Page 89 of Behind the Bench

Katie takes a sip of her coffee, her hand shaking a bit as she sets the mug back down on the table. “Not really.”

“Katie. I’m worried about you.”

Her eyes flick behind me, avoiding my own, her nerves clearly visible. She wrings her hands in front of her before finally making eye contact. “I’m extremely unhappy at my job. It’s literally sucking the life out of me.”

We spend the next hour discussing her work and brainstorming different career opportunities that may fulfill the empty space she’s feeling in her heart when it comes to her job. As we go over options, Katie’s excitement overtakes her sadness. The prospect of something new seems to have brought her back to life.

“Thanks for talking this out with me, Lincoln. I didn’t know how much I needed you until I saw you.”

We slide out of the booth and I head to the front register to pay our bill. Once we make it to the parking lot, Katie’s playful demeanor is back in full force. “So, are we going back to your place, or am I taking you to your girl so you can confess your love to her?”

Shaking my head, I dip my head and get into her car. “No…I don’t think I’m quite ready for that just yet.”

I want to let Ellie know just how much she means to me. The first time I tell her I love her I want it to be special.

And I’ll need some reinforcements to make that happen.

Hunter, I need your help.

Hunter

Is this about the lineup? I was a little concerned about the second line too.

No, you asshat. It’s about Ellie.

*Hunter adds Sadie to the chat*

Sadie

You rang?

Hunter

Lincoln needs our help telling Ellie how he feels.

How the fuck did you know that?

Hunter

I know everything.

Sadie

I already have an idea planned. I knew this day was coming.

Are you sure you two aren’t related?

Sadie

Hunter is my twin flame, but there’s no blood relation. We checked on ancestry.com

Why does that not surprise me?

Hunter

Postgame grand gesture planning tonight?

Sure, we can meet at my house. But what about Ellie? She usually comes over after a game.

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