Page 102 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“What is this? Some kind of sensory glove?”

“Yes. Keep this between us, please, but Clay mentioned his throwing has been off.”

“From the shoulder injury?”

“How do you know about that?”

He looks amused by the question. “Because I follow the game. It’s not like it’s a secret. He had trouble with his shoulder all season, but there’s never been any mention of his throwing being off.”

“That’s because it’s not that bad yet, but he feels a difference. He said it’s harder to get a perfect throw than it used to be and that before his injury something would click in his head and he’d know when to release the ball.”

“Rote memory.”

“Exactly, but the injury has messed that up for him.”

“Makes sense. I’m sure he’s moving differently to compensate for the pain.”

“Exactly. He said he can tell when he lets go of the ball if he’s missed it by a fraction and that short of having a buzzer go off when he’s in the perfect position to release it, he’s not sure how to fix it. So I had an idea. I spent all morning researching the muscles used when throwing, the isometric activations for stabilization, and what happens if certain muscles aren’t strong enough. I know he’s got the best sports doctors and therapists, but I think by tracking the movement of his muscles from his fingers all the way down his arm and over his back and chest muscles, I can get him the signal he needs. That’s why the apparatus extends down the right side of his chest and shoulder.”

“But every throw is different.”

“Yes, but I’m not trying to define every throw, and this wouldn’t be used during games. I’m only trying to help him figure out where that new release point is when he’s practicing. I’m hoping if we can target it, he can create new rote memory based on his current injury.”

“It’s an interesting idea.” Ravi’s brows knit, and I can practically see the gears in his mind churning. “By tracking the sensors and working with him, you’ll figure out exactly where and when he hits the sweet spot.”

“Yes! And then we’ll make a signal for it. A vibration or something. I haven’t figured that out yet. I don’t know what would be helpful without throwing him off. But we’ve already got knowledge of the technology with our Smart Glove project.”

“You’re not thinking of skimming off that contract, are you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know me better than that. I just meant that we have the underlying knowledge to create this. The data and analysis will be different, as will the physical apparatus, but it won’t take much to have a prototype made. You know Kenji will cut me a deal.” Kenji is one of our subcontractors for the Smart Glove project. We create the technology, and he manufactures the physical gloves. “He loves working with us, and he’s fast. Once I have the specs and sensors figured out, it won’t take him long to make the glove and chest piece.”

“If he can fit it into his schedule.”

“Yes, of course. I haven’t mentioned this to Clay yet, but I’m going to tomorrow night. If he thinks it’s a good idea, I don’t think he’ll have an issue helping me pay for it, and if need be, offering an incentive to Kenji.”

Ravi studies the drawings again. “This could work.”

Excitement bubbles up inside me. “I think so, too.”

“Not quite so rattled by him anymore, are you?”

“Shut up. He’s done nothing but help me. I’m excited to be able to do something for him.”

“What if it fails?”

“Then we figure out why and fix it.”

He grins. “Like a tick with a vein. Welcome back.”

I roll my eyes as he hands me the drawings, and my phone chimes several times in quick succession.

“Either one of your sisters just found out she’s pregnant, or Clay really misses you.”

“It’s not Clay. He has a big sponsorship dinner tonight.”

“Then I’ll leave you to the family drama. Don’t stay too late.”

“Just long enough to catch up on some of the work I put off today. Have fun with the guys.”