Shifting his weight from side to side, he remained laser focused on his target. Just as the pitcher released the ball toward him, time resumed its normal speed. She heard the distinct smack of the bat making contact with the ball.
Her heart pounded with adrenaline as the people in the stands jumped to their feet in unison, their roar reaching a decibel equal to that of being at a rock concert. Every head in the stadium watched the ball sail high into the air and over the centerfield wall.
“It’s going?.?.?. going?.?.?. gone! Another home run for the Flaming Bat in the record books!”
Tim’s eyes widened, then a wide brimming smile crossed his face. Flipping the now-extinguished bat with a charred rim, he set off at a light jog around the bases and waved to the crowd, bowing as his foot made contact with each bag.
Gemma was beyond impressed as she slow clapped, shaking her head. As she watched the fans, staff, ex-team members, and everyone else in the stadium cheer for him, she realized how difficult it must have been for Tim to give something like this up.
And to think that this is just a small taste of what it’s like to live in Tim’s world. Everybody loves him. Not just anybody would be on the receiving end of a reception like this. Whether it’s a friend or a fan, everybody we’ve seen today has wanted to stop and talk to him. Tim isn’t just a former player; he’s a legend. The Sloths are such a huge part of his life. Maybe even more than he let on.
Taking one final bow, Tim waved his cap to the crowd, then walked up to Gemma.
“How did I do?” he asked with a cocky grin.
“I’d wager you knocked it out of the park with a trick like that.”
She wrapped her arms around Tim, and he pulled her in close to his hot body and kissed her. She smelled the scent of his spicy deodorant and smoky wood. The fabric of his shirt was damp against her skin, causing goosebumps to appear.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, demanding to be released. Around them, she heard the encouraging buzz of thousands of people cheering them on. If she’d ever won a major championship, she imagined that the euphoric high would be equal to this moment.
Tim broke the kiss. “With a reception like that, maybe Ishouldconsider coming out of retirement,” he whispered.
She whacked him on the butt. “Stick to the judging, old man.” She giggled.
“Old man? Ouch.”
“I’d miss you too much if you played on the road all the time.”
“Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure my playing days are over.” He rubbed his shoulder. “That took a lot out of me.”
Her expression softened. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Today, yes. Who knows about tomorrow.”
“We’ll just take things one day at a time.”
He kissed her forehead. “Sloth-zone style.”
“Promise you’ll let me know if you need anything?”
“I will.”
“I’ll just be in the stands if you need me.”
Tim arched an eyebrow. “You know, you’re welcome to stay on the field with me.”
She shook her head. “No. You need to focus on the players. Besides, I like experiencing being a part of Sloth Nation for myself.”
Chapter 18
As the day’s auditions came to a close, the remaining people in Gemma’s section packed up their belongings and chatted excitedly about what they had seen. She stayed seated, uncertain of what to do next, and sent a text to Tim.
Gemma:Not sure if you need more time, but do you want me to wait for you in the stands, on the field, or at the car?
Setting her phone onto the seat’s armrest, she slid her newly-acquired Sloth hoodie on and listened to the trio of women from earlier chat. They were an excellent source of gossip.
“I hope the Sloths do a national audition tour every year. That was so much fun! I can’t wait until the team returns to play this summer,” the woman with brown hair said.
