Page 44 of Knox
“It better be.” Dad chuckled. “You’d think we were going on a month-long vacation with all the stuff these kids pack.”
“Okay, cool. The car rental place is just down there.” I pointed in the direction the signs said to go. “After we get the car, we can either get you checked into the hotel or grab food first.”
“Food,” Owen and Noah shouted in unison.
“Great.”
We strolled down to the rental car center and Dad did the paperwork to rent the vehicle. While we loaded their luggage into the SUV, I got a text from Crew:
Already done at the doctor. Everything looks good. Did you pick up your family yet?
That’s excellent news. And yeah we’re leaving the airport now
“Crew’s done with an appointment he had this morning, so we can pick him up and then find somewhere to eat,” I announced as we piled into the vehicle.
Crew’s condo wasn’t far from the doctor’s office, so I assumed he’d already be home when we pulled up, but when I entered the code on the keypad to let myself in, the place was empty.
Pulling out my phone, I tapped out a quick text:
At the condo. Where are you?
I decided to go see Grady after my appointment
I stared at the screen for a second and frowned. I hadn’t made a big deal about breakfast, but I had assumed he understood that I’d want him there. It would have given the seven of them a chance to meet in private, rather than at the stadium surrounded by fans.
But Crew didn’t get much time with Grady, and I understood that seeing his son was his top priority.
I responded to his message:
OK. See you later at the field
I slid my phone back into my pocket as my family all stared at me.
“So, where’s your catcher?” Owen broke the silence first.
“I forgot he already had plans,” I lied. “He’s hanging out with his son.”
“That’s so sweet,” Avery cooed.
“It’s not sweet,” Noah argued. “He didn’t even stick around to meet the in-laws.”
“You guys aren’t in-laws,” I muttered and ushered them back out the door.
“Can’t really blame the guy,” Owen added. “I’d do whatever I could to avoid meeting six strangers too.”
I shook my head. “Stop being an asshole. He’s not avoiding anything.”
“Everyone be nice,” Mom interjected. “We’ll meet Crew later. In the meantime, let’s go eat.”
We piled into the SUV, and I gave Dad directions to the restaurant. I was excited to spend some time with my family. The only thing that would have made it better was if Crew was with me.
Most of my teammates,including Crew, were already at the stadium when I arrived. I was hoping to have a chance to chat with my boyfriend before batting practice, but he stood across the room deep in a conversation with Mejia and Castro about their pitching strategy against the highly rated Braves.
I began my pre-game routine, and when it was finally time to head out for batting practice, I still hadn’t gotten the chance to talk with Crew.
After taking my turn at the plate, I glanced over to the row of seats closest to the dugout behind the mesh fence and saw my family making their way toward them. I dropped my bat off in the dugout and tucked my batting gloves into my back pocket before heading over to them.
“Damn, bro, these are some nice seats. How much are they paying you?” Noah joked, shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
