By the time Phil was out of the shower, Renee and Bella had left for brunch at River City Brewing. I had dressed in workout gear and put some casual clothes for later into a backpack. Very snazzy, thought Phil, appraising my outfit. It was not a compliment. Have those clothes ever been worn? His gaze dropped to my shoes. At least his sneakers are broken in.
"Ready?" he asked. I nodded, remembering the heated discussion I'd had with Alice. She had a whole new wardrobe packed for my trip. I pointed out that it wasn't normal to wear new clothes all the time. She began to argue that's what we always did. I barely owned anything that had been worn before, because she replaced our clothes so quickly. I suggested that she distress the clothes, but she refused. I should have insisted or done the job myself.
Phil's mind was on the playoff games as we drove to the school. We chatted about his expectations in the tournament and the upcoming major league season. The locker room was filled with members of Phil's team, and they were all very tense.
"This is Edward. He's visiting from Washington state. He's dating my wife's daughter," Phil explained. The boys are looking pretty nervous. I'd better have a word with Jack. Can't have him falling apart. The kids were preoccupied with the day ahead and not particularly interested in me, but some stray thoughts flitted through their minds. Boy is he pale. He needs to get out in the sun. He's in good shape. Wonder how much he can bench press.
We headed for the field and Phil led us in stretches and calisthenics. He ordered us to jog around the perimeter. The boys wondered how fast I was and wanted to test themselves against me. I positioned myself just behind the small group of leaders. I wouldn't undermine their confidence by beating them, but I didn't want to do too badly in front of the man I hoped was my future stepfather-in-law.
Slowly we circled the field. I was used to running at a human pace in gym class, but that didn't mean it was easy, or that I liked it. I had to concentrate to keep a steady, measured stride and not accelerate. Containing myself was especially aggravating now, after more than twenty-four hours with no relief in sight. We Cullens prided ourselves on our ability to be accepted in human society. I hadn't realized until now how carefully limited our exposure was. We spent the better part of every day and every week being ourselves.
Phil approved of my style. Edward's got good form, he thought. He should run cross country or enter a marathon, maybe. He's not even breaking a sweat. Oops. My gym teachers were never so observant. How was I going to fake perspiration?
The boys were clustered around a cooler of ice water, re-hydrating after the run. A couple of them poured cups of water over their heads to cool off, and I copied them. Problem solved.
"Edward, do you think you can help me out?"
"Of course. What can I do?"
"My pitchers need to warm up. I'm going to work with Dave. Can you catch for Josh?" He indicated a tall, well-built blond boy and handed me a catcher's mitt.
Josh's first pitch was blazing fast and slammed into the mitt with a resounding smack. His thoughts were loud and clear. I sighed inwardly and gave him what he wanted. I pulled my hand out of the glove and shook it.
"Wow, that stings," I commented.
"Sorry," he said, insincerely.
"You've got a great arm." His mind radiated smug satisfaction.
Phil had been monitoring his player. So Josh is showing off. Why am I not surprised. "Josh, this is a warm-up. Start slow and save the heat for the game."
"OK, coach." I proved my point.
We completed the exercise, and the team gathered to review strategy for their first opponent of the day. Before joining them, Phil spoke to me as I left to shower and change. "Thanks for helping out." He paused and gave me a penetrating look. "You didn't really have trouble catching for Josh, did you?"
I wasn't sure what the right answer was. He was picturing the interaction in his mind, but I couldn't tell whether Josh or I or both of us were destined for trouble. I said nothing.
He grinned and clapped me on the shoulder. "I didn't think so. Have fun with the girls!" Edward's a good athlete and a really good sport. Bella could do a lot worse.
"Thanks!" The compliment made me feel so great that the response just spilled out. Luckily, he had no way of realizing I was answering his thoughts, not his words.
Author's Note: It was hard for me to develop this chapter. I don't know how boys and men act by themselves! But Bella and Renee are on their way to pick up Edward so I'll be back on more comfortable territory in the next chapter!
