Trent skidded to a stop next to Colin, spotting Coach Tate as he burst from the dugout and dashed to Eric’s side. Tate’s hand came down on Eric’s shoulder, spinning him around. “That isnothow we play this game. Apologize.Now!”
Uncomfortable, frightened, and embarrassed, Eric sputtered out an apology, and Coach Tate steered him toward the dugout. “Sit your ass down! You’re done for the day.” He then turned to Colin and Trent, who were standing stock still, waiting. “Gentlemen, I apologize on behalf of the entire Timber Ridge team. That comment was despicable and totally uncalled for.” He took a step closer to the two men. “If you wish, we will forfeit the game and leave at once.”
Colin drew in a long breath through his nose, staring out across the field. The game—theentire day—had fractured. He could end it now and walk away. But no. That was not the lesson either of these teams needed to learn. He exhaled, shaking his head. “No need to forfeit or to leave, Coach Tate.” He extended his hand. “I consider the matter closed. Shall we continue?”
The players from both squads applauded as the coaches shook hands and moved to rejoin their teams.
The Thunder Bats moved slowly past Colin as they took the field, hands reaching to pat his back and murmur their thanks. They understood the message. Colin had their backs. No one pushed them around. Ever.
As Colin turned toward the dugout, he glanced up to where Joshua stood, and their eyes met. Joshua’s hand lifted, silently offering the hand sign for ‘I love you’ before touching his lips in salute. Colin’s lips curved in a soft smile as he returned the gesture.I’ve got them, and I’ve got him. No matter what the final score turns out to be, I’m already the biggest winner here.
Chapter 21
The First Move
Friday
The Thunder Bats held their lead and locked in a four-to-one victory. It should’ve been a celebration, but it wasn’t, and as both teams trudged off the field, an uneasy silence settled over the campground. The weight of what had happened earlier was still with them, becoming a quiet wedge that kept the two squads far, far apart.
At the cookout, the rancor was apparent. Camp Pride kids clustered near one set of picnic tables, and Timber Ridge campers grouped at another. The usual post-game teasing, triumph, and commiseration buzz was nowhere to be found. It was uncomfortable, and it was heartbreaking.
Standing near the grill, Colin and Marshal Tate watched in silence.
Tate let out a slow breath. “This is bad.”
Colin glanced toward the Timber Ridge group, eyes narrowing slightly when he spotted Eric hovering near the edge of his team, looking downcast and miserable. “Someone’s gotta make the first move.”
Tate nodded. “Give me a minute.” He moved to Eric’s side and led him away from the picnic area. For several minutes, hespoke, a hand resting on his player’s shoulder. Although Eric’s eyes were on the ground, he nodded as he listened.
Finally, Tate took a step back and extended his hand. Eric lifted his head and met his coach’s eyes, then took Tate’s hand and offered a firm handshake. The boy blew out a long breath and walked back to the group, head high.
He paused at the edge of the picnic area, the Timber Ridge kids watching him with cautious curiosity while the Camp Pride team observed with a hint of suspicion. Yet, Eric didn’t falter. He lifted his chin, squared his shoulders, and moved to stand beside Colin.
He looked at the Camp Pride group, and his fingers curled into fists, but he drew in a breath and forced them to relax. When he spoke, his voice was low but steady. “I was out of line before.” He swallowed hard and added, “What I said—it was wrong. I shouldn’t have said it.”
Silence. Some of the Thunder Bats exchanged glances. Lucas’s jaw tightened, and Alex folded his arms. Eric’s earlier apology was a frightened response to his coach’s demand. But this was different. This was a decisionhemade, not one forced upon him.
Colin didn’t speak, choosing to let the moment breathe, studying Eric carefully. After a quiet moment, he nodded. “You’re right. You shouldn’t have.”
Eric glanced up, bracing himself, expecting to be dressed down in front of the entire camp.
Colin’s voice remained firm but kind. “Standing here, in front of everyone, admitting that? Took guts, and you earned my respect.” He placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “But here’s the thing, kid—owning up to a mistake, that’s only half the equation. What matters more is that you understandwhyit was wrong.” His grip tightened. “Do you?”
Eric stared into Colin’s eyes, then he lowered his head, nodding. “It’s wrong to call someone names,” he stammered. “That’s being a bully.” He slowly met Colin’s eyes, his own shining with tears. “I don’twantto be a bully.”
Colin turned toward his team, his hand firm on Eric’s shoulder. “An apology has been offered, gentlemen. What do you say?”
Alex was the first to speak. He took a step forward. “I don’t like what you said. But Colin’s right. Took balls to admit you were wrong.”
Lucas exhaled, then shrugged. “It’s over. Let’s forget it.”
But before the moment could settle, a voice cut through the hushed air. “Wait! Wait a second!”
Every head turned as Aaron pushed his way through the crowd, his face haggard, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He stopped next to Alex, swiping a trembling hand across his face before drawing in a ragged breath.
“I have something to say, too.” His voice wavered, but he stood his ground. He turned to Alex, his throat tight as he tried to find the right words. “I said some awful things to you the other day. I was trying to show off, trying to be a hotshot, but I wasn’t. I was a dick. And because of what I said, you ran off. And Colin …” He shook the tears from his eyes, his voice breaking. “Colin got hurt because ofme.”
Colin took a half step forward, instinct demanding that he stop Aaron and comfort him. But something held him back.No. Let the kid speak.
