Page 11 of Curveball

I can only manage a nod as I come to terms with the fact that I’m suddenly having this intense attraction to my sister’s best friend. After a few awkward moments, Isay, “I’m nervous for today. I hope it goes well. I don’t want to disappoint anyone, especially Z.”

She smiles. “It will go fine. Any team would be lucky to have you. I’ve...umm…seen a few of your games on TV. Your curveball has gotten really good. Your changeup too. I see you moved from a two-seam fastball to a four-seam. It’s given you a little extra pop. I told you so.”

I can’t help but smile. I nearly forgot what it was like to be around girls who know baseball. Arizona and Ripley are as knowledgeable as any of my teammates.

I let out a laugh. “You’re right. You did, in fact, mention it when I was in high school. I should have listened then. You certainly know pitching grips.”

If eyes could smile, hers do at the compliment. Were they always this sparkly blue? How have I never noticed how pretty her eyes are?

Before I know it, my house is full of people. Most faces are familiar, but some aren’t. We’re all downing beers, crowded in front of the television as pick after pick is made without my name being called. I can feel the intensity of the glares from people each time my name isn’t called. Looks of pity. Maybe it’s all a mistake. Maybe I’m not getting drafted.

My agent, Tad, the only person here in a business suit, has been on the phone the whole time. He’s trying to figure out who will draft me and when.

At some point, my mother runs into the house with a frantic look on her face. “Did I miss it?”

Arizona clears out a spot for her on the sofa. “No, Mom. Not yet. Any minute now. I can feel it.”

Arizona nods at me in reassurance. I’m doing my best to look confident. I don’t want to disappointher.

My mother walks over and hugs me. “I’m so proud of you.”

I kiss her cheek. “Is Dad coming?”

She gives me a sad smile. “He can’t leave the store, sweetie. He said to call him as soon as it happens.”

“Yep. Your son getting drafted to play professional baseball happens every day. I’m sure the end table he’ll sell this afternoon will be worth missing it.”

My mother gives me a disapproving look. “He’s doing his best. We have Arizona’s college tuition coming up. We need the money.”

I roll my eyes. They’re clueless. “She’s one of the best softball players in the country. She’ll be going to college for free. If you bothered to watch her play, you’d know that.”

Arizona elbows me. “Leave her alone. It’s a good day. Let’s focus on that.”

The first round ends, and I haven’t been drafted. I’m disappointed and feeling anxious. What if it doesn’t happen at all? All these people came to see me get drafted. I can feel the sweat dripping down my back. Would it be in poor taste to remove my shirt? I’m guessing it would be.

There are a few picks in the second round before Tad gets off the phone with a huge smile. “Turn the television up. It’s showtime, buddy.”

I look at him, wide-eyed. He winks and gives me a small nod of encouragement. The baseball commissioner stands at the podium. “With the tenth pick in the second round, the Houston Hurricanes select Quincy Abbott, right-handed pitcher from UCLA.”

The whole room stands and erupts in loud cheers. Everyone pats my back and hugs me. I look toward thefront door, willing my father to have snuck in and saw the moment, but he didn’t. He never does.

Arizona leaps into my arms with tears streaming down her face. “You did it! Ahh. I’m so happy right now.”

“Wedid it. Most teenage boys pitch to their dads in the backyard for hours. I’m probably the only one who pitched to his little sister. The only one whose little sister could actually catch for him. Thanks for all you did, Z. All the early mornings. All the late nights. All the bruises from targets I missed. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

She humbly nods as she continues to cry tears of joy for me.

The next few hours are a blur of elation and celebration. My father eventually came home and congratulated me. Too little, too late. I ignored him.

As the daylight bleeds into night, most people have left, but there are a handful still here, and we’re sitting in the hot tub in the backyard. My sister has had too much to drink. I’ve been watching Noah like a hawk. His fingers are all over her bikini-clad body, making my blood pressure skyrocket.

His hands suddenly disappear well below the waterline. I’m about to reach my breaking point and kick him out when Ripley notices and intervenes. She has a towel wrapped around her, only sticking her feet in the water, but she grabs Noah’s arm. “She’s had a lot to drink, Noah. Why don’t you head out? I’m going to put her to bed.”

He smirks. “I’ll put her to bed.”

I shove him. “Get the fuck out. Stay away from her.”

After retrieving a towel for Arizona, Ripley pulls her out and guides her into the house. Once they disappear, Igrab Noah by the back of the neck. “I’m not fucking around. Stay away from my sister. She’s too good for you.”

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