Page 92 of Rival Summer

"Welcome to the annual Blue Devil awards night—a celebration of our team's hard work and dedication this summer," she announced. "Let's give these players the recognition they deserve!"

Applause erupted. My gaze found Reese again. He was headed in our direction. He took the seat opposite Parker, and Bailey slid into the seat beside me.

"Here’s a vodka lemonade for my date," he teased.

Across the table, Reese's eyes flicked up, a slight eyebrow raised in response to Bailey's claim.

The excitement in the room grew with each award announced as the evening progressed. Applause rippled through the room, punctuated by the occasional cheer as the players were recognized for their accomplishments.

"And now, for best batting average..." Caroline's voice boomed through the microphone, her pause drawing out the suspense before she finally declared, "Boston Riley!"

A round of applause erupted, though not as thunderous as before—Boston's absence was evident. "Unfortunately, Boston couldn't be with us tonight, but we'll make sure he gets thisaward," Caroline added, prompting nods and understanding from the crowd.

I felt a pang in my chest—a mix of pride and disappointment—and I discreetly pulled out my phone. I typed out a quick message to Boston. ”You were recognized for best batting average. Wish you could've been here.”

No response, no typing—nothing. With a sigh, I pocketed my phone, trying to shake off the feeling of insignificance that crept upon me. Perhaps this little gathering seemed trivial in the grand scheme of things to someone like Boston, who was already moving onto bigger and better things.

The crowd hushed again as Caroline took to the podium once more. "And now," she began, the weight of the moment palpable, "the award we've all been waiting for—the Most Valuable Player."

Bailey's grin was infectious as he kept holding up the award he’d won. Parker, too, seemed proud, medals adorning his chest with his awards. And Reese... Reese had a collection of trophies by his side.

"It’s Reese again—no surprise," Bailey whispered.

"The MVP goes to... Boston Riley!"

A collective gasp cut through the room before the applause. Out of habit, my eyes darted to Reese, expecting his usual cool smirk, but instead, I saw him straighten up, as he adjusted his tie.

Silence settled over our table as Reese quietly stood, and then slowly made his departure from the room. The echo of the double doors closing behind him seemed louder than the applause, and even Caroline's confident voice hitched for the briefest of moments.

Bailey half-rose, concern etching his features.

I shook my head slightly, placing a hand on his arm. "I got this," I whispered, offering him a reassuring look.

With careful steps, I slipped out of the room, following Reese’s path. The back patio was covered in moonlight, but Reese wasn’t there. I followed a path from the patio that led out to a dock. He was there, leaning back on his hands, gaze focused on the shimmering lake.

I sat down beside him, trying my best to fold my dress underneath me. The gentle lapping lake water against the shore offered some comfort—it had always been one of my favorite things. "Could your ego really not deal with that?" I asked, taking in the view alongside him. "How many times have you won that award?"

Reese's gaze remained fixed on the distant ripples on the lake's surface. "It's not about the award.”

"Then what is it about?" I asked.

"Everything else this summer." His words were heavy, carrying more than just disappointment. "I've been distracted with my real mom, with other shit going on... I let myself slack on the one thing that really does matter."

"Slack?" I turned to look at him. "If this year was you slacking, then I am terrified of what you're going to do when you go pro and you're on your game."

That earned me a glance, finally. Reese's lips curled into a smile, the one that disarmed every situation. "It's always so simple with you," he said, shaking his head.

"Reese, you were meant to play baseball—that is simple, yes," I said. "But everything else isn't. Life is far from simple."

He was silent for a moment, contemplating something. "Yeah, I finally decided to meet with her," he admitted, almost to himself.

I turned to face him fully, surprised. "Cindee?"

"Yep." He shrugged. "Don't even know how I found myself there, but... it felt like some kind of step. Still a million miles to go, though."

I reached out, placing a tentative hand on his arm. "That's okay, Reese. Go at your own pace. Don't push yourself if you're not ready." I paused, finding the courage to add, "I grew up next door to her, and I've seen how big her heart can be, though. I promise you, it’s there.”

Reese ran a hand through his dark hair. "Speaking of hearts," he said, obviously deflecting, "how's that hot girl summer going? Going the way you planned?"

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