“Yikes, I’ll be sure to remember that.”
“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of a call with my bestie and the baseball player?”
“Preston wants to find some charities that are helping with the pandemic relief efforts or in local communities. I thought maybe you would have some ideas.”
“Wow, that’s great, Preston. It’s so important right now. Things are a bit scary and uncertain here. I’m kind of glad Ivory is stuck down there now because L.A and New York are high risk areas.”
“Ivory has inspired me. What she’s doing, rallying other actors and speaking to unions and other organizations is honorable, and we can all learn from her example.”
I don’t miss the look Gabrielle directs at Ivory speaking in some girl code that I don’t understand. “She sure is, Preston. My girl is special. Don’t you forget it.”
“I could never.” I can tell Ivory wasn’t expecting me to say that in front of her friend, but I mean it.
“Do you have any ideas, Gabby?” Ivory asks with an edge to her voice.
“There are a few options. The league itself is pulling together information on how to directly support healthcare workers by donating protective equipment and other supplies. There are also obviously the monetary contributions that you can make. Options at the local level to help support families in need through the league’s official charity are also being explored.”
“I can work with that. It’s a great starting point.” My wheels are spinning as I process the information.
“I’ve heard from a few players and colleagues that the Players Association is putting together special projects for members to support through the foundation. Nashville’s pitcher is an association rep. I can put you in touch, if you’re interested.”
“Yes, please. I would love his contact.”
“He’s a good guy and very involved in charitable organizations. His wife runs a nonprofit in town too.”
“That’s awesome. I was telling Ivory I want to find more ways to be involved. I always do what’s asked of me by the team and try to help otherwise where I can but I’m not doing enough. This pandemic and the work Ivory is doing has shown me that.”
“I’m sure you do more than you’re giving yourself credit for.” Ivory looks at me and places a hand on my knee, the familiar shock present no matter how much time has passed. Gabrielle zeroes in on the contact.
“I think I like you, Preston Fields,” Gabrielle says, giving Ivory another look I can’t read.
We chat with Gabrielle for a few more minutes until she gets pulled into more important matters. “Do you mind if I research some of these organizations and make a list of people to contact?” We had planned to go out on the boat, but Gabrielle has given me a lot to think about and I can’t wait to get started.
“Of course, take your time.” Ivory pulls out a book and gets lost in the pages while I get lost in my research.
“I don’t think we want to get into an epic Monopoly battle before dinner. What about Scrabble?”
The day passed quickly as I reached out to the contacts Gabrielle provided and did my own research. Dinner is in the oven and we have some time to kill so Ivory went on the hunt for a board game.
“So long as there will be an epic Monopoly battle in our future, we can start with Scrabble.” It’s been a long time since I’ve played Scrabble but surely my vocabulary isn’t too terrible and I won’t embarrass myself.
“Deal.” Ivory grabs the box and heads back to the dining table to start setting up the board.
I settle into the chair across from Ivory.
“I’ll sit here. Can’t have you trying to sneak a peek at my letters.”
“Competitive in more than just baseball, I see.” She chuckles.
“You don’t make it to where I am without a healthy competitive spirit.”
“As long as it’s healthy.” She frowns when she says it.
“What’s that look?”
“What? Nothing,” Ivory says deflecting.
“Come on, now. Don’t hide it. There’s clearly a story there.”
