Including myself.
The next batter makes contact as well, but this time the ball’s caught, giving them the second out they needed.
One more and it’s over for tonight.
There’s still a runner on second, but I’m doing my best to ignore it and pray that Quentin just strikes this guy out.
He swings and misses at the first pitch, one strike down. The next is a dirty curve ball, one that he misses as well.
Clara, Kaya, and I are on the edge of the couch, leaning forward as we watch eagerly for the last pitch, hopefully of the game.
Quentin winds up and releases the ball, and when the batter makes contact, it goes right back at Quentin.
It happens so fast, my heart stilling as I watch the ball soar right back at Quentin’s face, but thankfully, he catches it and stumbles back from the blow.
Instead of the celebration that I thought would happen, there’s an uproar. Fans are booing, and suddenly Ian is on the screen as he runs up to the batter and shoves him.
Both teams are rushing toward them to pull them apart, with many players getting into side scuffles as they do.
“Holy fuck,” Kaya murmurs as we watch it unfold.
I’m speechless as Quentin pulls Ian off the batter and holds him back, shouting something that the cameras don’t pick up.
The teams disperse back to their sides, forgoing the handshaking tonight.
“What the hell just happened?” Clara asks.
“I’m going to guess that your brother thought the batter did that on purpose. That’s why he lost it,” Kaya guesses, and I have to say, I think she’s right.
“These guys know how to control a ball, and usually stuff like that is done on purpose. Whether to throw the pitcher off with a jump scare, or to potentially injure them,” I add, feeling uneasy about Quentin or Ian playing these next few games.
Hopefully, they win the next two in Florida and win the Series.
If they lose any games, it’ll mean more time spent with a team that seems keen on not going out without a fight. Literally.
And the thought of anything happening to either of them makes me sick to my stomach.
Chapter 48
Quentin
“That is not going to happen again,” Coach Tran seethes, his words full of anger despite his put together demeanor.
“With all due respect, Coach, it was bullshit. Landon is one of the best hitters in the League. He did that on purpose,” Ian speaks up, silencing the room.
Ian’s been making an effort to be a part of the team, but no one’s seen him do this before. Speak up against the coach for the team. Hell,no oneon the team has ever done that before.
“It’s nice to see you come around to the team, Ian. But it’s not going to happen again, got it? We’re here to win a series, not a brawl.” Coach Tran’s words are final as he spins on his heel and exits the locker room.
Chatter erupts around us, and guys all make their way to Ian, giving him a clap on the back or a fist pound as they pass him.
I don’t miss the shy smile on his face or the pride in his stance.
“You didn’t need to do that tonight,” I say to him as I sit and undo my laces.
“You’re family, and no one messes with family,” Ian says, his eyes set on me with sincerity.
“Hey, cool it, buddy.” Cole slides beside Ian, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “Quentin is bromantically involved already.”
