“I think I like you, Drew Miller,” I say.
“Right back at you, kid.”
“Okay, so now that that’s out of the way”—I giggle—“what are you doing today?”
“I’m lying in my bed now, thinking of you, of course.”
My chest instantly tightens, and my core tingles. “Okay, deep breath to get through that thought. Inhale”—I exaggerate the noise—“and exhale.” I blow out into the phone. “Okay, I’m good. Continue.”
His breathy laugh tickles my ear.
I swear I’m a goner for this guy.
“I have to get up pretty quickly though to get ready for a Skype interview with ESPN.”
“Oh, you know, I’m just going to be on national television when ninety percent of the world is home and most of the dudes are watching ESPN, dying for sports entertainment. No biggie,” I say in my manliest tone.
“And thank you for adding that level of nervousness to my morning,” he states matter of factly.
“I’m sorry. Are you really nervous?” I curl up on my couch, wanting to comfort him.
A sharp laugh escapes his lips. “Of course I am. Wouldn’t you be?”
“I just figured it was something you’d be used to by now.”
“No,” he says slowly. “I just want to play baseball. All the other stuff is hard on me.”
“But you did that video for the kids.”
Yes, I’ve watched that video a few times. He seemed so relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
“Yeah, but that was for kids. I can talk to kids all day about baseball. They’re still excited about the game. As you get older, it changes. Money gets involved, and things get skewed.”
“The money bothers you, doesn’t it?”
He sighs. “I can’t say I’m not happy to finally be making a good paycheck, but it adds another layer. More pressure, I guess. I’ve been playing this entire time to prove to myself that I could make a pro team. Now, I feel like I have to prove myself to earn my paycheck. And believe me, people remind you of that all the time.”
I sit silently, not sure what to say, when he says, “Wow, I sound like a whiny little bitch. I’m sorry.”
“No. Don’t ever be sorry for sharing with me. I love that you even consider things like this. You can be open with me about everything.”
“And that’s what I like about you. I feel comfortable enough to do so.”
“Aw, he likes me; he really likes me,” I say, making a joke, like I always do. Then, something comes to my mind. “So, you don’t mind talking to kids then?”
“Why?” he asks, sounding suspicious.
He knows me so well already!
“I have a Zoom meeting with my class today. I know a few of them would die if you joined in. What do you say?”
“I’d love to!” he says, not hiding his excitement.
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. I remember all the players I looked up to when I was in sixth grade. I would have died if I’d gotten a chance to talk to them. This,” he says as a statement all on its own, “is the part of the job I love.”
This guy just keeps getting better and better.
