724 V2 ch196

The three left with Alisha, heading down to the track. 

I glanced up at Coach, unsure of what I should be doing. 

Coach let out a heavy sigh. "How's the leg, Jake?"

I twisted my leg around to show him the bruise on my backside. "Just a bruise. Looks worse than it feels. Drew gave me a heating pad so it doesn't feel so tight right now."

He nodded. "Okay, good. If anything starts to feel off, tell me or any other coach and take a break. Can't afford you getting hurt. Not even this early before season starts. I know you've been working out and really pushing yourself so I don't want you to have to start over."

"I'm okay. I promise." I scratched my cheek. "And...for the record. I don't think Joey had the intention to hit me. Not outright anyways. His pitch count was high and-"