“You got it.”
People clap me on the back and offer their congratulations as I grab us drinks and plates of snacks. The national anthemrings out, signaling the start of the game is close.
By the time I get back to our seats, Alice is standing and cheering as the game starts. In a Black Diamonds hat, her long blonde hair flows down her back, while she wears a white T-shirt with dark jean shorts. She is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen in my life.
I’ve always known Alice is beautiful. Before anything could happen, we became best friends. I never wanted to jeopardize that.
Even the thought now of this thing ending makes my heart crack in my chest. I want Alice.OnlyAlice. But that’s something I’m going to have to broach later. She only just took this thing to the next level. I don’t want to make her overthink things.
“Took you long enough,” she says, as I hand her one of the beers.
“Sorry.”
“You’re okay. We’re up.”
As if on cue, the crack of a bat rings out as one of the Miners’ players takes off to first base. He makes it before the ball hits the glove of the baseman. I guess it was a fast three up and down for the other team.
I clap along with everyone else as the next hitter lines up.
“Did you ever think about playing another sport?” Alice asks.
I shake my head. “Nope. You know I was in skates practically as soon as I could walk.”
“But it never crossed your mind?”
“All I ever wanted to play was hockey.”
“It’s a good thing you’re good at it.”
“Would you come to my baseball games if I played for the Miners?”
“Hell, yeah. You know I would. It’s a good thing you can’t come watch me work.”
“Is that supposed to be a challenge?” I ask. “Because if I could, I’d come watch you make bouquets every day.”
“Stop it.” She pushes me away. “You’d be so bored.”
“Getting to be with you, Froggie? It’s never boring.”
She sips on her drink, that all too familiar blush creeping up her cheeks. I love how easily she shows what she’s feeling.
It’s something she’s always done.
The game goes on, the Miners scoring two runs in their half of the inning before Seattle is back up to bat. Before I know it, the kiss cam starts up. It flashes across couples around the field before it locks on to me and Alice.
“Oh my God!” Alice cries out, covering her face with her hands in embarrassment.
“You want me to kiss you?” I drop an arm around her shoulders.
“You have to. Otherwise, everyone is going to boo at us.”
An idea comes to me. I lean in, Alice with her handsshielding our faces from the camera. At the very last minute, I dodge to the other side and kiss the trophy.
“Are you serious?” Alice shrieks next to me. “You kissed the Cup and not me?”
Cheers ring out around the ballpark, mixed with boos.
Laughter bursts out of me. “Hey, I only get to have the Cup for one day.One, Froggie. You can’t blame a guy.”
