Page 20 of Off Pitch

“We have time for a few more questions,” Fisher pipes in.

A female reporter in the front speaks up. “Spencer, what did your girlfriend have to say about your no-hitter tonight?”

Ah, there it is. I knew it would come up soon.

Trying to mask the nerves about publicly addressing this for the first time, I speak confidently—or I try to, at least. “She said I pitched a great game tonight. She may be just as excited as I am about it.” Cole stifles a laugh while Lane shoots me ayou’re-telling-me-all-about-this-laterlook.

“Spencer again,” a reporter I can’t see says. “You’re well-known for not sharing any bit of your personal life. Who is the woman that has you willing to kiss her in front of the cameras tonight?”

I can’t hide my discomfort this time. I was hoping I could keep it somewhat vague tonight, but with a question that direct, I can’t really avoid it. “Her name is, uh,” I start, rubbing my neck before taking a breath. “Her name is Harlow Pierce.”

“Pierce?” someone in the audience says. “As in…”

“Cole Pierce?” Cole responds with a giant smirk. He’s enjoying this too much. “Yeah, Harlow is my sister.”

I hear a fewohh’sfrom the crowd before somebody speaks up.

“And what do you think of that, Mr. Pierce?”

Cole leans back in his chair, resting his folded hands behind his head. “I think it’s a great thing. My sister is a very bright and friendly person. Should help Fort Knox over here become a little less grumpy finally.”

The audience laughs as Skipper closes out the questioning, releasing us to the clubhouse.

Once we exit the media room, Lane steps behind me and grasps my shoulders, steering me toward the clubhouse. “You’ve got a lot to talk about, Spence.” I sigh as Cole laughs. Lane glancesover at him. “You didn’t say anything either, Pierce. I’m adding you to my shit list.” Cole goes silent as we finish the walk to the clubhouse.

When we get to the clubhouse and step inside, I find Josh sitting in a chair by my things, three other empty chairs around him. I should’ve expected that I wouldn’t be let off easy tonight.

“You’re not even going to let me shower first?” I grumble as Lane leads me to one of the empty chairs.

“Don’t pretend to act all grumpy now, Spencer,” Lane says. “You just played it up for the media out there.”

“I’m just in a good mood,” I reply sheepishly.

“And why is that?” Cole prods, shooting me a knowing look.

“Fuck off, Cole. Can’t I just be happy I pitched a no-hitter tonight?”

“Not when you ditch us on the field and run over to kiss Cole’s sister,” Josh adds. “So, you’re dating Harlow?”

I sigh. Now it’s time to really play this off. Cole is the only one here who knows this is fake. I need to keep it that way. “Yes, I’m dating Harlow.”

“When did that happen?” Lane asks. “Outside of checking her out when Pierce isn’t looking, you’ve never shown any interest in her.” Cole shoots me a curious look.

“Shut the fuck up, man,” I say, shoving Lane’s shoulder.

“So, you have been checking my sister out then, huh?” Cole asks, amusement clear in the inflection of his voice.

I really fucking hate this interrogation.

Head in my hand, I reply, “Look, your sister is hot. I have eyes. And I evidently wasn’t looking at her discreetly if fucking Brooks noticed.”

“Interesting,” Cole muses. And I don’t like it. I have no idea what he’s imagining, and if he’s thinking it means something it doesn’t.

Josh pipes in. “When did you start dating her?”

Sighing, I respond, “It’s new. It’s only been a couple of weeks.”

“And you feel good enough about the relationship to broadcast it on national television already?” Lane asks in disbelief. Hard to blame him. I wouldn’t believe it if I were him, either.

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