Page 66 of Sweet Spot

“I don’t keep a running record of my brother’s beard, no.” I couldn’t tell you what it looked like at all, if I was being honest. Details like that were not my strong suit.

Gordo pushed his phone in my face. On it was a photo of Everett from the game today. His beard was a little unruly instead of the perfectly shaped and groomed feature he bragged about. “So he’s having an off week?”

Gordo blinked at me. “An off week? Isaac, his beard is his pride and joy. If he’s on the mound looking like this, he’s way past a bad week.”

And I was so caught up in Kate that I hadn’t noticed. In fact, I wasn’t sure if I’d had a solo conversation with him all week. Great big brother I am. “He’s been late?”

Gordo nodded, tucking the phone away and folding his arms over his chest. “And his slider.”

A pitcher missing pitches was definitely not good. Especially for Everett.

“Okay. Okay…I’ll talk to him.”

“Before the game tomorrow. As soon as you get home if possible.”

What was going on with Everett? Was Seth’s mood catching? “How’s Seth?”

Gordo’s lips thinned. “Not better. It’s like someone stuck a hose in him and drained out all his energy. He’s here. He’s going through the motions. But there’s no spark.”

“How are his numbers?”

“Fine. Not good or bad, just fine. Like Everett.”

“Has Liam said anything? About either of them?”

“He brought it up in the meeting today.” He rocked back on his heels.

And that’s when I saw it. The exasperated frustration. “I don’t remember.”

“I know. You were reading the scouting report while he was talking and you never hear anything when you’re reading, Isaac.”

But that was why I had Gordo. To call me out on my bullshit. “I hear you. I’ll do better. And I’ll talk to Everett.”

“Don’t you want to know what Liam said?”

I suddenly felt very tired and my stomach grumbled. Did we eat dinner or did we go straight from the game to the press conference to here? I think we might have. “Yes. What did Liam say?”

“He said he’s very concerned about both of them. Said their mental health was in a fragile place and therapy might be the best solution.”

“Isn’t that what Liam does?”

“No. Liam helps them set goals, helps them condition their minds. He guides them on how to navigate failure and criticism. He’s not their therapist.”

I should probably have known the difference. “I’ll talk to them. Get a handle on them. We’ll get them whatever they need.” What was going on with Everett? Maybe Mom noticed a change. I would call her too.

“Knock, knock,” Kate said very loudly as she came in. “Are you boys planning on sleeping here tonight? Because if so, I’m heading home to my nice soft bed.”

“I am most definitely not sleeping here,” Gordo said, glancing at his watch. “Oh! Is that really the time?”

Kate nodded.

Gordo shot out of the room. “See you tomorrow!”

I glanced at my own watch and blinked several times. “Is that really the time?”

“Yes. It seems the two of you are very good at getting lost in your work.” She seemed frustrated but not upset. She looped her arms around my neck. “Where’s Gordo off to in such a hurry?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care. Who’s Gordo?” I walked her back toward the desk and then helped her to sit. “Seems I owe you a dinner.”

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