Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Bianca: CAN WE GET BACK TO ME, PLEASE?
Renn spams the chat with more baby pictures than most people take of their offspring.
I flip through the images, wondering if they ever let the kid go a minute without a camera in his face. I get it, though. Arlo is adorable. And, if I’m being honest, I do the same to Waffles.
When your baby’s cute, your baby’s cute.
“Knock, knock.”
The words correspond to the sound of knuckles against the door. I look up and find the Arrows GM, Lincoln Landry, standing in the doorway.
“Look who it is,” I say, getting to my feet. “The man. The myth. The legend.”
He extends his hand and laughs. “I like the sound of legend.”
“How are you?” I shake his hand. “It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to be here and finally be settled in. Mind if I take a seat?”
“Be my guest.”
We sit across from each other. He looks the same as he did when he was a star centerfielder for the Arrows years ago—fit and strong. The coach should see if Landry wants to lace up and play. He’s in better shape than half of the team.
“It’s nice seeing you in purple and gold again,” I say.
“It’s nice being back in the fold. I was floored when Gannon called and asked me if I was interested in being the general manager. I hadn’t given much thought to coming back to baseball at this level, but as soon as I heard the idea, I knew I had to do it.”
And the Arrows will be damn lucky because of it. He truly is a legend, both in the sport and as a human.
“How do you like the new facility? I’ve heard it’s quite different to the old stadium in Memphis.”
“Oh, yeah. This is state of the art. I would’ve killed for these amenities when I played.” He grins. “Still, the franchise is the franchise. It’s like coming home.”
“That’s probably because I saw your kids running up and down the halls yesterday.”
Lincoln laughs. “My kids would be here every day if I let them. And I’d let them if I weren’t afraid of being fired—and even more afraid of their mother.”
His affection for his wife is as clear as day, and I can’t help but note it. I’ve met her, and she’s a wonderful person. Lincoln is happy in the Arrows facility, but he seems even happier when he’s with Danielle and their children.
The thought makes me pause, and a weird energy ripples through my chest.
I wonder what it would be like to have my own children running the hall?
“How is Danielle?” I ask.
“She’s great. We met in Tennessee, so it’s like coming home for her, too. I know she misses being in Savannah a lot. She’s really close with my sisters, and we loved the kids being close to their cousins. But the flight is just over an hour and with a Brewer Air jet at our disposal thanks to my contract, they’ve been able to go back all the time.”
“I’m glad it’s working out for you all.”
“Me, too. So how are you? I saw Coach in the hallway, and he said you suggested a new shortstop.”
I lean back, propping one ankle on the other knee. “I didn’t say it in those terms … I don’t think. But I don’t have a lot of faith that Charleston’s focus is on this team. His injuries are pretty severe, and while I’ve seen guys get through it and play excellent ball on the other side, it takes a lot of dedication. I’m not sure Charleston is the poster boy for that.”
Lincoln sighs, his shoulders sinking. “I appreciate your insight. And to be honest, I feared as much. Some guys are born ballers, and some, most, are not. Can’t say I met him and walked away thinking he was the future of the team.”
“Just a tip I heard in the training facility the other day. Darryl Goggins might be pushing for a trade from the Rebels. He’d be a hell of an addition to our infield and our lineup.”
“I think you’re right, and if that’s true, that’s a damn good piece of intel.” He stands. “I’m going to make some calls and see what’s possible.” He heads for the door. “Is there any way we can keep you here full-time instead of sharing you with the rugby and hockey teams?” He faces me. “You know your heart is here. Those rugby guys are animals, and the hockey guys are wimps. Baseball is where it’s at.”
I laugh. “Why don’t you head over to the rink and let the hockey guys know that?”
“I’m good.” He laughs, too. “I do appreciate you a lot, Ripley. You’re an excellent example of professionalism and hard work for both the players and our staff. And considering your family owns this team …” He grins. “If more franchises had owners like you, we’d have a harder time winning a championship this year.”