“What about the playoffs?” my potential rookie replacement asks.
“We’ll worry about the playoffs when we get there.” Coach pointedly looks at each of us then turns on his heel and leaves the locker room. He’s not playing around. Something happened in the time away. Coach has always been a hard ass. He was one of the best in the league and then became a top notch manager. But, he hasn’t always been so brash.
“Shit, man. He is big mad,” Miller says from beside me.
Blowing out a breath, I lean forward and place my head in my hands. We are in for a bumpy ride on this team. What started as a year to make it all the way is looking like it might be an uphill battle.
“Have you heard who might opt out?” Miller has been here so maybe he has heard something I haven’t.
“Nah, but Dunn’s wife is pregnant so I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.” Shit, Dunn is our best pitcher.
“Wouldn’t blame him.”
“Let’s get out of here. Wanna have some guys over to grill?”
“Sure.”
“Cookout at Fielder’s,” Miller calls out to the room.
Rolling my eyes, I shove Miller as I make my way out of the locker room. May as well start working on team chemistry now.
July 1
IVORY
Happy first day of camp. You’ll do great. Love you!
PRESTON
Thanks, Hollywood. Love you more.
I wish I could see your face.
IVORY
This face?
The picture that comes through takes my breath away. It’s early in L.A. and Ivory is still in bed. Her dark brown hair is fanned out on the pillow around her. Her sleepy eyes are hooded as she smiles at the camera. She’s wearing my shirt.
PRESTON
God, you’re beautiful.
IVORY
Where’s my picture?
I’ve just gotten out of the shower. A towel is wrapped around my waist as I brush my teeth at the bathroom sink. Turning the camera to selfie mode, I hold the phone upside down and take a picture of my abs and chest to send to her.
IVORY
My favorite view.
PRESTON
You’re my favorite view.
IVORY
