Page 17 of Stealing Summer

Willow and I waited for Parker and Boston in the bleachers after the rest of the crowd emptied, ready to celebrate. We noticed Boston first as he jogged over. His wavy hair was tousled and damp with sweat, and his jersey was covered in dirt. Before I could stand, he swept me up into a fierce hug, practically lifting me into the air.

“You did it!” I cheered, hugging him back tightly.

He set me down, grinning from ear to ear. “Did you see that last inning? We smashed it!”

Parker ran over, slinging an arm around Boston’s shoulders. “All thanks to this guy’s batting skills. MVP for sure!”

Boston waved him off, though his cheeks flushed pink at the praise. Behind them, the rest of the team cheered loudly, already stripping off their jerseys and making a beeline for the lake just beyond the field, ready to celebrate their victory.

Boston watched them go, then turned back to me, his smile softening.

“C’mon,” he said, holding out his hand. “Let’s join the party.”

I laced my fingers through his, while we raced to catch up with the others. Parker looked over at Willow. “Keep up, babe,” he shouted, breaking into a run and pulling her along toward the shimmering lake. Willow squealed but kept pace with him, her feet were pounding against the sandy shore. She threw her purse and phone on the nearest picnic table and I did the same. As they reached the water’s edge, Parker scooped Willow up into his arms, eliciting another delighted shriek from her.

“Don’t you dare throw me in!” Willow demanded, laughing as she clung to his shoulders.

Parker waded into the cool water up to his knees. “What, you don’t trust me?” He grinned mischievously.

Willow narrowed her eyes at him. “Parker Hartford, if you throw me in fully clothed, I’ll...”

Her threat was cut off as Parker tossed her into the air. She flailed for a moment before she hit the water with a tremendous splash. Parker burst into laughter as Willow came up sputtering, her sopping wet hair covering her face.

“You are so freaking dead!” Willow shouted, but she was laughing too as she sloshed over to Parker and shoved him. He toppled backwards into the water. When he emerged, they were both cracking up.

One by one, the team leapt and dove into the lake.

I took small steps in, savoring the moment. The cool water felt amazing after being out in the hot sun all day. I found my way to Willow. Her blonde curls were already frizzing in the humidity.

“What a game,” she sighed contently.

“Yeah,” I smiled. “There’s a lot of talent on the team.”

“Speaking of the game… Parker!” Willow began, her voice sounded serious. “You know, if you had positioned your feet just a smidge differently, you could’ve snagged those two balls in the fifth.”

Parker turned to face her, the corners of his mouth twitching upward despite the critique. “Yeah?” he asked, genuinely curious. “You’ll have to show me what you mean.”

“I would have before you threw me in the lake,” she rolled her eyes.

“Whatever you say, Coach,” he teased, bumping her shoulder lightly with his own.

“Has a pretty great ring to it, don’t you think?” Willow grinned, a spark of ambition lighting up her eyes.

“I’d take orders from you over your dad any day.” Parker smiled back.

We floated lazily, watching the rowdy team enjoy their victory swim. Parker and Boston were dunking each other playfully, their boyish laughter echoing across the lake.

My heart swelled with happiness. Not all games end this way, but today was one of those perfect moments you wanted to bottle up and save forever. That moment ended quickly once I noticed that something was going on with Boston.

“I’ll be right back,” Boston shouted before he walked out of the lake. Water dripped down his tanned shoulders as he jogged over to his belongings. I watched him pull his phone out, and his eyes narrowed when he saw who it was.

“Really, Mom?” he growled into the phone. His jaw clenched, fingers drumming against his thigh. He listened for a moment, then sighed heavily. “You always say you have to work. I really wanted you at my first game. I don’t get why you can’t ever make one.” He sighed before continuing. “Well, I’m telling you now that I want you at the big game against our cross-town rivals. Coach said some of the pro scouts will be there, and you should be too. It gives you plenty of time to request off.”

Ending the call, he shoved the phone into his bag. I saw his chest rise and fall as he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Then he put a shirt on before he walked closer to us, just before the edge of the water.

“I’m gonna go for a walk,” he called out, running a hand through his damp curls.

Parker treaded closer, concern etching his features. “You good, bro?”

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