Page 14 of Off Season

Eventually, she gives me a small smile and says, “I’ve been keeping a close eye on you. I know what you’re capable of. Go out there and put on a show they won’t forget.”

I think she means more than the softball, but she doesn’t elaborate further, and I’m not about to ruffle feathers with someone as powerful as her.

I reply with a simple, “Yes, ma’am…err, Reagan.”

She lets out a laugh as she exits the dugout, and we make our final preparations for the game.

As we take the field for the top half of the first inning, I see commotion in the stands behind our dugout. It’s Layton, Cheetah, Quincy, and Ezra. People must be excited to see four famous baseball players. That’s not the norm at professional softball games. It’s great that they’re here supporting us.

I learned the other night that they’re truly nice guys. In fact, we’re supposed to go out with them again after this game.

As soon as Cheetah’s eyes find mine, he smiles. He has the biggest, most genuine smile I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s equal parts playful and sexy. And his dimples? Holy shit, they’re hot.

I was immediately attracted to him when we met. So much so that I didn’t want to go home with him. I knew if I did, I’d be done with him when it was over, and I’m just a little too interested to see how much tension we can build before we inevitably get to the main event. Besides, he strikes me as the type of guy who likes a little chase. I plan to give him the chase of his life.

Once he notices me looking at him, he immediately pulls his shirt over his head. Wow, he’s ripped. He’s tall and not as broad as some of his teammates. I know he’s a speed player, so I assumed he’d be scrawny, but he’s not. He’s got muscles and washboard abs. Yummy.

Sure enough, in thick, black Sharpie, he hasKam’sKittenwritten across his chest. What the hell? I think he also has a huge snake drawn on there like it’s going into his pants. It looks like it was professionally done.

Standing on his chair, he lifts his arms and yells out, “Kam bam is the bomb! Go Anacondas! I love softball!”

He then takes it a step further and does a little dance number that would makeMagicMikejealous. All the fans are watching him with amusement. He obviously loves being the center of attention. This guy definitely makes me laugh.

The game begins. Ripley shuts down our opponent withthree strikeouts to begin the game. She’s throwing heat right now. Unhittable. She’s only getting better with age. She’s truly a generational pitcher. If any of us will be in the Olympics, it will be her.

We head to the bottom of the first inning. Arizona leads off with a perfect bunt and then steals second base. Our two-batter grounds out to shortstop, but Arizona doesn’t advance to third on the play.

Bailey then steps into the batter’s box. Four pitches later, she hits a bomb that falls just over the left-field wall for a home run. I throw my hands in the air. “My fucking sister!”

In her always-classy, demure way, she quietly and quickly rounds the bases until we all greet her at home plate to congratulate her. I love watching her excel. I wish she took a little more joy in it.

Now it’s my turn to bat. I selected “Save a Horse [Ride a Cowboy]” by Big & Rich as my walkup song. Cheetah and the boys all start laughing when they hear it. Naturally, Cheetah stands again and dances like a cowboy, complete with his pretend lasso that he mock-throws my way before reeling me in.

I inwardly laugh before stepping into the batter’s box. I dig in and get set. The first pitch comes in, and I crush it. It’s a no-doubter over the centerfield wall. Back-to-back home runs for my sister and me. I love it when that happens.

I make a spectacle of flipping my bat and holding my arms in the air as the crowd stands and cheers for me. They play “Save a Horse” on the speakers again as I slowly trot around the bases, enjoying my moment. The stadium may only be half full, but everyone there is dancing and having a great time. It’s been a while since softball was this much fun.

I’m with Arizona,Ripley, and Bailey. We’re walking down the city block, about to meet the guys at Screwballs to celebrate our big victory tonight.

Some random man in a bunny costume runs down the street screaming about the Cougars. I’ve learned quickly that this city has a lot of personality and a lot of crazy characters. It’s got a completely different vibe from Chicago. It’s grittier, and I like it.

Bailey shakes her head in disbelief. “I guess the Easter Bunny is out in July in Philly.”

I twist my lips. “Does anyone find it weird that the Easter Bunny hides eggs?”

Ripley shrugs. “Why is it weird?”

I answer, “Rabbits don’t lay eggs. Where did they come from?”

Her jaw drops. “Holy shit. I’ve never thought of that.”

Bailey sighs. “This is the crap my sister contemplates when she’s up all night. One night last week, I woke up and she immediately asked me if I’ve ever considered whatstrap-onbackward spells.”

I see Ripley and Arizona trying to figure it out. They both start laughing hysterically when they do.

I nod. “Crazy, right?”

Arizona lifts an eyebrow. “You? Yes.”

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