Page 76 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
“I don’t even know what to say, coach.” I weave my fingers through my hair, pulling at the now overly long curls.
“I’m sure it’s a bit of a shock, but this is what you were aiming for. Only about ten percent of minor leaguers get called up, Austin. So, the fact that you were drafted right after high school, and then got called up this soon…” Andrew pauses. I let the timeline along with his words really sink in. I’m living the dream. So many guys out there want this. They play their best, just like I have, but they never get the phone call that I justgot. “Go call your girl, celebrate with the guys. We’ll touch base tomorrow.”
I tap the end button a few seconds later. My feet are like cinder blocks as I head back inside. Josh notices the change in my demeanor first. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “That wasthecall, wasn’t it?” He asks. He’s grinning at me like a fool.
I fall into my seat, without really paying attention, and stare at the table. I finally look up. “Yeah, that wasthecall. Two days.” I glance between Josh and Jared, everyone else is busy chatting. “I’m a Lariat now.” I shake my head, disbelief still jumping around inside my brain.
Josh stands up, waving his arms until everyone gets quiet. “I’d like your attention.” He claps his hands together, “Austin played an amazing game today. He took the spot as leader of home runs in the Double-A league. But he’s giving it up.” Silence fully descends. “He’s giving up the claim as the leader, because…” Josh turns towards me and smirks. “Boys, meet the newest player for the Fort Worth Lariats!”
Cheers, whoops, and applause fill the room. My cheeks are on fire, and I duck my head at the praise. Some of these guys have been there longer than I have, have put in more hours, worked just as hard, if not harder, trying to get called up. It feels unfair. How is God blessing me with this chance, after I messed up and turned away from Him for a while?
It can only come down to God blessing me. Sure, I play a mean game on the field and in the batter’s box, but it’s not all me. There are other forces at play.
I’m calling Raegan on the way home, then my parents, then Coach Hernandez. I’m here because of all four of them, but most of all God. I just hope somehow, it brings God glory.
“Thanks, guys. I know we all want to make it to the majors, and I figured it would take way longer.” I stand up, hands in mypockets, looking around the room, resting my eyes on each of my teammates in turn. “I feel bad, going on without y’all. But I’m honored to have played with y’all. It’s been a real good time here with y’all. I won’t forget you.”
They all give me hugs, pats on the back, and a few fist bumps. I don’t stay much longer. I’m ready to call it a night. I need to talk with Raegan. Figure out the next steps in our relationship. Maybe… maybe for my first appearance on the field, I can really make a statement. I’ve got a few phone calls to make.
Chapter 37
Raegan - The Present
Howdopeopledoit? Balance having a family, going to school, working a job, going to church? I slam the textbook closed and bang my forehead on it a few times. Ugh, maybe I’m not cut out for school. Sure, the baking was fun, and I’m learning new techniques, but sitting in class again, as a mom, as the girlfriend of a major league baseball player… It’s tough. And I’m so tempted to quit. I feel like I fall into bed, exhausted, every single night.
Grace has been such a champ so far. Spending her days partly with a babysitter until the café is closed for the day. Then staying with Mom, whose name she can finally say, “Gamma.” Thankfully she decided to take a good nap today. She’s going to have a busy evening. I didn’t open the café today knowing that I wouldn’t have time between homework and Austin’s game. Instead I’m at my parent’s place, attempting to study.
I shove the textbook into my book bag. It will have to wait. I know that my brain won’t retain any more information today. I stare out my bedroom window at my parent’s house for a few minutes before I pull on a pair of jean shorts, and layer some tank tops in the Lariat’s colors, deep red and tan. I pull Grace’s onesie out of her diaper bag. It’s the same colors, and I’ll dress her once she’s up from her nap.
In two hours, I’m leaving to see Austin play for the first time as a Fort Worth Lariat. That might have something to do with why I can’t focus right now. If it’s possible I might be more nervous than he is. The plan is to get there early, take pictures with him and meet the other wives and girlfriends before heading to the family seating section.
I don’t know what’s expected of the girlfriend of a MLB player. So many of them are so polished, so perfect. They’re model thin with highlights and perfect makeup. And I won’t ever be any of that. I’m a mom for starters. I don’t have time to worry about my size, and makeup has never been my thing. I need to stop worrying about it, and just focus on being who God made me to be. Is my look too over the top? Do I need to add more makeup? This is a question for the girls.
I pull out my phone and tap Chrissy’s FaceTime contact info. She answers on the first ring, “Raegan!” She shouts my name. “Are you ready? I hear they call the wives and girlfriends ‘WAGs.’ Are you ready for your first game as a major league WAG?”
I laugh in response. “I’m kind of rethinking it right now.” I close my eyes and shake my head.
Chrissy reads my mind though. “Let me add Jaimie in, we’ll get you looking perfect.”
Jaimie answers just as quickly. It’s like they both knew I would need them. Usually both would be studying, if not in class at this time of day.
“Set that phone on the dresser and show me what you’re wearing.”
I obey Jaimie’s instructions, and let them see my outfit from head to toe. They bothhmmmat me, and tap their chins in unison.
“Okay, y’all are up to something.” I plant my hands on my hips. “You’re keeping a secret from me.” I wag a finger at them.
They both laugh, but neither one tells me anything.
“I would just change out your second tank top. Go for white maybe. Don’t look like you’re trying to match him too hard. But most people will know this is his debut, so it’s okay to match him today.”
I sigh, but grab the recommended white tank top from my bag. It’s a good thing I brought it.
“Now, let me check the makeup.” Jaimie gets real close to the camera, “come closer my dear.” She cackles in an old ladies voice.
I roll my eyes as I laugh, but I comply.
“I think she’s perfect. Her very-little-makeup look is her style. She doesn’t need to look like all the other WAGs, she needs to look like her.”
