Page 86 of A Little Twist
“Oh my gosh, Cass is still the nanny! She’s fine.” Jessica quickly answers, then exhales a laugh. “Her job isverysecure.”
“That’s not exactly what I meant.” Julia’s lowered tone is worried, and I squeeze her hand.
“Your daughter’s up to bat!”
I cheer for Crimson, but I feel my friends’ eyes on me. This time, the little girl doesn’t spin around like a top when she hits the ball. She also doesn’t make it to first base, and Pinky runs out to get the helmet and bat.
I’m pleased to see her hug her friend and pat her shoulder, but all that friendliness disappears when she enters the batter’s box.
Ryan looks to Owen, and they exchange a nod. Owen motions to the kid on first base with two fingers, signaling to keep his eyes open.
Our little slugger walks up to the plate with her brow lowered and what looks like a ping-pong ball in her cheek.
“What is she eating?” Jessica asks.
“Big League Chew,” I reply, my eyes not leaving P.
“We want a batter, not a broken ladder!” The kid on first base starts, and she cuts him a look just as Ryan pitches.
“Strike!” the catcher yells, and she turns on him.
“You’re no umpire!”
“It’s okay, Pinky,” I call. “Don’t worry about him. Keep your eye on the ball.”
She gets back into position, her elbow up and her eyes lowered. Ryan takes a minute, and Jessica exclaims, “Is it always this intense?”
Piper whispers in my ear. “As intense as Alex’s house?”
Ryan pitches an under-handed throw, and Pinky swings with all her might…
And misses.
“Stee-rike!” The catcher stands up and does a pulling motion with his fist.
The kid on first is back at it. “Keep swinging, the breeze feels nice!”
Pinky stomps at him, but I’m on her from the sidelines. “Remember to keep your eye on the ball!”
I’m also starting to realize how much Adam keeps the peace being on the field with them.
“Shouldn’t she be using a tee?” Jessica’s brow is furrowed. “She’s not even five yet.”
Nobody answers as the little players assume their positions. Pinky holds the bat over her head, elbow high, and Ryan stands in profile studying her little self.
He turns and tosses the ball underhand, and she rears back, lifting her leg and swinging with all her might…
It connects with a loudCrack!Only, the ball shoots straight up in the air. She’s running as hard as she can to first, but Ryan positions himself under the foul ball, easily catching it.
“You’re out!” the catcher growls, and Pinky charges at him on her way back from first.
He’s twice her size, but she’s not intimidated. Ryan races forward from the pitcher’s mound, grabbing her around the waist and lifting her off the ground. “Easy now!”
“I’m going to pull that mask off his face!” Pinky yells, and I start to head out there and break it up.
Then I hesitate, glancing at Jessica. “Did you want to take this one?”
“No…” She pulls back startled. “Please take it!”