I didn’t see Marshall again until the next softball game rolled around. I got a few more text messages in response to my questions. They all pretty much said the same thing. He was not feeling well, but he was sure that he would be okay. Marshall thanked me for my concern, and he hoped to see me again soon.

I considered skipping the softball game, because I was pretty sure Marshall wouldn’t be there. Then, at the last minute, Shane called me and asked if I would be there. He must have sensed some hesitation in my voice because he said, “Please, Mr. Vaughan. I’ll do some math problems over the summer if you come.”

I laughed out loud and said, “I’ll be there. Tell Joey I’ll be there, and we’ll cheer your new coach on to victory.”

“And your new boyfriend,” said Shane.

I said, “Yes, my new boyfriend.”

The softball team looked like it had a big hole in it to me. I wasn’t sure who would be playing left field, but the team had three other players, any of which could be substituted in for Marshall.

Ten minutes before the game was set to begin, Billy jogged over to the bleachers and asked if he could speak with me for a few moments in private. I excused myself from Shane and Joey and stepped behind the bleachers.

Billy said, “Marshall said to let you know that he couldn’t make it to the game. He is feeling better, but he didn’t think he should push his body with a game today.” Then Billy looked into my eyes and said, “And I hope this isn’t all news to you, or I think I’ll strangle his scrawny neck later.”

I laughed and said, “No, I was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to make it today. Thank you for sharing the news, though.”

Billy shifted his weight back and forth from one leg to the other and then brushed his long hair back over his shoulder. He asked, “Are you leaving immediately when the game is over?”

I said, “I don’t need to. I picked up Shane and Joey, but I can send them home on the bus.”

Billy said, “Oh, I don’t think that would be necessary, but I would like to talk to you for a few more minutes when the game is over.”

“Absolutely. So for now, get back out there. I held up a hand for a high five.” Our hands smacked together, and I said, “Say hi to Blake for me, too. I’ll have his fan club in the stands with me.”

Billy grinned and said, “Will do.” Then he turned and jogged back out to the field to join the team.

Part of me wanted to see the team struggle with Marshall’s absence. I wanted it to be obvious that he was absolutely necessary for their success, but it didn’t turn out that way.

Blake was the star of the day. He put the Soft Serves ahead with a three-run home run in the first inning, and they were never seriously challenged after that. In the stands we all cringed and tried not to look when Antonio and Lowell nearly collided behind second base. Fortunately, at the last minute, Lowell successfully called Antonio off and caught the ball.

Shane leaned toward me and said, “They are looking amazing today.” He asked, “Will Marshall be back for the next game?”

I said, “I think so. He just was feeling a little under the weather today.”

At the end of the fourth inning, Shane said, “We’ve been talking to Coach Powell some already, and he has great ideas for next season. It’s going to be so hard to wait for spring. We’re gonna win the conference this season.

Joey gave him an elbow in the side. He leaned forward and turned toward me saying, “Shane always has really big dreams, but I agree that Coach Powell will be good for the team. He does have some excellent ideas, and he really does know how to play baseball.”

Three innings later, the final batter for the opposing team popped up a ball on the infield. Antonio spread his long arms wide and called for it. Then a huge grin filled his face as the ball settled into his glove. It was another win for the Soft Serves and their record stood at five wins with only one loss. It was the best record in the league.

I told Shane and Joey they had the option of either heading home right away on the bus or waiting for me to finish talking to Billy. Shane said, “I wish we could go to the Toolbox with the team.”

I sighed and said, “Well, I guess that one isn’t really an option.”

Joey said, “We’ll wait for you, Mr. Vaughan. Riding the bus isn’t much fun, and we’ll probably still get home earlier riding with you.”

I heard Billy say to Ian, “I’ll see you guys at the Toolbox in about twenty minutes,” and then he jogged over to speak to me. When he approached me, he said, “Hey, thanks for waiting for me, Jordan. That was some win, eh?”

I said, “You all look amazing. I just hope Marshall is back to help take the league championship.”

Billy said, “Oh, I expect he will be at the next game. He’s just in a little tailspin over Neil at the moment. He’ll right the ship. Marshall is tougher than he thinks he is.”

My brow furrowed, and I asked, “Neil?”

Billy searched my eyes, and then he asked, “Hasn’t he told you about Neil?”

I said, “No, who’s Neil?”

Billy took a long deep breath. Then he hung his head for a moment while his hair fell forward. He brushed it back once more and then looked me in the eye. He said, “Me and my fucking big mouth. It’s not my place to say anything.”

I said, “But you don’t have a lot of choice now. You brought it up, and I’m confused as hell.”

Billy said, “Neil was a long ago boyfriend. Many years ago. That’s really all I can say for now. You’ll have to ask Marshall to hear about the rest.”

“Is it something I should worry about?”

Billy reached out and put a hand on my shoulder. He said, “Look, Jordan. I’ve been friends with Marshall for over ten years. He’s one of the best guys that I know. Honestly, he is, but he has some baggage. Anyone who is his age does. If you want him, help him unpack it. Trust me. It will be more than worth it.”

I stared back at Billy, and I could see nothing but honesty in his eyes. I was confused, but there was something very reassuring about his words. I said, “I need to see him again. If you get to talk to him at all, tell him I would like that sooner rather than later. I do really like him, Billy, but this last week has been hard.”

“I understand,” said Billy. Then he closed his right hand into a fist. He said, “But hang tough, Jordan. You’ve got a man that’s like the kind a lot of guys dream about. Trust me on that.”