Page 22 of Pretty and Loco

“You ain't gotta try. Just listen to me.”

That made her turn her head completely toward me, and she just stared at me for a second. She parted her lips like she had something to say, then decided against it.

I looked down at her. “What?”

“Nothing, Mr. MVP.”

She faced forward again, but I could see the smile she was trying to hide.

“When it comes to you, don't tense up. Stay loose and let it come.”

She laughed for the second time.

I frowned. “Man, what the hell is wrong with you?”

“Nothing. Keep going, coach. Tell me what I do next.” She said, composing herself.

“You sure?”

“Please.”

I shook my head and went back to fixing her stance.

“When I tell you, turn your hips and follow all the way through. Don't stop halfway.” I said. This time, I guided her arms and showed her how I wanted her to swing.

“Okay.”

“You got it?”

“I got it.”

“Atta girl. Now show me you can do it without me helping you, ma.”

This time she turned all the way around. I was tired of her with this inside joke, so I questioned her again.

“What?”

“Rocko, you really don't hear yourself?”

“Nah. What's funny, Leah?”

She turned around and lifted the bat the same way I had taught her, but without my help. “Keep talking me through it like that, and I might actually learn enough to take your job.” She laughed again, and I shook my head at her.

“Focus.” I reminded her. “When I throw you the ball, you gotta keep an eye on it.”

She smiled and then repositioned herself. She took direction well when she had a point to prove.

I jogged back to the mound, stood there, and threw the ball to her. She swung the bat and the ball came directly toward me. I was surprised at the crack of the bat, but I caught it immediately.

“Out.” I laughed at her.

“I’m still learning.” She shot back.

“I can see that, but you did good.”

“Is that a compliment? Get me an agent on the line.” She laughed.

We spent the next few minutes at the park with her making up the rules as she went to a sport she’d never played and trying to convince me that she was winning.