Curveball- Strike Zone Series Book two

Scoring Position

Prologue

Dillon

      As the oldest, I've always tried to be easygoing, relaxed, and calm. I have a slower temper and I wasn't in nearly as much trouble as my little brother, Nate. I never wanted to rock the boat, or create drama for my family. Nate did enough of that for both of us. I'm the laid back sibling, who gets along with everyone. I'm that kind of guy. Or I was. It's funny how in one single moment of time one person can change everything for you.

     Kayleigh made that change in my brother. Nate, the swinging single guy, who swore he didn't want to settle down, has changed his mind. He never wanted to be tied down to one woman. He likes variety, change, and no strings. He forgot all that when Kayleigh came into his life.

     His quick temper and fly by the seat of his pants attitude was all about his needs, his career, his demands. He refused to change for anyone. Not until he literally fell for Kayleigh, did someone mean more to Nate than himself. From that first moment, he was hooked and willing to do whatever it took to keep her happy and in his life.

     It was a change we never saw coming. I'm proud of him. We were brought up with some pretty good values. Our parents made sure we were grounded and reached for our dreams. Not everyone is that lucky. The three of us were.

     Between Nate making a sharp turn in his life and Molly, our sister, finally going for what she wants, the boat has certainly been rocking. They've found what they wanted and are going for it. Good for them. It's good to know that patience and drive can pay off.

     As I watch them and see these changes, I'm realizing that sometimes rocking the boat, pushing limits, means doing the right thing. Not everyone likes that. Many think rocking the boat just causes havoc. It's true that change shakes things up. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it's just what's needed. Progress, growth, learning from mistakes make us better, wiser. Anyone who says otherwise can kiss my ass.

      Riding the same waves all the time gets boring, tedious, and frustrating. There's more to life than what's right in front of us. We have to turn our heads, look around to see what's out there. Sometimes you outgrow the boat and need to find a new one.

      Trying out new things helps us grow. Learning can tell us what we need, when we didn't know we needed it. Meeting new people that challenge you, test you, mesh with your values become essential. Sometimes, the person who is changing you, means more than the boat you've been riding in. In this case, the woman means more and the boat can kiss my ass.

     I'm not a pushy person. I like to give others space to figure out their own needs. I respect others' opinions and I expect mine to be respected back. Sometimes, you meet that one person you know needs your help, whether they ask for it or not.

      I pushed Bailey to spill her guts to me. I couldn't stand seeing her so upset and alone. I wanted to know why she was keeping me at arms length. Now I know some of her reasons and I gotta say, I don't like them. And I know there's more that she's not telling me. Her reasons, and I know she doesn't like it anymore than I do, are well... Bullshit.

     The coach told her she isn't allowed to be friendly with the team, mainly the players. Coach told her she has to keep her distance, when every other coach is allowed to hang out with the team. Double standard for one reason: Bailey is a woman. Like I said: bullshit.

      If she wasn't a female, this wouldn't be an issue. If she were a man, we would be hanging out at the bar with the rest of the team. We'd be drinking overpriced beer and eating cheap, greasy pizza, while we bitched about not playing in the game.