Fletcher
It's hard not to feel disappointed when the ninth inning comes to a close and we’re still down by two. Instead of performing the winning dance number we’ve worked on at practice, it’s the Rowdy Rattlers performing theirs instead. We’d been hoping to start this season off strong with two straight wins, but unfortunately for the Honky Tonks, the Rattlers dominated at the end, coming back swinging—literally—in the seventh as they fully secured their lead.
Even so, there’s no way anyone could wipe this smile off my face, and it has nothing to do with the game at all. I’m still riding the incredible high from my evening out with Hollis last night, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
She’s finally opening up and showing off the real her as she no longer holds back. Not that I needed the proof, but it was still nice to get the validation that yes, there is something simmering between us. We might not be acting on those feels just yet, but the chemistry, oh, it’s there and it’s unmistakable.
Other than our small interaction during the fifth inning and before my special intro designed by her after her big pool-table win, we haven’t been able to talk, but I’m ready to change that.
I, of course, saw the way she glared in my direction the one time I managed to catch her eye after dragging her into my performance, but I’m ninety-nine percent sure it was all for show.
I probably should’ve clued her in ahead of time on what I’d been planning, but we all know she would've said no. What’s that old saying about it being better to ask forgiveness rather than permission? So yes, I’m aware I have some damage control to do, and now feels like the perfect time as I spot her standing next to her father.
“So, what did you think of the game?” I ask Jared Clemmins, as I sneak up behind him, giving his shoulder a pat, making it appear as though he’s the one I’m here to chat with.
“Oh, man. What a game. And you put in quite the fight, even if it was the Rattlers who secured the big win tonight,” he beams proudly.
It’s still not something I’m fully used to, having a boss be okay with a loss. But I suppose in his case, given that he owns both teams, he wins either way. Plus, how can he not be happy when our first two games have both played to sold out crowds?
People are finally discovering and falling in love with our version of baseball, and I can’t blame them. Hell, even I’d take this over a regular ol’ game of baseball, which is saying something after having grown up playing competitively my entire life.
“Yeah, that wasn’t great, but we plan to come back even harder and get ‘em next time,” I say, my gaze drifting from him to his daughter.
For the first time ever, I finally get the sayingif looks could kill, because if they could, I’d be dead under that piercing gaze of hers. I think I messed up—big time. Judging by that glare, she's more than a little pissed off.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, especially if you keep playing like you did tonight. You once again secured the lead for the player with the most trick plays out there.”
While the trick plays don’t necessarily help either team in the game point-wise, the audience eats it up each and every time. Whether it’s catching the ball in a unique way, doing a flip, or throwing the ball with flair, it's what truly makes Honky Tonk ball the exciting game that it is. While I can’t always make something happen, I certainly try.
“Thank you, sir,” I say, feigning modesty, at least for his sake.
It’s one thing to be a showboat around my teammates and the fans; it's a completely different ball game doing it in front of your boss and the one who signs your paychecks.
“I was actually just talking to Hollis here about your special walk-up performance,” he grins, his loving gaze drifting down toward his daughter. “It was my favorite moment of the entire game.”
“As I’m sure she told you, the song choice was all hers,” I say, nodding toward Hollis, “But I’m starting to suspect she wasn’t all that thrilled about becoming a part of the night’s entertainment.”
“You think?” she deadpans, folding her arms and looking ready to disown both of us.
“Aw, come on,” Jared says as he slings an arm around her shoulder and pulls her into his side. “You were amazing, and looked absolutely adorable.”
“That’s not the point. I’m annoyed because Fletcher, here,” she starts, my name sounding like venom on her tongue, “didn’t warn me ahead of time.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” I ask, as inner me celebrates the fact that Mr. Clemmens seems to agree as he nods along.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he attempts to soothe her, but she only shoots him a glare. “What’s done is done so why not just focus on how well it all went? The crowd absolutely loved it.”
From a short distance, someone calls Jared’s name and motions him over.
“Looks like I’m being called away. If you’ll both excuse me,” he says, dropping his arm from around Hollis as he steps back into boss mode.
With a final nod and wave we say our goodbyes.
“You really thought you were so smooth with that one, huh?” she asks the minute we’re alone.
“Honestly?” I shrug. “Yeah. Kind of.”
“You realize this means I’m coming back with something even harsher next time, right?”
