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Chase’s cheeks grow pinker. “No, Coach Garrett. I’m just watching.”
I raise my hand up for a high five, and Chase makes his way around the group giving us all high fives.
“Are you sure you can’t join us?” Bryce asks. “We could use you against Clearview.”
Chase laughs. “I’m sure.”
“Chase has his own tournament to focus on,” Garrett says. “Have you been practicing your swing?”
He gives Ethan an eyebrow raise that’s as much for him as for Chase.
“We’ve been practicing every night.” Ethan ruffles Chase’s hair, which earns him a side-eye and a “Daaaaad.”
“Ethan, can we talk?” I ask, aiming my chin at the back of the field where we can have privacy.
“Yes!” Ethan sounds so eager, I know he wants to chew me out for firing Charlotte.
We walk off as the rest of the team shows up. Caleb and his son Mason arrive. Mason and Chase are in the same grade and in little league together, and the two of them run off to play on their own.
“If you’re going to apologize to me, save your breath. Charlotte is the one you need to ask for forgiveness.”
I try not to make my laugh too condescending, I really do.
“I’m not talking to Charlotte, and I’m certainly not going to apologize to you.”
Ethan folds his arms over his chest. “What the hell, Blake. Why did you fire her? You made her cry! That makes you feel like a big man?”
I want to ask him if he feels like a big man when Amelia cries, but I hold my tongue. I don’t want to play this game of who’s the worst here. I just want to set things straight and move on.
“I fired her because Bryce didn’t want to work with her.”
I hate throwing my brother under the bus, but I don’t want Amelia taking any more heat.
“Oh, come on! It’s not like they ever even dated.”
“She acted interested when she wasn’t. She—You made a fool of him, and you made a fool of us. I’m sorry, Ethan, but it’s going to take time for people to get over that.”
“It was a difficult situation—”
I raise my hands to stop him. I’m not interested in hearing any more excuses.
“All I wanted to tell you is that you’re not coming to the Den tonight.”
Ethan laughs. “I’m not?”
“Bryce invited Amelia.”
Ethan’s face whips toward Bryce, who’s warming up his quads, too far away to hear us.
“Why?”
“We haven’t seen her in over a month. He wants to hang out with her too.”
“I don’t care if she’s there or not. It’s not like Charlotte wants to come anyway, after you fired her.”
“Amelia won’t come if you’re there. Can’t you let her have one night with her friends?”
He raises his hands in defeat. “Fine. This is just because Bryce is jealous Charlotte chose me over him.”
