Page 88 of The Shake Off

“Here.”

I turned to find Parker holding out a bottle of Gatorade, and took it. I’d gulped half the bottle before he sat down next to me, and swiped my hand across my lips.

“This is bullshit, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah. He could have left you in a little longer.”

“I’m still paying the price for fucking up the Opener. He doesn’t trust me not to fuck up again.” I tugged down on my hat, then pushed it back up to scratch hard through my hair, but nothing seemed to ease the tension and frustration which had made itself known. “I’ve had a great week. I feel good. I feel the best I have all season. I just wish he’d leave me in longer.”

“I know, dude, you were on fire out there.”

“Yeah, I fucking know,” I grumbled.

“I need to talk to Rodriquez for a second, you gonna be okay?” Parker looked at me, and I nodded.

I was fine. Pissed, but fine. I planned to stay here and sulk for the rest of the game. Only as Parker got up and left, his seat was taken by someone else.

“How’s it going, Watson?”

I side-eyed Jupiter. “Can’t complain.”

“You sure? You look like you’re about to start complaining to me,” he smirked.

I never used to find Jupiter annoying, but it was starting to become apparent to me that I did. Or maybe he only seemed to appear when I was in a bad mood. Like now.

“I just don’t need to be pulled out,” I grumbled.

He slapped me on the knee. “Happens to the best of us. Coach just wants to keep you rested and fresh.”

“If I’m rested any more, I’ll be unconscious.”

Jupiter sat back and crossed his arms, letting out a low chuckle. Thankfully he didn’t have anything more to say, and just sat there watching The Rangers find their positions.

We were currently tied at one. The Lions’ run was scored off Lux smashing out a home run which reached the second tier of the stands, setting off the canons firing out gold and black paper ribbons, and a sea of black foam fingers shot into the air. The Rangers’ was from Marcus Semien making it safely around the diamond, stealing one base at a time after a bloop single into right field.

I’d fielded two balls, and managed to keep two of their batters from reaching first base. My pitching had been hard and fast, which only reinforced my opinion that pulling me out now was bullshit.

I was still mulling it over when Jupiter nudged me in the ribs, way harder than he needed to.

“What was that for?” I grumbled, rubbing my side.

I followed his line of sight to where one of the coaches was on the dugout phone and beckoning us down. Or one of us down.

“Dr. Matthews wants you, she’s in the tunnel,” he said.

“Which one of us?” I frowned, because I had no idea why she’d want me, but summoning Jupiter in the middle of a game didn’t seem her style either.

“You, Watson.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks.”

“Now, Ace,” he urged, like I was just going to hang around and make conversation.

I wasn’t.

I jogged over to where I could see Marnie, only realizing Jupiter was next to me when I got there.

“Are you following me?”

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