Page 37 of Pitcher Us
“You know what it’s for? How did you know that?” My mouth gapes slightly.
“I might have made an assumption about the nerves, but it seemed like a safe bet. I remember you saying that there were different benefits with tea, so I looked it up.” He shrugs. “Any more questions, Blaze?”
Are we sure about being friends?
“Um, no.” I hold out the bag so he can get his drink out.
“Anderson! Callie! Come over here,” Mr. Olsson calls. “We’re getting started.”
Chapter 18
Will
The start of the new year is typically my cue to get back in the groove for the season. After one of my many tea runs, I somehow roped myself into coaching Alex with some pitches. The kid is good, and I did get some added perks out of it. Much to my dismay, Alex has been my only distraction lately.
Over these past few weeks it seems like time’s been against me, and seeing Callie was nearly impossible. Despite our small run-ins that always result in her making delivery boy jokes, I’ve barely seen her.
I told myself if she wanted to be friends, I would be the best damn friend she ever had. But then she asked if I was going to be there for her today, and, respectfully, fuck being friends.
Not being able to spend time with Callie over these past few weeks did absolutely nothing for me other than making my life feel a little colder without her blaze. She’s afraid to lose me? Not possible, and I’ll prove that.
No matter what it was in her past—I don’t care if it’s from her parent’s or whatever it was with her ex—I’ll prove I’m better. If her rule comes from the fear of this schedule, then that’s no longer an issue because our schedules are the exact same. Ifanything we’ll have too much time together. And if it’s the fear of being traded then those fears can be put to rest because I’m doing everything in my power to get this no-trade clause.
“Alright, gentlemen, unless your name is Daines, Reyer, Kenner, Pierce, or Anderson, you’re free to go.” Olsson claps his hands together. “Great job today, I’ll see you guys next week.”
As the other players filter out my eyes catch on Callie while she talks to Shannon and Olsson. She’s been floating all over today taking pictures. It was very noticeable that every player's effort went higher when she was around, mine very much included. When she was around, my pitches were touching a hundred miles an hour. And this wasn’t even a strict practice, more conditioning, but who cares. I’ll show off for her—we all will.
Most of the team looked at her like a shiny new toy in the toy chest, but oddly I wasn’t jealous. Callie’s gorgeous, it’s just a fact. I don’t blame the guys for looking because I’m just as guilty. The difference is that I know who she really is. And ogling from a distance isn’t going to get them anywhere with winning overmyCallie.
Olsson makes his way over to us while Shannon talks to Callie. I’m hoping it’s not about her calling it a day. I selfishly want to be in her space a little while longer.
“Okay, so as you know, we completely gutted the workout room in this facility over break and worked out a deal with Life Fitness to get all new equipment. They elected you five for brand photos. Life Fitness was supposed to send one of their photographers for the pictures, but something came up. So, in order to keep our agreement and not have it interfere with the season, they have agreed to let Callie take the pictures. I’m going to hand all of this over to Shannon and Callie. They’re in charge, but I’ll be in my office if they need me.”
“I’m sure we won’t,” Shannon says, walking up with Callie a step behind her.
Callie’s hair never came down from her bun, but a few strands have come loose. She tucks the ones around her face behind her ears then fidgets with the rings on her fingers.
“Okay, boys!” Shannon’s voice hits a weird high as she claps like this is a team huddle. “Life Fitness sent some clothes for you to wear. The bags are labeled with your names by the door. After you change you can meet us in the weight room.”
“Maybe I will get a private session with Callie after all!” Tripp shoots up and wraps an arm around Callie’s shoulder.
Now, looking I don’t mind. Touching? Touching, I mind. Next thing I know I’m up on my feet. I don’t know what I’ll say, but I want his arm off her.
“Listen, hotshot.” Callie takes his hand and pulls it up so she can step away from him. “The only private session you’ll be getting is with one of the batting coaches. If I’m remembering correctly, you missed a few in the cages earlier.”
A collective “ooo” comes from the guys and I fail to hold back a laugh.
Adam grips Tripp’s shoulder and gives him a little shake and if I was a betting man, I’d say his grip is harder than necessary. “Come on, leave my sister alone. I can say on good authority that she knows how to pack a punch.”
Adam pulls everyone back to the small locker room. I try to hang back and check in on Callie because she’s fidgeting with her rings again. She’s nervous, I know she is. It doesn’t help that Shannon has hovered over her all day. Hell, I don’t even know if she got to enjoy her tea because it seemed as if Shannon was constantly there.
I’m not really sure what the dynamic is there, but Shannon pulls her away again saying they need to go into the weight room to scope out the lighting.
When she passes by me her eyes find mine and she mouths a very dramatic “Save me.”
I let out a small laugh and shake my head. It’s rather tempting to blow this whole thing off, but I know I’ve got a lot of ground to cover with her and this shoot is the perfect opportunity.
Walking in the locker room Adam tosses me my bag. “This one's yours.”
