might very well be the next Sloths’ manager, but it could also just be a rumor. Nothing is certain until I talk to him. Although it is a little strange that the team owner wants to touch base with him too.
She heard the woman’s voice from earlier echo inside her head.“It’s pretty much a done deal.”
No, she was not going to play the what-if game. She’d done that enough recently. Adjusting her mobile so the Pop Socket balanced on the car’s dashboard, she opened her Hearts Connected Network app and scrolled through the list of shows until she located an unwatched episode ofCupid’s Arrow.
A voice-over filled the car. “Previously onCupid’s Arrow?.?.?. tempers flared as Jane and Liz realized that Lydia had attempted to seduce Bill.”
Pulling her hood over her head, she reclined her seat, and allowed her body to relax.
* * *
A tapping on the car window immediately caused Gemma to jump in her seat. She glanced to her left to see Tim with his head pressed to the glass, looking in. She reached for the unlock button.
“Thanks. Sorry to wake you, but you’re the only person who could let me in.” Rubbing his hands together, he jumped inside and quickly closed the door behind him. “I swear, I never ever thought I’d bethislong. I promise I’ll make it up to you. You must be starving!”
“I didn’t realize I’d even fallen asleep.” Gemma scrubbed her eyelids with her hands. “The fresh air must’ve taken a lot out of me. What time is it?”
“It’s eight.”
Gemma frowned. “Eight?”
Tim nodded. “So much for treating you to the Little Blue Caboose Bistro. We were going to have this romantic dinner inside this old, restored train car that’s down the road, but that plan’s shot.” The muscles in his forehead creased. “Dinner is probably going to have to be some type of fast food. What are you in the mood for?”
