Lucas didn’t ask me how to handle Sam. He didn’t loop me in. He didn’t even wait. He just … did it.
Which is generous. And competent. And makes me feel like I missed a step.
If he can do this without me, then what exactly am I contributing?
What am I supposed to do if I’m not needed?
My phone buzzes.
Kayla
Morning! I’ve already made some shifts in ops, so don’t worry about anything in the office. You’ll have a couple of other guys on your list when you get to Arizona, but for now, Doug and I want you all in with Lucas.
I look back toward the field, toward the practice-facility path, toward the quiet competence unfolding without fanfare.
Toward the man who just solved a problem without asking for permissionorforgiveness.
… I want you all in with Lucas.
Gee, thanks, Boss.
***
I don’t talk to Lucas at all through the first rotation. He’s too busy with parents when I arrive. And at least a couple of the moms look like they want to sink their teeth into him.
During the break, a kid tugs on my sleeve.
“What’s up, buddy?” I ask as he sniffs and wipes his nose with the back of his hand.
“I lost my water bottle. Are there more waters somewhere?”
I’m just leaning down to point in the direction of the waters when he sneezes—loud and wet—right on me.
“Bless you,” I say with a grimace I hope no parents notice. I wipe my face with the back of my coat sleeve. “And use some hand sanitizer while you’re at it. It’s over there, too.”
He just sniffs and runs off.
Man, kids are gross.
When I stand back up, I see Logan coming over to me.
Wrong brother,I tell the universe.
“Morning, Scottie. Good call on moving the camp,” he says, folding his arms and following my gaze to his brother. “It was giving me a mini panic attack every time we took the kids through a bullpen.”
I snort. “If only your brother worried as much.”
“He thinks risk is better managed than avoided.”
“Ew,” I say.
“Tell me about it.”
I glance at Logan, wondering how anyone could ever confuse these two. They’re both beyond handsome, obviously, but Logan’s light is muted, while Lucas’s shines so bright, he could guide a lost ship back to sea.
Does Logan see that, too? Does he ever wish he could let himself be so unfettered?
“You’ve gotta stop messing with my brother,” Logan says.
