The second pitch came in high and he laid off that one too.
“He’s patient for a kid,” I said. “Very mature.”
“Yes, it’s one of his strengths,” Seraphina said. “The coach has mentioned it to me a few times.”
The third pitch came in belt-high over the middle of the plate and Tyler turned on it.
His crack of the bat was solid and clean. The ball went hard into the gap between left and center, and both runners were moving before it landed. Tyler was out of the box fast, rounding first without breaking stride, pushing for second, sliding in ahead of the throw in a cloud of dust.
Two runs scored.
I was on my feet. So was everyone in the home stands. For a second, I thought about how good it felt to be part of something. Cheering for our hometown kids.
“This is fun,” I said, gently bumping Seraphina’s shoulder with my own. “I’m really glad Tyler invited me.”
“I’m glad you could come,” Seraphina said, leaning closer to speak only to me. “I hope you didn’t feel pressured.”
“No way. I’m honored to be part of the gang,” I said. “And that he’d even think to ask.”
“He never says too much about it, but I know he wishes he had a dad.” I sighed. “One of many things I feel guilty about.”
“You shouldn’t. He has a great life, and that’s because of you.”
Tyler was taking his lead off second, watching the pitcher.
The game stayed close through the sixth, Willet Cove up by two, with the other team threatening in the seventh. Tyler made a running catch on a ball hit up the middle in the sixth that ended the inning and brought the bleachers up again.”
Willet Cove held on to win, five to three. Peter finished what he started, striking out the final batter on a two-two count to close out the game. Alex, coaching from third base, turned toward the dugout with both fists raised in triumph.
Tyler jogged in from shortstop at the final out, his cap pushed back and his uniform streaked with dirt. Just like it should be. Seconds later, he bounded toward the bleachers.
“You did good,” Madison shouted to him when he arrived.
“Thanks, kiddo,” Tyler said.
There were congratulations and fist bumps before the group began gathering their things. Vance folding a blanket, the kids already dispersing toward the parking lot in small clusters. Alex had come up from the field and now had Leo in his car seat. Seraphina excused herself, saying she’d be right back, then headed toward the restrooms, leaving me alone with Tyler.
Tyler turned to me. “What’d you think?” He was trying to sound casual but wasn’t quite pulling it off. Be careful of his heart, I reminded myself. He might look mostly grown, and he was wise beyond his years, but he was also a vulnerable kid who could be crushed by careless words.
“I think you’re pretty awesome,” I said. “Thanks for inviting me.”
He ducked his head, but not before I caught the grin he was trying to contain. “I’m glad you came.”
“When’s the next one?” I asked.
“Next Thursday evening,” Tyler said. “Do you have to work that day?”
“I usually do, but maybe I can get it covered.” I glanced at Seraphina who stopped to chat with Delphine on her way to the restroom. I lowered my voice. “In fact, I have a surprise for your mom. Ivy James is coming to hang out with me next week. Maybe write some songs together.”
“No way. Can Mom meet her?”
“I’ll arrange it. Maybe a little concert at Wes and Margaret’s, just for her?”
“She would lose her mind.” He tilted his head, his expression suddenly wary. “You and Ivy aren’t, like, more than friends, right?”
“Me and Ivy? We’re like siblings,” I said. “You’ll see.”
He let out what sounded like a sigh of relief. “Okay, cool. You want to go to pizza with my mom and me right now?”
