Wyatt’s the first up to bat.He misses the first two balls, but he connects with the third.He barely makes it to first base before our opponent gets the ball.I breathe a sigh of relief.This team is good and if we can win this game, it will be because we fought hard.
Cord steps up to the plate next.He takes a few practice swings and says something to the catcher.When the ball comes sailing his way, he swings and misses the first one.The second one hits the bat with a loud crack.He sends it sailing towards left field and the guy from the other team isn’t paying attention.He misses what should’ve been an easy ball and fails to get Cord out.
Third is Smithy.He’s laughing and smiling the entire time he’s at bat.He connects with the first pitch and hits it far into the outfield.He brings both Wyatt and Cord home, giving us an instant lead.
Wheeler and Schmidt go next.They both get on base and I can feel the pressure.
I'm up next.I suck in a deep breath and blow it out slowly.I need to make sure Smithy gets home.Having a three-point lead is huge.
I zero in on the pitcher and watch him carefully.I’ve studied the pitchers on every team.I’ve looked for their little tells so I can figure out how they’ll pitch the ball.Things most people barely pay attention to.
It’s what makes you a better batter.You’re able to anticipate what’s coming at you and how to respond.
He scratches the left side of his jaw.Something he only does when he’s going to throw a curve ball.I adjust my stance and prepare myself.When the curve ball comes my way, I'm ready for it.I slam my bat into the ball hard enough to send it sailing over the fence and the crowd goes wild!
I drop my bat and take off at a jog.I don’t need to hurry; there’s no way for me to get out.I make it all the way around to home and Smithy leaps into my arms, giving me a massive hug.
“That was crazy!”Smithy shouts above the roar of the stadium.
“Nice hit, Covey!”Levi calls from his spot on the side lines.
Man, if we can keep this up, we’ll be unstoppable in this game.
I glance back up at the box and wonder if Cici’s watching me.I wonder if she was even paying attention to the game when I hit my home run.
Chapter 15
Cici
EverytimeCoveytakesthe field, I can’t help but stare at him.His smile lights up his face and makes me want to fall into his arms and get one of his amazing hugs.
He waves to the fans like it’s his favorite part of the entire game, and honestly it might be.He really is that nice of a guy.
He stops right before he reaches the dugout and stares up at the box.Logically, I know he can’t see me, but I feel like he’s looking right at me.
“I'm sorry for being a jerk,” Adam says softly.
“It’s fine,” I mumble, keeping my full attention on the field.I don’t want to talk to Adam.I want to focus on the game and nothing else.The sooner the game is over, the sooner I can part ways with Adam and never see him again.I’ll make sure to avoid the restaurant where he works out at all costs… Which kind of stinks because it’s the best Mexican restaurant in the city.
The room erupts in cheers as Wyatt and Cord each score a run.
“It’s not fine.I’m struggling with the idea of me not being able to afford the things you’re used to.”
“No one asked you to.”
“Yeah, but I'm also not going to let my girlfriend pay for everything.That would make me feel pretty lousy.”
“I'm not your girlfriend, Adam.”
I barely spare him a glance when Covey’s name is called and he takes his place behind the plate.I move to the edge of my seat and watch him carefully.
“C’mon, Covey.You can do this,” I mumble under my breath.
He hits the ball out of the park and everyone loses their minds.We’re all on our feet screaming like crazy people, except Adam.He’s sitting back in his seat with his arms folded over his chest and a frown on his face.
I don’t understand what his deal is.I thought he’d be excited to come here.I thought he’d be a sweet guy to hang out with after last night.I was wrong on all accounts.
“Just because you’re not my girlfriend yet, doesn’t mean you can’t be,” he says softly.
