Chin Up Champ

Jayden Vargas and I have history, a past I’ve finally moved on from. But when my dream job pairs me with the only guy to ever break my heart, old wounds surface, and buried feelings come right along with them.

My father is the winningest baseball coach in Texas history, and Jayden Vargas was his favorite player. While my softball skills were elite enough to pay for college, my best friend Jayden was destined for the majors. My dad knew it then. And so did I. Maybe that’s why I fell for him. Or perhaps it was his sad eyes and perfect dimples. One thing is certain, a desperate kiss after the state championship our senior year made those feelings impossible to outrun.

Then he ghosted me completely. Years of friendship gone. My person, no longer a phone call away. The perfect kiss . . . tainted. So I focused on my game. And I turned my talent into the job my father always wanted—an MLB hitting coach.

I’m the first female member of the Sweetwater Mavericks coaching staff. The weight of it isn’t lost on me. And I have my sights set on breaking down more barriers. I’m determined not to let anything get in my way. Not even Mavericks star player Jayden Vargas.

Even if I’ve always been his biggest fan.

So what if it turns out he’s always been mine.