Page 134 of Mom Ball

The last thing I want is for him to be in pain. Lord knows I’ve caused him enough emotional pain lately. He doesn’t need his shoulder to bum out too.

“He did a great job when he did pitch. They’re probably letting him rest,” my mama reassures Timothy.

He half smiles at her and my dad in the other side of the booth. I doubt they’re letting him rest as a reward for getting so many outs in two innings. That’s a typical response from my mother, but one I don’t argue with for the sake of moving on. Anything to pretend Nate isn’t hurt.

Mary brings food to our table. Daddy unrolls his fork, then stops when Mama gives him a look.

“I’ll pray,” he says. He clears his throat and blesses the food, adding in a thanks for Timothy’s team playing hard. This is a typical Daddy response, since they got beat. I silently pray for Nate.

As soon as Daddy says “amen,” he digs into his chicken. Timothy eats a few fries, but in a zombie-like state, with his eyes glued to the TV across the room.

I almost tell him to eat and not worry about the game, then decide better. In between conversations about what time the game will start tomorrow and what needs to be done with apple fritters, I catch myself sneaking peeks of the TV.

“Mama, does Nate have his phone in the dugout?”

I laugh. “No, sweetie.”

Daddy and Mama laugh too.

“What?” he asks.

“It’s a rule,” Daddy clarifies.

“As soon as the game is over, can I call him about our game? I need some strategies for tomorrow.”

“As soon as this game ends, you’ll be in the bed.” I nod at the TV.

He groans.

“We have to be at the field at nine tomorrow to warm up. You need your sleep.”

“Okay.” He rests his head in his hand and lazily bites into a chicken tender.

“I’ll bring over some apple muffins for breakfast, if that helps. I have to get up early and make a ton anyway,” Mama says.

“So you won’t be at my game?” Timothy asks.

She wipes her mouth and glances at me.

“Why don’t y’all win the first game, so then Granny and Smith can have a later game to watch.”

Mama moves her napkin to reveal a smirk.

“I like that idea,” Daddy agrees.

“Me too.” Timothy perks up for the first time since he announced Nate was on the bench.

How awesome it would be for us to beat Jeffrey’s team. However, based on tonight’s performance, it would take a miracle.

CHAPTER 29

Brooke

The dew brushes my ankles as I drag a cooler through the overgrown grass around the parking lot. This would be a great time for Jeffrey to run the lawn mower unannounced. Except he’d only want to cut the field and inconvenience everyone practicing.

Timothy bounces ahead of me, anxious to get the day started. How long of a day will be determined after this first game.

If we lose, it’s over. If we win, we play the Red Armadillos one more time for the championship.

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