Page 42

Chase

The Nashville heat had already settled over the inner-city park, like an uncomfortable wool blanket.

The once barren lot has been transformed over the past few months with new grass, a basketball court with new asphalt, and a tennis court that doubled as a pickleball court when needed.

I wasn’t expecting an overhaul like this to take place when I donated money to Skylar’s agency, but I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

I stood under a white canopy tent that was set up near the main entrance with my hands in my pockets as I watched kids filtering in with wide eyes and infectious laughter.

The parents are dragged behind by the hand toward the fields where bright balloons mark every sports station.

Volunteers are handing out water bottles, drawstring backpacks, and t-shirts to attendees as they approach.

Even though I wasn’t part of the planning process, this is exactly how I envisioned this event to go.

“You look like a man who is about to get emotional. Are you having flashbacks?” a voice teased from behind.

I turn and see Ethan walking toward me with two coffees in his hands.

“I’m not crying, you’re crying,” I say with a smirk, taking the offered cup.

“I’m proud of you. Look at this. We’ve got over three hundred kids signed up to take advantage of this program for fall ball with soccer, football, and baseball.

That’s three hundred kids who don’t have to worry about cleats, gloves, bats, or registration fees.

Just playing.” Ethan pats me on the back.

I take a slow breath and nod. “Feel like how it did when we were kids and your mom handed me my first glove.”

Before Ethan could respond, a familiar figure approached. She’s wearing light blue jean shorts and a red tank top with her long hair tied back in braids. She stepped up to me and kissed my cheek.

“Hey there,” she whispers. How’s everything going?

“Good. Real good.” I reply, squeezing her hand.

Skylar looks around the park, eyes shining. “You helped build this. Every kid out here today is here because of you, whether they know it or not.”

“Because of us, all of us,” I reply.

“Don’t go getting humble now,” Ethan Chimes in.

“Hey guys, the turnout is awesome,” Danni exclaims, joining our group and wrapping her arm around Ethan.

By late afternoon, kids were divided into groups based on age, and each group was rotated between different sports stations.

Local school coaches, teachers, volunteers from the communities, and a few pro players from the closest pro teams, and even the Terrors, ran drills, tossed balls, and celebrated every goal and basket like it was a championship win.

Each kid got to feel like a star, and no one was left behind.

I walked through stations, shook hands with parents, took photos with kids, and helped pass out stuff here and there before I made my way over to where the press outlets were set up in a shady area.

“Mr. Thorne, rumor has it that you played a part in making this happen today. Care to elaborate?” someone holds their microphone out to me.

“My family wasn’t a part of my story. The family across the street was.

They signed me up for baseball with my best friend, and without their thoughtfulness and care, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Year after year, they made sure that I was able to play the sport that I had made my career.

Year after year, I had them show up for me.

Playing sports is expensive. Let me correct myself, playing youth sports is expensive.

And I realize that some families need a helping hand, and that’s what I want to do.

I want to give others a helping hand, because that’s what I got.

Without it, you wouldn’t know me. I promised myself - if I ever made it, I’d change that story for someone else.

” I look at the reporter and see that everyone else’s microphones or recording devices are aimed in my direction as well. “This park is just the beginning.”

I wasn’t expecting to make any big speeches today. After all, today isn’t about me. But as the applause thundered from a crowd that gathered off to the side, I stood grounded as more questions were fired my way.

By sunset, the park was quieting down. The families trickled out, some carrying balloons, others with tired but smiling children asleep in their arms. Volunteers were packing up tables, trash was being picked up and collected, and I stood at the edge of the grassy field, looking out at what I helped create.

“Hell of a day, huh?” Ethan asks, stepping beside me.

“One of the best,” I say.

“You know this is the first of many events, right? Maybe we can expand this to other cities, create some sort of foundation out of it.”

“Let me concentrate on home. This city has my heart.”

“To homegrown heroes.” Ethan holds up his bottle of water.

“Who’s a hero? Did I hear my name thrown in the mix there?” Skylar walks closer barefoot, with her heels dangling in her hand.

“Well, if we’re really going to get down to the who is who of this entire thing, I guess it would be you.” I hold out my arm, and she slips under it.

“I saw you today,” she murmurs. “That was a pretty good speech you gave those reporters. I think the cat's out of the bag, and everyone now knows that you’re one of the men behind this program. You gave those families, those kids hope, you know. But you also give me hope, too.”

“This is just the start. I want to do more of this. More of this, with you.”

I turn my face toward her and kiss her softly.

Ethan claps his hands. “Alright, lovebirds. Let’s get out of here. I’m hungry. Maybe we can go eat and discuss how we can make a bigger impact, on a much larger scale.”

“I agree. Dreams shouldn’t cost a thing.” I reply, turning with Skylar under my arm. We walk toward the street where our cars are parked.

I stand just outside the park fences and look back one last time before getting into the car. The laughter, the games, the families - it still echoed in the air.

I didn’t just rewrite my story today. I helped build other people’s stories. I helped build a park where thousands of stories could begin.

“Hey Chase, you okay?” Skylar asks from the passenger side of the car.

I look at her. I helped build this thing we did today, and I have her.

I’m more than okay.

SLIDE INTO HOME AND STEAL SOME BASES.

Xoxo

THE END

The next book up to bat is Double Play by L.B. Dunbar, which follows the team’s manager Declan Wylde