“What if you’re not them?”
“I’mnotthem,” Lucas says. “I don’t know how anyone else deals with it, but all I can tell you is the moment I step on the mound, baseball’s the only thing on my mind.”
It’s a great answer, but Logan isn’t satisfied, and I wonder how much of this is about Lucas and how much is about him. “What if some of that drama spills over to your teammates? Aren’t you afraid of your personal life interfering with your team?”
Lucas holds Logan’s eye. “Not at all. Baseball has always been personal for me. My dad’s one of the most respected umps in the league—you all know Bruce.” He smiles, as if he’s not talking to his brother. “My sister works for the Firebirds. I’ve been playing ball with my brother at every level since I was in preschool.”
He’s taken the question in a different direction—masterfully—but a reporter would sniff that out.
So does his brother.
“Family is one thing. What about other teammates? We’ve all seen how a single player can poison the entire clubhouse.”
“That’s not who I am,” he says with a smile. “Look at me. I’m a human antidote.”
I choke back a laugh, and Logan shakes his head. Lucas was born for the spotlight.
“Well, crap, looks like you really have been working,” Logan says.
“I’m not completely useless.” Lucas’s voice isn’t sharp, so why does it prick me?
I look at him—really look, for half a second. There’s something under the easy grin that I almost recognize. Like he’s been waiting his whole life for someone to take him seriously, and he’s learned to make a joke of it before anyone else can.
I know that feeling.
“I didn’t think you were,” Logan says. “I thought you were too busy flirting to get anything done.”
“And nowI’mthe one offended,” I say. “Are you accusing me of cheating on my boyfriend or simply being that bad at my job?”
Logan’s face reddens. “Neither. I just know my brother.”
“Do you have any idea how rude you’re being?” I ask, folding my arms. “First, he’s not a cheater. And second, he’s way too smart to squander the opportunity he’s worked for his entire life. What are you thinking?”
Logan’s red face has deepened, but he doesn’t look cowed the way he should. “I know that. I just?—”
“Are you testingme?”
Lucas holds out his hands. “Okay, okay, I think this has gone far enough. Logan, I get it: I was amazing in that mock interview, and you’re a tool when you’re jealous. Scottie, thanks for defending my honor. Whenever you get tired of Jake, I’ll be here.” He winks at me, and it’s the perfect deflection. Decoy. Whatever.
Logan huffs. “Sorry, Scottie. And you, too, Lukie.”
“All good,” Lucas says, but I’m not sure I’m ready.
“I’ll forgive you,” I say, “if you do well enough inyourmock interview.” I glance at the calendar on my monitor. “And since we’re all being professionals again, after this we’re going to talk Arizona logistics. Transportation, lodging, schedule, all of it. Sound good?”
They both nod.
“Then Logan, you’re in the hot seat. Imagine this …”
***
By the end of the day, I’m sort of over the Fischer twins.
When Logan isn’t being a patronizing goober, he’s a decent guy, and he and Lucas start speaking their own language that consists of weird looks and inside jokes that I can’t begin to follow.
“Logan, what were you thinking when Rodriguez’s ball turned foul?—”
“Foul ball!” Lucas interrupts.
