665 V2 ch137 (1/2)

Rhys and I split from the bigger group and walked towards the stadium, while the rest went to the practice field.

”Just to prepare you, Jake.” Rhys started to say. ”I won't be watching over you today in today's practice.”

I looked up at him in disbelief. This dude just said he would do the job Zeke gave him and watch over me. And now he's not?

”It's the batting cages.” Rhys shrugged. ”I think you'll be in your comfort zone all on your own. I'm a pitcher, and pitchers don't really hit. Coach Nate wants me to work with the pitchers on our team to do something more productive like running and lifting. Would you rather do that?”

I made a face and shook my head. I ran enough yesterday.

”Don't worry so much, kiddo.” Rhys told me. ”Zeke had a talk with Coach Nate, explaining that you...are a little shy. Coach Nate won't put you in an uncomfortable position. Plus, in the cages, it's just you hitting. The only difference now is that a few people will be watching you. That's not too bad, right?”

”...” I looked up at Rhys. Did he not hear the team yesterday? None of them really liked me. Only Kenny was nice to me, but he's just as shy as me. This isn't what Zeke told me when he convinced me to be away from Noah. ”I guess I'll run with you and the pitchers...” Even if it was something I really didn't want to do.

Rhys picked up on my discomfort. ”Hey, c'mon now. It's the batting cages. You like this the most, don't you?”

”Yea...but I don't want to be alone...”

Rhys looked at me for a second longer than normal. ”Okay. I'll talk with Coach Nate. Maybe he'll let the pitchers participate for a little bit. You'll get in some hitting time too. And then we'll split off. How does that sound?”

”Would Coach Nate really allow that?” I asked.

”Yea, I don't see why not.” Rhys gave me a reassuring smile. We reached the batting cages and saw the team gathered, putting on their cleats. ”Go get ready and I'll go speak with Coach.”

I nodded and watched him go before finding an open area to get my cleats on. Some of the guys were already chatting with one another while others were stretching.

I also chose to stretch, staying near my bag on the outer edges of the group. A few looks were spared my way, but I avoided direct eye contact.

”Hey, can I put my bag here?” Kenny asked quietly as he stood nearby, pointing at an open spot near me.

I nodded.

”Thanks.” He set his bag down next to mine and got his cleats out. ”Batting cages, huh?”

I nodded, then realized he couldn't see me as he tied his cleats. I cleared my throat. ”Yea...”

We awkwardly waited for everyone to show up and then Coach Nate called for everyone to gather.

”So pitchers still get to practice hitting?” One of the pitchers asked, looking excited.

Coach Nate nodded. ”Originally we were going to have the pitchers split off and do their own workout with Coach Rhys, but after some discussion we're going to let everyone get a chance in the cages. Not all pitchers are bad at the plate.”

”Im not great, but I still like to workout in the cages. It's relaxing.” Someone commented.

”Same.”

”Pshh. I bat cleanup for my high school and club team.”

The team started to talk over one another, expressing their opinions on pitchers that could bat.

Coach Nate clapped his hands a couple of times to get everyone's attention. The players quieted down. ”Coach Rhys will lead you boys into a light warmup. It's important to be stretched and loose for batting practice so focus.” He looked to Rhys. ”You can use the outfield in the stadium, then come back for a stretch.”

Rhys nodded. We followed him to the entrance to the stadium and started to jog along the warning track in the outfield. We saw two other teams warming up, probably preparing for a game. A few of the guys mentioned names of players that they knew and who might be good or not.

I solely focused on following Rhys, not caring about the game. None of the guys I knew were playing at the stadium.

The warmup was short but still covered the necessary movements to prevent getting injured. Coach Nate had us gathered outside the three cages before letting us get to work.