Play Like a Girl: A Carolina Waves Novella by Gallagher Tina

Author:Gallagher, Tina
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Galsalla Press
Published: 2021-06-16T16:00:00+00:00

6

Penny

* * *

“You okay? You’ve been awfully quiet all day,” Nadia said. “Plus Mari probably has a deep bone bruise on her hand from those throws you were making to first base today.”

After spending a week in Arizona and five days in Nevada, we’re in Texas for a four-day tournament. And yeah, I’ve been taking out my Kenny-related frustrations during the games and at practice.

Nadia’s words remind me of what Billy Chapel said to Gus Sinski in the movie For Love

of the Game.

“I’m gonna throw a little harder than usual today.”

My swings are definitely harder too. But at least like Billy, I’m managing to channel my wayward emotions so they work for me instead of totally losing my composure.

“How have you done this for so many years?”

“Done what?”

She nibbled on the end of a French fry before shoving the whole thing into her mouth.

“Juggled a relationship and a softball career.” While she chewed, I added, “I realize I’m Penny-come-lately to this long-distance thing, but it’s truly awful.”

“It helps that Greg and I live in Florida so we’re together when I play at home. Plus his work schedule is semi-flexible so he gets to travel with me sometimes, as you know.” She shrugged. “We’ve been living this schedule for our whole relationship so it’s really all we know.”

“This is the way I’ve lived for a long time too, but after last year, it’s bothering me. Not to sound corny, but I’ve lived alone for years and never felt lonely. Now, once I leave the field, that’s exactly how I feel. And it’s not only that I miss Kenny, Karen and Jeremy are in the picture now too. I really enjoyed being home and part of their daily lives. If I didn’t love the game so much...” I shook my head, clearing that last thought.

Nadia took a drink of water, her eyes seeming to study me. She set her glass down and rested her elbows on the table, leaning closer.

“If I tell you something, do you swear it doesn’t leave this table?”

“I swear.”

“I’m thinking about retiring after this season.” Before I could respond, she continued. “Greg and I want to have kids and now that I’m thirty-one, I hear my biological clock ticking.”

“You know, if you’d told me that last year, I would have been supportive, but I wouldn’t have understood.”

“And now you do?” Her eyes widened when I nodded. “Oh my God, are you thinking about it too?”

“It definitely enters my mind more now than it used to. I love softball, but let’s face it, we’re not exactly getting rich here. It’s not like my brother who, if he plays an extra couple years, adds a few zeros to his bank account.” I shook my head. “I keep thinking that maybe I can do something related to the game and be just as fulfilled.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“You know that Cal Chase and Dan McMullen own a training facility?” She nodded. “My brother and Jack Reagan are buying in and they’re expanding.

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