687 V2 ch159 (1/2)

Zeke unlocked his car so we could move the bats to his trunk.

”Thank you!” I raised my voice at Mr. Johnson, trying my best to show my gratitude.

Mr. Johnson nodded. ”Sure thing.” He looked at Rhys. ”I'm going to head to the stadium. Text me when you make it home.”

”Alright.” Rhys grinned at his dad. ”Thanks for making the trip, Dad.”

He gave his son a pat on the shoulder. ”It's no problem. I'll see you after the game.” He said his goodbyes and got back into his car. We watched him go, waving.

Noah grinned at me. ”Man, all those bats...where are we going to put them??”

”The garage should be fine.” Rhys suggested.

My jaw dropped.

Noah started to wag his finger at Rhys. ”Typical. Pitchers just don't understand how important bats are. Jake and I read up on how to take care of wood bats and it's important not to have them stored in a damp area. With the fall coming, it's better to keep them in our room.”

Rhys shrugged. ”Store them in your closet?”

I rolled my eyes. Like that's any better.

Noah just shook his head. ”Ignore him.” He told me. ”Maybe Mom or Dad will have an idea.” His eyes widened when an idea came to mind. ”You know how there's a cubby in the batting cages to hold spare bats? We should try to find something like that!”

I nodded. That sounded like a good idea. It would make it easier for me to take care of these bats.

”Let's go grab our bags and pack up the car.” Zeke said, heading back to the dorms. ”Mom is expecting us to make it back for an early dinner.”

We obediently followed, only to split up once we enter the dorms. Noah and I went back to our room and grabbed our bags, leaving the room keys out on the desk. Supposedly one of the athletes would go around to collect all of them and make sure none of the rooms are torn up.

With everything gathered, we went back downstairs and met up again with Zeke and Rhys. We walked out to the parking lot and said goodbye to Rhys as he walked to his own car. I felt a little sad watching him go.

At least until Noah reminded me that we'll see him again. ”Don't be upset.” He told me as we packed up our car. ”We can see Rhys almost anytime. Maybe after the high school camp though.”

I relaxed my shoulders, satisfied. ”Right.”

”If you miss him that much, I can ask him to come visit us during the week.” Zeke offered. ”It's not like he has a lot going on now that the camp is done. Plus, I'm sure the twins will want to see him too. Show off the skills they've learned this summer.”

”Are they already home??” Noah asked. ”They haven't sent me any texts yet.”

”Dave's home.” Zeke answered as we got into the car. He started the engine and pulled out of the parking space. ”Dad picked Dave up early this morning. He'll pick up Kyle late tonight. That's why Mom wants to have an early dinner.”

”Who knows.” Zeke shrugged. ”I've never been to that camp nor do I know of its accuracy of their camp statement.”

They spent the next hour talking about what it took to break into the realm of 90mph pitching. Zeke mentioned a few professional players that suddenly realized they were throwing faster, while other players consciously worked at it. Rhys was lucky to have a pitching coach as his dad so he had someone watching his mechanics since day one.

”A lot good that did him.” Noah snorted. ”He still needed Tommy John surgery. Does that make his dad a bad dad or a bad coach?”