Page 18 of Batter Up!

“It’s alright,” Carter began. “It’s easy work, and I’m good at it. I did do something, though, and if you tell Dad, I’ll deny it.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “No chance of me talking to Dad anytime soon. I think your secret is safe with me, C.”

“Alec and I were at a tattoo convention in Nashville last weekend.”

“What did you get inked this time?” I asked as I absentmindedly rubbed my hand over my own ink. All three of us loved tattoos, much to our mom’s dismay.

“Well, I actually didn’t get any ink.”

“That’s crazy. Then, what did you buy that’s so secretive?” I wondered.

“A tattoo starter kit.” His voice was quieter, but I knew my brother well. He was unsure of how I would react.

“No shit! That’s awesome,” I exclaimed, honestly thrilled for him. “Anytime you want to practice, I’ll be your canvas.”

I heard Carter sigh in relief. “Thanks, Ty. I know Dad will be pissed if he thinks his last remaining son is leaving the shop, but you know I’ve always thought about trying this. I still plan on working with Dad. This would just be a side gig.”

“You’re a kick ass artist, Carter. I know I sure as fuck couldn’t tattoo anything on people, but I know you could. And fuck, chicks love tattoo artists. You’re gonna meet so many hot girls.”

“Speaking of, how are the chicks out there?” He asked.

“Well…” I said.

“No shit! You got laid already? I knew being an athlete had advantages."

I shook my head and thought to myself how my Red didn’t even know I was a baseball player. We hadn’t gotten that far yet. I had no idea what she did for a living either. I knew she loved tequila sunrises, and that her grandma taught her to bake. I also knew she loved the color green, and a lightbulb went off in my head.

“Green!”

“What?” Carter asked. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Her last name is Green!”

“Ok…” Carter said, the confusion evident in his voice. “Did you get hit in the head with a baseball or something?”

“I gotta go, C. Talk soon.”

I walked into the common room to see Ivan looking in the cooler for something, and Hayden and Cooper were playing video games. “What’s up, bro?” Cooper asked.

“Her last name is Green!” I said, excited to remember something.

“Is she from around here?” Hayden asked. “Green is a very popular last name.”

“No, she said she's new in town, too.” I said.

"Did she say where she's from?" Hayden wondered.

"I don't think so," I said, as I looked down on the ground.

“For someone as into this chick as you say you are, you really didn’t find out much about her.”

“Asshole.” Ivan said to Cooper, and we all laughed.

I pulled out my phone, typed a message into my newly installed translator app, and showed Ivan my phone. I don’t know what had come over me, but I had to ask Ivan a question I thought I never would.

Ivan read the translation and nodded, a big smile spread across his face “Si.” He typed something into his phone, then erased what he had typed and wrote something else. Then, he showed me his phone.

Ivan was wise beyond his years, and I nodded and patted his back. I’m sure having a pregnant wife in another country could be a big distraction for him, but I could tell whenever he was on the mound and pitching, he was focused on the game. He continued to type on his phone and turned it to me to see his translation.

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