Page 20 of Sliding into Love
“What’s the long-term prognosis, Sandy?”I ask once everyone grabs a seat at the table.
We’re having a meeting about Tollide, as well as a few general housekeeping things for the team today. By ‘we’, I mean Royce, the trainers, the coaching staff, Bellamy Bellport, Finn Bellport, and myself.
I admit the appearance of Royce’s family for this is a bit odd. But I can recall how close they were to Bellamy when they were growing up. It really shouldn’t be a surprise.
There’s also the fact that the team was originally purchased on behalf of Finn. His desire to have another sports team under the Bellport family tree is the real reason we’re all here.
Sandy shakes his head. “You spoke with the brother, right?”
“Royce and I spoke with North when we went a couple of days ago. He said it seemed like Tollide was out for good. I still want your official report on him though.”
“In my professional opinion, North is right, and so is the team at Bellport General. Tollide’s career as a player is done. Which, if you ask me, is a damn shame. Kid had the potential to be a Hall-of-Fame level guy.”
Everyone gives a collective noise of agreement to his words. It’s no denying Tollide is—no, was—our best player. Losing him is a big blow, especially this close to the season starting.
“What’s the plan to fill his spot?” Bellamy asks the room. “I’m not trying to step on toes. Just curious.”
“No one thinks you’re stepping on toes, big brother. This team is an investment for you and Finn. We all understand you want it to be its best.” Royce says with a finality that makes my skin light up.
Finn raises his hand. Bellamy smiles at his husband as I give him the go ahead to speak up.
“What are you thinking, Finn?”
He drops his arm slowly, his gaze moving around the room to look at everyone. His shyness is fascinating considering the very public relationship he’s in.
Granted, just because one person is extroverted and lives in the spotlight doesn’t mean the person they choose to spend their life with will be the same. That whole opposites attract thing has merit.
“I think Bardot should take his place.”
Raising my brow, I wave my arm for him to continue. It will be interesting to see his reasoning.
Finn continues. “Bardot is a solid player. He’s got the potential to be even better. I think…”
“Go ahead, little one. Tell them what you told me last night,” Bellamy encourages.
“I told Da—my husband,” he quickly corrects, “that I think Bardot hid behind Tollide's skill. The footage I’ve seen of him practicing on his own or with someone one-on-one suggests he’s just as good. I’m not sure why he won’t show it during team practice.”
Leaning back in my chair, I steeple my hands in front of my mouth. I have thoughts on the subject. Having been with these guys for years, I know how their minds work.
Surprisingly, Royce is the one to chime in next.
“You might be on to something, Finn. I’ve seen the same footage. Some as recent as last month when one of the trainers caught him in the batting cages. He’s good. Damn good, really.”
“Still doesn’t explain why he hasn’t played to his full potential,” Sandy adds.
I hum, which draws everyone’s eyes my way. For a second, I don’t speak. Not because I’m nervous. More so because when Royce looks at me, I lose the ability to finish my train of thought.
It’s becoming a real problem.
Forcing myself to focus, I explain what I’ve been ruminating over. “Tollide and Bardot were both drafted in back-to-back years. If you look at the records, they’re the same age. In fact, Bardot didn’t accept that first year due to personal reasons. If I have to guess, he’s likely kept Tollide on a pedestal of some kind due to this. Or maybe he’s simply not all that competitive with his own teammates. We all know some guys who play at this level are simply happy to be on the team. They don’t need or want the MVP status others chase.”
I can remember chasing my own dream years ago. Before the injury that took my baseball career, I’d thought I’d be one of the greats too.
Some things aren’t meant to be though.
Much like Tollide, I had to start over and find my place without the ability to play. Owning a team seemed like the best option at the time.
While selling it felt wrong at first, I can admit that getting to be friends with the guys instead of being the boss will be nice. I’ll also get to come to games without worrying about things likeprofit projections or ensuring inventory in the food courts is up to standard.
