Page 6 of Crazy for the Coaches

“You don’t think that’s too forward?” He asked.

“Let me ask you this. Do you want to sleep with her soon? She mentioned her lease is up soon and she has to find another place. She was planning to stay with Eli and put her stuff in storage until she found something. Can you think of a better plan for her?”

Another nod.

During the meeting, I sat with the players. I could already tell which were mentors and leaders, and which needed some encouragement. I could see which had some ego as well. This is the usual mix on a team, and sorting personalities and finding people’s strengths was my strength.

It was hard not to look at Mandy, though, in her dark green top with navy slacks. The business like clothes did not disguise her lovely curves. I longed to touch her and kiss her.

Eli was leading the meeting and then the other owners and manager would be speaking. “Our own former Miss Illinois runner up will lead our group in the Hopeton anniversary parade two weeks before our game. Our mascot, which the town will vote on a name for, will be there, and I want to see as many players and coaches in attendance, handing out vouchers for tickets.”

Aaron caught my eye. A former beauty queen? It was odd Eli brought that up now, but I could totally see it. Her grimace revealed she was not too thrilled with him mentioning it now.

When the next owner spoke, it was clear he knew nothing about his players or coaches. Eli at least knew our name. The manager knew us all down to our stats.

Next was a coaching meeting and Aaron was introducing Alfonso to some of the other new players. They were trying to talk him into staying at the dorm. That might mean some of the guys like to party. I would have to make some surprise visits there to make sure things didn’t get out of hand.

It surprised me when Mike, the Manager, asked me to discuss some training plans for the next few days.

“I thought we would have running sprints tomorrow and some hitting practice.” I’d done this so often I was ready, and I think he was testing me. “If it is warm enough, we will do the hitting. I want to get an idea of where all your strengths lie.” I looked each player in the eye as I talked, and noticed a couple looked worried, while others rolled their eyes. They’d soon get it. This wasn’t college ball. It was professional baseball.

When we left the meeting, we could see Mandy down the hallway talking with Martin and Joyce, more of the owners. There were five owners in all.

“Nice one in there. How did you know what to do?” Aaron was asking me in a low voice.

“I’ve been reading up on professional baseball routines. We have to literally hit the ground running with this crew. I can already see a couple players might have attitude too.”

“I’m sure you’ll sort that out,” Aaron said, but I was getting distracted.

Mandy was trying to ease back, but Martin was leaning in.

Joyce touched her arm, and Mandy tried to ease back again.

“Think we should interrupt?” Aaron said.

“Absolutely.”

“No, I really don’t think.” Mandy was shaking her head, her smile frozen in place.

“Come on, it’s Hopeton.” Mike was saying.

“Mandy?” Aaron stood between Joyce and Mandy, forcing Joyce's hand off her arm.

“Hello, I’m Steve. And you are Martin and Joyce Albert, correct?” I shook their hands with a firm grip.

“That’s right. You’re a coach, from a community college?” Martin looked me up and down. “Isn’t one of you injured? I know Eli thought it would be good to have you both.”

“I’m fully recovered,” Aaron said. “Looking forward to working with the team. We have a lot of talent.”

“Yes, well.” Joyce now touched Aaron’s arm, squeezing his bicep. “Seems like you could still play.”

Was this really happening?

He laughed and picked her hand off his arm, squeezing it before releasing it like it was a flirty joke. “I don’t know about that, but Steve and I hope to work out with the players. It’s a great way to see what the team can do.”

“Mandy, we are ready for our meeting,” I said, holding Martin’s gaze. I didn’t know what was going on here, but I knew it wasn’t good.

“Oh, yes. Thanks, guys. Let’s go back to the conference room.”

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