Keane’s eyes are trained on the surface of the water, his lips pressed firmly together.
“Keane?” I ask.
He looks at me.
“How’s the arm?”
He exhales. “The team flew me out last week to check on my progress. It wasno bueno.”
My stomach tightens. “What happened?”
“It was worst-case scenario, man. I got on the mound and couldn’t get my fastball going and my curveball was for shit.”
“But it hasn’t even been a year since the surgery. You just need time.”
“Most guys are back on the mound after seven or eight months, Ry. It’s been nine. I’m out of time.”
“Bah. A little bit longer and you’ll be good as new, I’m sure of it.”
Keane shakes his head. “They cut me.”
“What?”
“Nine days ago.”
“But... why didn’t you say something?”
Keane shrugs.
“Have you told Mom and Dad?”
“I haven’t told anyone but Zander—and that was only because he walked in on me one night when I was crying like a baby.”
“Aw, Keaney.” My heart physically hurts inside my chest. “You should have told us. We’d have circled the Morgan-wagons around you.”
“I’ve just been processing it, I guess.”
“Aw, Keane. I’m so sorry. I know how long you’ve dreamed about pitching in the major leagues.”
“Yeah, well, a dream plus ten cents will get me two nickels, right?”
I grimace. “Don’t say that. I know you’re disappointed, but don’t talk like you’re giving up on dreaming altogether. You’re only twenty-two, little bro. Keep your chin up. I tell you what: how about I pay your rent for a couple months—you know, just to give you a little breathing room while you figure out your next dream?”
“Thanks, but it’s okay. I’ve got some money saved and Zander said he’s good to cover rent for a couple months.”
A loud cheer erupts from a nearby boat and we both look toward the noise, just in time to see a young boy pulling a ridiculously large trout out of the water.
“Ho-lee shit,” Keane says. “Look at that thing.”
“That’s a huge fucking fish.”
“What kind of bait was that kid using, I wonder? Should I row over there and ask him?”
“Nah.” I hold up my beer can. “I’m good just sitting here, talking to you. Fuck the fish.”
Keane flashes me a crooked smile that melts my heart. “Okay. Cool.”
“Is that k-e-w-l?”
