Dylan leaned in. “DM her back and keep it chill.”
“I know.”
Fair. Take care
I wasn’t sure whether it was her rejection that bothered me or the fact that I even cared. When we’d gone to Cape Cod, I hadn’t expected anything beyond a good time. We’d had fun with Faye, and a part of me had really liked her. Maybe it was for the best, since we all had busy lives and spent most of our time on opposite coasts.
I locked the phone and settled back, closing my eyes until we landed.
After getting off the plane with our carry-ons, Dylan and I headed to where Gage was picking us up. Dylan had texted him when our plane landed, and once we were outside, Gage pulled to the curb.
He hopped out and came around just as we were tossing our bags into the truck bed.
“Hey, Dad,” Dylan greeted as they hugged.
“Did you two have a good flight?”
“Nothing to complain about,” I responded, then stepped up to hug him too.
“Good. Let’s get you home, then we can head to the field early. Chase wants to see you two before batting practice.”
My father being a major league coach definitely had its perks. We got to hang out in the clubhouse, meet all the guys, and get a glimpse of what our future could look like. The draft was two days away, and our UCLA coach seemed sure we’d hear our names and get the call. It didn’t hurt that my father had played in the All-Star Game three times, won two World Series, earned four Gold Gloves, and took home a Silver Slugger. Scouts paid attention because of my last name, but ultimately the pick would come down to how I played, not my father’s accomplishments.
We got into the truck, with Dylan claiming shotgun, and then Gage pulled away from the curb.
“Did you two hit up the beach before you left?” he asked.
Dylan nodded. “Yesterday afternoon. The water was perfect.”
Gage merged left. “Is your mom still doing grill nights?”
I smiled. “Every Sunday. She sends leftovers home with us because she thinks we’ll starve.”
Gage laughed. “I don’t doubt that. How’s the apartment?”
Dylan shrugged. “Fine. The neighbor’s dog still barks whenever anyone walks by its door.”
“Figures.” Gage snorted. “You two sleeping enough or running on coffee?”
“We’re good,” Dylan replied. “Gym, food, sleep. Same as always.”
Chicks.
As we neared the house, rain spattered the windshield, the trees closed in, and the driveway came into view. We climbed out, grabbed our bags, and went inside.
“Twenty minutes, and then we need to head out,” Gage instructed.
I took the room I’d stayed in a few times and changed into a teal Seawolves home jersey and dark jeans. Dylan leaned into the doorway in a matching jersey and hat.
“We should take a pic for The Loop,” I said, sliding my Seawolves cap on backward.
“Hoping a certain blue-eyed blonde will see?”
I rolled my eyes. “She blew us off. Plus, we don’t need her to get laid.”
“I sure as hell don’t,” Dylan replied. “I’m hoping to find someone at the stadium.”
“Of course you are.” I laughed.
