Chandler isn’t all bad.
He made some good plays and hisbat is hot right now.
MILLER
So put him at designated hitter and you on the bag.
PRESTON
I’ve just got to keep my head down and stay out of his way.
MILLER
Whatever, man.
All I’m saying is if he isn’t going to play you there are plenty of others that will. Trade deadline is approaching fast. If I were you, I would start looking elsewhere.
“Hey, Hollywood.” I’m in a shit mood but that doesn’t stop the smile from breaking out on my face as I answer the call from my girl.
“Why didn’t you tell me there’s a new guy and you’re being benched?” Okay, well that does.
Groaning, I swipe my hand over my face and drop down to the hotel bed. “Because you’ve had enough going on. It’s nothing I can’t handle.” I keep my voice soft, trying to calm my emotions.
“That’s not fair. We’re a team, right?” Ivory sucker punches me with my own words.
Releasing another deep breath, I prepare for the conversation I haven’t wanted to have. It’s hard when your worst fear comes to life. I’m struggling to come to terms with it.
“We’re still a team, Hollywood. I didn’t want you to feel torn between your dad and me. You don’t need to get involved.”
“I do when he starts purposely interfering with your playing time!” My girl is feisty tonight. I like it. But, I also know under all the tension in the clubhouse, my relationship with Ivory isn’t the cause of this. Am I going to let it stop mefrom fighting to get my starting spot back? Not a chance in hell.
“I honestly don’t think it’s about us. When I met with Coach before training, he told me I would have to prove I belonged. I was expecting it. Make stupid choices, win stupid prizes.”
Once camp started, I was in the cages and on the field for every mandatory and optional workout. Coach intentionally targeted me during training. I took everything he had to throw at me. Play a position I haven’t played since high school?No problem. Run two laps around the field after practice because I missed one ground ball?Okay.Put in an extra twenty in the cages because I didn’t get it out of the infield during batting practice?You got it, Coach.I’ve paid my penance, but Coach has refused to let me start at second more than twice this season.
“But you’ve put in the work. I know you. It’s three weeks into the season. You can’t prove yourself if you’re not even on the field.” Ivory’s immediate defense eases some of the ache in my chest. I love this woman.
“I don’t disagree. I’ve done everything Coach has asked and thrown at me. He’s not petty, Ives. He’s letting me play to keep me active but purposely keeping me out of my position. There has to be something else going on.”
“Do you think it has to do with the new player?”
“I would be lying if I said it didn’t feel that way. He had a good year in Triple A last season. They called him up as soon as they could. Some bullshit line about adding depth to the roster due to the pandemic.”
“Your stats don’t even compare! There is no reason you shouldn’t still be starting.”
“Hollywood, I love you, but can we talk about something else? It’s been a rough day and wish I could see my girl.” That stops her tirade.
Sighing, she says, “I love you too. I’m sorry I can’t be there.” She’s quiet for a minute and then a notification for an incomingvideo call pops up. I quickly swipe to answer. Ivory’s face comes into view.
“How’s this?” She’s laying on the bed, leaning back against the headboard. Her hair is still wet from a shower and tossed into a messy bun. I commit it to memory. These calls come too few and far between now.
“Much better.”
“I miss you.” Ivory’s eyes rove down my bare chest. I flex my abs so I can watch her green eyes spark with heat. It’s been almost two months since that last night in Belize. I’m desperate for her.
“Like what you see?”
“Very much.”
