Gym Rats - Jackson Olson x OC

8

Jackson's POV

She said it's a date! I see this as a success. Lola and Dalton are definitely partners in crime getting this together. While Cecelia is definitely going to be hard to get, I am ecstatic to have both Dalton and Lola's help. But I know they are only going to get me part of the way there.

I had no intentions of going to the gym, but Dalton said he was going, and I really can't resist an opportunity to see Cecelia. Thankfully, it all turned out the way it's supposed to.

I'm sitting in the dugout at practice, bopping my head to the Dua Lipa song currently on the speakers. I took a live batting practice today and it felt amazing. Definitely ready to play two games this weekend. Friday and Saturday. Friday is just two days away.

We all rush out to the field for some drill work, but I'm currently tossing with my catch buddy, DR.

"You seem happier than usual," Ryan says, who is throwing with Dalton.

"I got Cecelia's number," I tell Ryan.

"You got what?" DR asks.

"Cecelia Brown's number."

"The swimmer?"

"Yeah."

We keep going for a bit, "You gonna go out with her?" Ryan asks.

"Dalton got her tickets to the game Friday, I'm hoping she shows up. I'll make a move then if she does."

I know my face lights up talking about her. Lola shared some insight with me. She didn't want to "spoil the surprise", as she put it. But she told me what I kind of already figured... she's simply scared. She's scared to fall in love, she's scared to lose focus on her goals. I wish she knew that I feel the same way. But that twinkle in her eyes yesterday... what I would give to see that again. I replay that small moment in my head. The way her long blonde hair was slightly messy from being in the pool. Her hair is never straight, it holds a nice wave to it. But I can't get over those blue eyes... I cant get her out of my head. It would be easier to know that she's mine.

We move on to different topics of conversation, but my mind remains in the same place. Once we're done our long toss, we run some drills and some more live BP, with me in the field this time taking ground balls. I take my time as I practice, even doing a few trick plays in there. When practice wraps up, I decide to get stretched out by one of our athletic trainers, while deciding to text Cecelia for the first time.

Jackson: Hey Cecelia, it's Jackson. How's your night going?

I don't expect an answer as I know she's working out now. So, I make my way back to my locker, collect my backpack, and go home. By the time I get home, make spaghetti for dinner, take a long shower and get comfy on my couch to watch a movie, I finally see a response.

Cecelia: Hey, it's going... same old same old. About to make dinner.

I smile at her message, happy that she at least got back to me. I decide to pause my movie to see if she'll respond faster.

Jackson: Sounds fun. I'm about to watch a movie.

Cecelia: That reminds me, I forgot to recommend another musical for you.

Jackson: Fire away.

Cecelia: West Side Story. It's like a Romeo and Juliet type love story. It's my favorite.

Jackson: I think I'll save that for a later time, if it's your favorite.

I see her text bubble pop up, then disappear. I sit there, shifting in my seat and setting out a sigh.