Curveball- Strike Zone Series Book two

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Dillon

     The locker room hasn't been the same this season without Nate here. There was always an intensity that surrounded Nate before a game. He's driven, focused, a natural leader. Nate would rev all the players up and get us ready to win each game. He knew each player's strengths and weaknesses. He helped each person do their best. Everything has changed now. No one has stepped up to fill his place. No one wants to.

      Coach has talked to me about it. And Reese. He's more of a leader than I am. I'm sorry that it's coming to this, but I understand why, Nate will too. They need a leader or we're done for the season. If Nate doesn't come back, where does that leave the team? The coach has to look forward to the future. He had to have a leader. I'm pushing for Reese to take that spot.

     I might be the older brother. I might have the experience and knowledge of the game. But I'm not a leader. I'm not the guy that revs them up, I'm the guy that encourages and listens. I'm the one that goes out and does what's needed, and I give my best every time, but I don't lead.

      Growing up, I let Nate lead every team and I'm proud of him for it. He took us to victory every game. When he thought he was wrong, I encouraged him. That has been my job and will continue to be. I like to be in the background, just like my position, I'm not the spotlight kind of guy like Reese or Nate. I'm good where I am.

     We've worked as a team, the nine of us for three years now. These past weeks it's been hard training our back up kid. He's new from AAA. He needs help. I'm not sure how much more Reese, Carson and I can do to get him there. I'm hoping the coach has a plan.

      Today is Nate's announcement about his steroid use. McConnell wanted Nate to do it here, after practice, and for the team to be standing behind him. In a way it is the team's way of showing our support and the owner's support of him. He hasn't used since college, we all know it, but Nate will be tested regularly for drugs now and will be doing community service to pay his due. He doesn't seem to mind. If anything, he's excited to be doing something again. He'd rather be doing than stewing in wait.

     Reese and I are just coming in from practice to shower and change as we walk by the trainers office and see a new face. A beautiful female glanced over at us then back to the coach. I can just hear him finish his conversation with her.

      Holy shit, she's gorgeous.

     "D! Reese, come in here!" Coach calls out to us.

      We look at each other, pausing like two kids being called into the principal's office. Coach doesn't call players into his office before a press conference unless there's a problem. That's what I'm afraid of. Carla is certainly able to cause some trouble for Nate and the rest of us. Her and her little group of friends, like Charisse, are trouble waiting to happen.

     Slowly, we walk over and stand just outside his door. Coach comes around his desk, bringing this gorgeous creature over to us. I've never seen a woman like her before. Long blonde hair, big brown eyes and such a small frame but tough looking. Like she doesn't take any shit from anyone. Who is she?

     "Thank you, Bailey. We're lucky to have you joining our team. See Mark, he'll get you what you need." Coach grins wide at her. What is that! This man has never smiled in all the years I've known him.

     "I'm looking forward to it. Thank you, Coach." She walks out, right between Reese and I. Both of us turn as she passes. Our eyes are looking over this new addition to the club.

      She looks at Reese briefly then over to me, nodding her head in greeting us. "Boys."

     My eyes go wide, her voice is sultry and sweet. Shit, I've just lost my head right in front of the coach. I don't remember what I was doing or who I was talking to. What's my name again?