541 V2 ch13 (1/2)
Immediately all eyes went on me as someone from the players side of the rope approached our giant group. My teammates near me, gave me space and a spot up front like it was an unspoken decision to begin with. It made it easy for Rose, the short Asian girl to find me in the crowd.
She was in her uniform of khakis and an A's polo shirt. A lanyard was hanging from her neck, designating her as staff.
Rose grinned as she reached us. ”It's good to see you boys so soon.” She looked around. ”Are these your teammates? Jeremy told me that you guys were invited for the CIF Champions announcement.”
”Hi.” I said politely.
She looked among the group. ”Which one is your head coach?”
Coach stepped forward. ”I am. How can I help you?”
She stuck out her hand and introduced herself. ”I'm Rose Shimizu, I work in the public relations department for the A's. I'm actually going to act as your team's guide until you guys walk out on the field.”
”Oh! Yes! We've spoken on the phone.” Coach nodded. ”Thanks for looking out for us.”
”It's my job.” She smiled kindly. ”You all can hang out here until an hour before game time and then the grounds crew will come and prepare the field for game time. That's when I can show you guys around and we'll head for the outfield entrance with the other teams.”
”The other teams?” Noah asked.
Rose nodded. ”Yea, we invite all surrounding CIF winners from the spring sports.”
”So cool.” Dave mumbled.
”So there's going to be a lot of teams here tonight?” Kyle asked.
”No, we don't invite them all at once. We space it out. We honored a few teams last night and we'll do the same for the next couple of days.” Rose explained. She glanced back at the dugout. ”I can answer more questions when we have to leave. Why don't you let me go get Jeremy so he knows you guys are here.”
”Go ahead!”
”Sorry to hold you up!”
”Will more players than just Patterson come out?”
Rose looked to the adult who asked that last question. ”I'll see who's available. Most of the guys will be receiving pregame treatment or reviewing for the game.” She turned and hurried to the dugout, going through, heading to their clubhouse.
”How greedy.” Noah mumbled for only me to hear. ”Can't he see that some A's players are already out signing autographs? They obviously want the more famous players to come out.”
”So?” I shrugged. ”Maybe he just wants his favorite player to come out.”
”He's just taking advantage of the situation.” Noah rolled his eyes.
”You take advantage of situations all the time.” I pointed out.
Noah pouted. ”I'm different.”
Sure he is. I cracked a smile.
”Patterson!”
”Jeremy Patterson!”
”Over here, over here!”
”Jeremy, please sign this ball!”
”Patterson, can I have a photo?”
I stiffened up, almost doing my best impression of a statue.