Page 16 of Stealing Summer
“Missed?” I echoed, reaching for my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. “I didn’t miss. Just wanted to give him a warning this time.” I smiled and shrugged innocently.
“Warning, huh?” Parker laughed, bumping fists with me. “Well, consider the message received. Loud and clear.”
“I think that’s game, my friends!” Parker yelled out, the excitement lacing his words enough to draw snickers from a few of their teammates.
There was no stopping the smile that spread across my face with satisfaction as I left the field behind me.
A week later, the sun beat down on the back of my neck as I sat in the bleachers—the metal benches were scorching beneath me. My heart pounded with excitement and nerves as I watched the players warming up on the field below.
Boston shot a wink at me before catching the ball and tossing it back to Parker. They were both dressed in their new uniforms, the bright white pants and bold blue jerseys were gleaming.
Willow plopped down on the bench beside me with two cold sodas in hand. “Here,” she sighed, passing me one. “It’s so hot out here. I’m practically melting.”
“Thanks.” I pressed the icy can to my cheek, relishing the coolness.
“I hope they do well today,” she shielded her eyes from the sun as she watched the team practice. “Dad’s nervous, I can tell.”
“Your dad really knows how to inspire them,” I responded, watching the coach get the players pumped up for the game.
“Yep, he’s been coaching for as long as I can remember,” Willow added. “I’ve loved every minute of watching him. You know, I want to be just like him one day.”
“Coaching?” I asked, surprised but intrigued.
“Absolutely!” Willow bubbled with excitement. “Whether it’s softball or even breaking into the baseball world, I want to make a difference, just like he does. It’s not just about teaching the game, it’s about building confidence, and creating a team that’s more like a family.”
I laughed softly, admiring her ambition. “I can totally see you doing that, Willow. And shaking things up while you’re at it.”
“For sure.” Willow’s smile was full of promise. “Just wait and see. I’m going to coach a team to victory one day.”
I cracked open my soda. “Well, Boston was talking nonstop about this game. And I know Parker wants to impress all the girls here today, too,” I said with a laugh.
Willow rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
The announcer’s voice suddenly boomed over the loudspeaker, jolting me from my thoughts. “Alright folks, it’s time for the first pitch...”
Reese appeared from out of the dugout and walked to the mound, confident in every step.
Around me, girls whispered and giggled.
“There’s Reese, he’s so hot.”
“I know, right? Those eyes...” another sighed dreamily.
I rolled my eyes and looked away. Of course, they were drooling over him. As he went into his motion on the mound, his muscles flexed, and the green of his eyes flashed brightly beneath his cap.
A tiny part of me understood their awe. With his bad-boy reputation, dangerous charm, and wealthy family, Willow said that Reese had always drawn attention from all the girls in town. I wondered if there was more to him underneath the surface.
A few rows up, Blair leapt to her feet, clapping and cheering as Reese threw his first pitch. “Let’s go, Reese!” she shouted. “You got this, babe!”
I exhaled, sinking lower in my seat. Blair, the perfect, beautiful girlfriend was back to claim her territory. She was wearing a shirt with the number two on it, Reese’s number.
As the game ended, the crowd erupted into cheers as number twenty-nine, Boston, slid into home plate, sealing the victory for the team. Parker jumped up from the dugout, pumping his fist in the air. I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear, my heart swelled with pride for them.
They all played so well today. Parker did great behind the plate and Boston had three outs at shortstop plus the game-winning run. He was glowing as he high-fived his teammates, flashing that signature crooked smile that made all the girls swoon. And Reese, he had pitched a hell of a game. Sure, he was arrogant, but there was no denying his talent.
As the team gathered around home plate, I saw Reese approach Parker with his hand held out for a fist bump. Parker returned it enthusiastically and said something that made Reese laugh. Before I knew it, Boston had joined them, and the three of them were celebrating their victory. I never thought I’d see the day when Reese and Boston were on the same team, let alone winning together. I guess I had underestimated their sportsmanship. Maybe underneath the rivalry, they respected each other as athletes.
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