654 V2 ch126 (1/2)

Rhys wasn't lying...sadly. As we finished eating, a coach made the announcement that we would get an hour rest and then gather outside of the dorms by 2pm. Everyone sporadically left the cafeteria after eating their fill. We headed back with a few other guys and then split off to head to our own rooms.

A little while later there was a knock at our door, but before either of us could answer, Zeke walked in. Noah flopped back on his bed. ”Oh, it's just you.”

Zeke rolled his eyes. ”Who else would it be?”

Noah shrugged and picked up his phone. ”Any of the other guys at this camp. We've made a few friends.”

Zeke looked to me. ”Have you?”

If Landon counts, then yes...I nodded.

Zeke leaned against the doorframe. ”That's good. I wanted to make sure you'll be okay with Noah not being on the same team as you.”

Wait. What? I sat up straight. Zeke had my full attention. Noah too. He hopped out of bed and stood up.

”You're going to separate us?” Noah asked in disbelief.

Zeke gave a short nod.

”Why would you do that?” Noah frowned. ”You know how Jake is.”

How I am? I glanced at Noah.

”No offense.” He quickly told me.

I looked at Zeke. ”Why do we have to split up?”

Zeke stared at me for a second, then sighed. He came into the room all the way, closing the door behind him. He sat on my bed, eye level with me. ”For training purposes.”

I thought back to how much I sucked when I paired up with a different shortstop. ”But...”

”Do you want to become a better player?” Zeke asked abruptly.

I nodded without thinking. ”I do.”

”You rely on Noah a lot when it comes to turning double plays.” Zeke started to explain. ”You're either taking too long to field the ball or late to throw it to him. It's fine for the most part, but you might eventually put him at risk for a collision.”

”I'm fine!” Noah told Zeke.

”That's not the only reason.” Zeke ignored him, eyes still on me. ”What if there's a time that Noah misses a game? What about after high school? Noah won't always be your shortstop. It's time you try to play with others. No Noah. No me. No twins. Do you think you can do it?”

”You're just going to let Jake be on his own?” Noah frowned. He reached for his phone. ”I'm going to tell dad.”

Zeke spared him a glance. ”He wouldn't be on his own completely.” He looked back at me. ”Rhys would be the assistant for your team. If that isn't enough, I can be the assistant for your team. What do you think? Do you want to try to play without Noah?”