Page 149 of Restricted List

Cole

A good round ofbatting practice is enough to finally clear my head.

I justhadto trip this morning while Rory’s dad was over.

I justhadto fall to the ground loudly enough that there was no other explanation for it.

Rory thinks we’re on borrowed time, and I hate that I think she’s right. We aren’t ready for her dad to find out, but I also don’t know if we ever will be.

He has to find out at some point if I keep her around like I want. Maybe getting it out of the way sooner rather than later is best.

Since we’re just days away from the start of the season, the pitchers have all been rotating on the mound as the batters take the plate. It’s Knox’s turn now.

I watch him rear back, the positioning of the ball in his hand making it clear he’s pitching his famous knuckleball. It’s erratic, but I anticipate that, keeping my eye on the ball until it’s close enough for me to smash it into the outfield.

The guys behind me cheer as I hear Collin Ware, one of our relief pitchers, shout, “There’s the MVP!”

I smile as I round the bases, pointing at Knox as I go.

“Goddamn, Pierce,” he yells, more impressed than irritated. “You’re going to have a hell of a season, aren’t you?”

“Hope so,” I laugh, turning around and jogging backward to home plate. “This is going to be my year.”

It’s already been my year. I’ve got my girl. I’ve fallen in love. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

There’s no way that doesn’t show up on the field this season.

“That’s enough for today,” Skip says to us as I make my way into the dugout. “Enjoy tomorrow, but be ready for practice on Monday. Season starts Tuesday, and we’ve got a pennant to defend.”

We all break for the clubhouse, ready to shower and get home to enjoy our day off tomorrow. It’s the last Sunday we’ll have free until October.

I grab my things to head to the showers, but Skip stops me before I can.

“Got a minute, Pierce?”

Fear creeps up my spine. Does he know it was me this morning?

“Yeah, sure, Skip.”

I follow him out of the clubhouse and into his office. He takes a seat behind the desk and gestures for me to take the closest one. I slide into the chair while gearing up for what might be my death.

He lets out a deep sigh. “Have you found out anything from Rory yet? She still isn’t telling me anything, but I heard someone in her room when I dropped by to see her this morning.”

“And you didn’t see who?”

“No. I just know he was there.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. He doesn’t know it was me.

Not yet, at least.

“She hasn’t said anything to us,” I lie, determined to make this as believable as possible. “She’s been secretive with us, too. None of us know who she’s seeing. I’m still trying to find out, though.”

Skip pinches his brow and leans forward with his elbows on his desk. “Who the hell could she be seeing if she isn’t even telling her friends?”

“I don’t know,” I say uneasily. “But Rory’s a smart woman. She wouldn’t be seeing someone that isn’t good for her.”

“You know what I think?” he says. “I think it’s someone on the team. I thinkthatis why she won’t tell anyone.”

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