307 Saturday: Doubleheader 2 (2/2)
”Coach.” Kyle interrupted. ”Will we still have practice Monday afternoon even though we have a game?” That got everyone's attention. The guys on the team looked at Coach with some excitement.
Coach smiled, but not all the way. ”Depends on how you play Monday. If I like what I see, we won't have practice. If I don't, be ready to run all evening. Don't even bother bringing your bats and gloves.”
”We've got this.” Dave flexed a bicep. ”Just call on me if it gets close.”
”Who says we'll even need you?” Theo snorted, making the guys laugh.
”Theo has one clean inning against Lassen and suddenly thinks he's a star.” Dave rolled his eyes.
”You guys just hog all the opportunities to pitch!” Theo didn't laugh anymore, looking pretty serious.
”Okay, that's enough.” Coach intervened. ”I'll see everyone in our clubhouse at 6:50am. Any later, and you'll get penalty laps.” He looked to Zeke. ”Anything else to add, captain?”
Zeke stood up, gaining everyone's undivided attention. ”Just because tomorrow is Sunday, don't just laze about and slack off. Stay active. Some of you looked mentally slow out there.” His eyes swept across the lot of us. ”Let's continue to win.”
”Yea!”
”That's a given!”
”No problem!”
The team got rambunctious with his words and it suddenly felt like the dugout had more energy even after playing two games. It took more time to put away our gear and make way to the parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Atkins stood more off to the side, waving to get our attention. The five of us walked on over.
”Great game, boys!” Mrs. Atkins said cheerfully.
”Don't lie, Mom. I was awful out there.” Noah sighed, dropping his bag to the ground.
”Yea you were!” Kyle laughed.
”No worse than you.” Dave snickered. ”You didn't get a hit and you gave up a run.”
”Let's not get into it here.” Mr. Atkins shook his head at the bickering. ”All of you did just fine. Nothing to hang your head about. And you won.” He looked at Dave. ”Since you still have so much energy, you can help me get something from O'Conners.”
My eye twitched as I recalled their talk in the car last night. This is their plan. Expectantly, I glanced to Mrs. Atkins, who had her eyes trained on Kyle.
Kyle was laughing at Dave's plight. ”Too bad. Guess you're the real loser of the day.”
”Looks like you still have energy too.” Mrs. Atkins smiled at Kyle. ”You can come with me to the grocery store.”
”But Mom-”
”No buts.” She then smirked. ”Plus, I want to hear more about this girl that you want to go out with.”
Kyle groaned.
”Zeke, take Noah and Jake home.” Mr. Atkins instructed. ”Make sure they shower. I'll bring some dinner home from Lucilles so the table better be cleared off.”
”Got it.” Zeke nodded in the affirmative, sending the four of them off with a wave.
Noah pouted, watching the twins walk away with their parents. ”Why do I feel like we're being ditched like children?”
Because we are, I answered in my head. This was completely orchestrated last night on the ride home from dinner. I glanced to Noah, wanting to tell him about it, but Zeke was still nearby, waiting on us.