Page 83 of Coach Me
I thought of waiting for him after the game, but that felt a little pathetic. If this is how he is when Miles is gone, then maybe I should stay out of his way. I knew doing this with him would be a slow process. I’m learning that although I’m patient, I’m not a pushover. If he wanted me to wait, then he would have made that clear.
Besides, I have a fun project waiting for me back at Dex’s house anyway. After my yoga class, I went around to somecraft stores in search of animal crochet kits—specifically, two turtle ones.
It might not be as fun and exciting as bringing the actual Pip and Pop to away games, but at least it’ll help keep the real ones safe in their tank.
I probably should have bought backup stuffed animal ones, because based on the progress I made earlier…it’s not exactly going to be the hobby for me. But it’s the thought that counts, I suppose.
Back at Dex’s, I grab a blanket, my crochet kit, and head straight for the balcony to get settled in. I honestly can’t say that Miles will even be able to tell that these are turtles, but, eh, maybe it’s just because I’m not finished.
I lay everything out again as the instructions say and pick up where I left off.
Wrapping the yarn around with the needle seems like it should be so simple, but it takes me a few minutes to really get back into the groove of it.
Although the further along I get, the more I can actually see the turtle now. It’s not necessarily as pretty as the pictures on the instructions, but it’s coming along.
I’m not sure how long I work, but eventually I tune everything else out as I add the stuffing to close up the body. I pull the needle through the middle to tie it off when I hear the sliding door open, then close.
My heart starts to beat out of my chest. I look up as Dex walks toward me. He’s out of the uniform and back in athletic shorts and those T-shirts I love. It’s a blessing and a curse that I haven’t happened upon Dex with his shirt off yet.
I want to know what those tattoos look like, but with his mood at the baseball field, I’m not too sure I’ll eversee them.
“Hey, you’re back,” I say, barely above a whisper, and give him a cautious smile.
“I am.” Well, I see Dex’s stoic demeanor still stands, but he takes the seat in the chair next to me anyway. “What are you doing out here?”
“I’m attempting to crochet.” I shrug.
Maybe he just needs some normalcy. I’m not sure what happened to make him act so out of it earlier; maybe he needs a little light.
“I never claimed I was going to be thecoolmain character in the movie. I’m trying it out as a new hobby. What do you think it is?”
I hold up the little ball of green. I know there’s no way to tell without adding in the extra details, but the small scrunch of his nose makes it worth it.
“I…don’t think I like this game, Luce.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure if I’m going to be the best at it, but it’s supposed to be a turtle. Miles said he misses Pip and Pop, and I know we’re another two-week away game rotation before he tries to sneak them out somewhere. I thought I could make him some travel ones to see if that helps.”
“Wait, these are for Miles? I thought the list was supposed to be for things that are just for you?”
“Eh, it’s still for me.” I gather up all of the stuff in my lap to set it in the bag next to me. “I probably should just get him already-made stuffies, but the idea to try out a new hobby while making him something seemed more fun.”
Dex sighs and shuffles in his seat. “I’m sorry for being a dick today.”
“That’s okay. Want to tell me why?”
Dex stares deep into my eyes. “Yes and no.”
“Okay.” I slide my legs off the lounger so I’m facing him. Ilean my elbow on my knee, resting my chin on my hand. “Was it something I did?”
“Fuck.” Dex scoffs a laugh as he shoots up from where he was sitting. He puts a healthy distance between us before he speaks again. “I’m at my wits fucking end here. I want you, Luce. I have since I met you at the coffee shop.”
I’m frozen in my seat. Since the first time we met?
My brain is still trying to process this information when Dex drops the cardstock of my list on the lounger between us.
That definitely gets my body back in motion. Standing up, I pick up the paper and stalk toward him. “Where did you get this?”
Dex goes still. “Miles took this out of your purse today. I’m sorry he did, and I’m sorry I looked at it…but every time I think of you doing any of these things with someone else, I want to lose my damn mind.”
