Page 30 of The Future Play

“I’m lucky to have them. I’d give up baseball for my family in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t like it, and I hope I never have to make a choice like that, but I would if I had to, and I’d never look back.”

I slowly shake my head. “Screw anyone who ever tried to take advantage of you. I hope they get exactly what they deserve for not seeing how valuable you are.”

Our eyes meet, tension growing between us.

“I hope you know how valuable you are too.”

Again, he shifts closer, wrapping his arm around my back, and this time when I look up at him, I find those rich blue eyes staring back at me, gleaming with intensity.

Something stirs in my stomach.

What if I’m not the only one with a crush?

The reality is it probably doesn’t matter. He’s still in high school. I’m in college. We’re three hours away from each other for most of the year, and when we’re not, he’ll be focused on baseballwhile I’ll be focused on growing my business. Sounds like the worst way to start a relationship.

But here in this moment, alone in the dark with him, I let myself believe that’s not true.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m too much for people,” I admit.

“You’re not too much. They just don’t know how to be around someone who takes up space and opens their heart. And they’re missing out. Because the way you care about the people around you is special.”

My breath sticks in my throat, and I have to swallow hard before I can respond.

“How do you see right through me like that?”

He shrugs. “You saw through my mask too.” And then his cheeks are smattered with red again.

I rub my thumb over the warm skin. Then there’s another gust of wind, and I fully give in to the moment, leaning against Jamie and resting my head on his shoulder.

After a long moment of silence, I whisper, “Thank you. For letting me be one of your people. For the record, you’re one of my people now too. I like spending time with you. You’re easy to talk to—easy to be around.”

Easy to fall for.

But I don’t say that.

I barely let myself think it.

Whatever the connection sparking between us is, it can’t go beyond this. It won’t. Our lives are destined to move in different directions, no matter how undeniable the electric thrum beneath my skin is when he’s touching me.

I can experience it, but I don’t get to keep it.

I don’t even know if he feels the same way or if I’m imagining it all.

But alone under this blanket on a chilly night, I absorb his warmth and let myself believe in the sweet little fantasy of Jamie and me being something more.

6

UNEXPECTED SCARS

Amanda

It’sgood to be home for the summer.

Or it would be if I didn’t live with two stinky boys and my parents. Although technically it’s just one stinky boy. Pete has his own place, yet he’s always here.

When I walk into the kitchen, there are dishes everywhere, and Pete and Josh are dicking around.

Pete hits Josh with a spatula, and Josh playfully shoves him, only he does it a bit too hard, and Pete hits the kitchen table, sending orange juice spraying everywhere. Including onto my cute summer dress.

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