Coach blows out a breath. “I’m sorry, Fielder. I tried to do what I could.”
“It’s the business. I get it.” I didn’t like how the Tides were handling it, but I knew the signs.
“Are you sure about Nashville, though? We can probably get you somewhere better.”
“I’m sure. It’s where my girl is putting down her roots. I belong with her. She means more to me than all this.” I speak from the heart. This isn’t only about baseball to me. This is about what Ivory deserves. What we both do.
Coach studies me for a minute. The briefest smile turns up the corners of his mouth. “I’ll see what I can do to get this done for you.” Nodding, I turn to leave but he stops me. “Preston, I didn’t say it before, but I appreciate you looking out for Ivory while you were in Belize. I know she loves you. I can see how much she means to you. How well you treat her. If this isn’t evidence that you will put her first, I don’t know what is. She’s my baby girl, but she’s in good hands with you.”
“I appreciate that, Coach.” A weight I didn’t realize I was carrying from his lack of approval lifts. He’s a good dad. He’ll be a good father in law.
“Take care of my girl.”
“Always.”
BREAKING NEWS: THE TAMPA TIDES HAVE TRADED INF FIELDS, CATCHER MILLER, AND PIT WOODS TO THE MUSIC CITY TROUBADOURS
The banner scrolls across the bottom of the television screen while the announcers talk about the trade.
“This one came down to the wire and is big news. Trading two veteran players to an expansion team? Unheard of. There has to be more to this story.”
“You’re right, Tom. We all saw how Crenshaw restricted Fields’ playing time though. If I were him, I would have asked for a trade.”
We barely made it in before the deadline but it’s official—I am no longer part of the Tampa Tides. My new team expects me to meet them on the road tomorrow. There are no breaks or rest, even during trades.
“Nashvegas, baby!” Miller yells as he comes in the front door of my house.
“Funny, I didn’t even know you were up for a trade,” I say, peering at him over the back of the couch where I’m sitting when he comes into view.
“Oh, I wasn’t. I asked for one just like you. Couldn’t let my bestie go off to a new team without me.” Miller plops down on the couch beside me. “Besides, Ivey is my girl too.”
Kicking his feet off the coffee table where he propped them up, I correct him. “She’s not your girl. We’re not sharing.”
“Too bad. Could be fun.” This time I slap the back of his head.
“Seriously, man. Why would you ask for a trade?”
“Wasn’t feeling it down here anymore. Nashville was looking for a catcher. Since you were going, I thought I might as well.” Miller shrugs as if it isn’t a big deal. In reality, it’s huge. Coach was right about one thing. Going to a new expansion team is a gamble. It could be years before the team is competitive. They aren’t looking hot right now, that’s for sure.
“Thanks, bro. I’m happy you get to go with me.”
“Have you called your girl yet?”
“Not yet, you interrupted me.”
“Let’s call her together.” Miller pulls out his phone like he’s going to call her.
“If anyone is calling her, it will be me.”
“Fine, fine. Can I still listen?”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“What? I like her! She’s Ivory Crenshaw but she’s also like super chill. Ivey totally fits her better. Has she said anything else about the company?”
“She’s looking for investors and funding.”
“I’d back her.”
