Glancing over to the visitor’s dugout, I saw the team heading into the tunnel. Dylan glanced up, and our eyes met for a beat.
He gave me a slight nod, but the look on his face said it all; he was crushed. A part of me hated that he was on the other side and had lost his first big-league game, but it was either him or me, and the Red Sox had pulled it out in the end.
He disappeared into the passageway, and I turned back to my team’s chaos.
When I stepped inside the clubhouse, it was loud in that postgame way, with everybody talking over everybody and nobody caring. Music came from near the back; guys were laughing, and the air smelled of sweat and dirt.
Cruz came up to me. “So, how’s it feel, rook? First big-league win, and you made the last out.”
“Barely.” I stopped at my cubby and dropped my glove on the shelf.
He smirked. “Cool. We’re going out later, and the first round’s on you.”
I stared at him. “I’ve got family upstairs, and the media are still on my schedule. I’m not going out.”
Palmer laughed. “You can’t opt out.”
Cline called from down the row, “Rook’s got excuses.”
Cruz pointed at me. “Doesn’t matter. Rookie buys. That’s the rule.”
“Fine,” I replied, still grinning. “But if anyone orders something that comes with a tiny umbrella, I’m not paying for it.”
Cruz’s smile turned smug. “He thinks he’s funny.”
Cline chuckled. “He’ll learn.”
I grabbed my phone from my locker, and the notifications were insane.
Mom: I’m so proud of you!
Cammie: I’M STILL SCREAMING!!!
Dad: That’s a hell of a way to start. Proud of you. We’re waiting in the suite for you and D when you’re done with all the post-game stuff
Marcos: Don’t talk to anyone alone. Call me after media
Cruz leaned in. “Fan club going crazy?”
“My family,” I answered, my thumb hovering over the screen.
“Was that who was in your suite?”
I glanced at him. “My suite?”
He pointed up toward the ceiling. “People were screaming your name all game.”
“Yeah, must have been,” I replied, tugging at my jersey.
Another message popped up.
Tyler: Did you see this?
Along with his message came a link with the headline:
FIRST DAUGHTER, FAYE DONNELLEY SPOTTED AT FENWAY! ARE THINGS GETTING SERIOUS WITH RED SOX ROOKIE SHORTSTOP, JASE MATTHEWSON?
I started reading the comments …
