Page 33 of The Future Play

“Men,” I huff, then shake my head, looking between them. “Were you two close at all? I guess we probably would’ve met if you were.”

I breathe in deep and actively work to quiet the intrusive thoughts that Rae and Jace have some pre-formed bond or like each other better than they like me. It’s a shitty thing to think. I hate that it even pops into my mind. But my insecurities always come to play, even when I didn’t invite them.

Rae shakes her head. “I mean, we always got along and hung out at a couple of family gatherings, but we didn’t really have a relationship of our own.” Rae wraps her arm around my back. “Ilove that we have this little connection, though. Further proof that we were always supposed to meet.”

And just like that, the intrusive thoughts slip away.

My friendships with Rae, Sarah, and Mackenzie—and the collective friendship we have together—have helped stop those ugly thoughts from rearing their heads so much. When you constantly have people building you up, it’s harder for negative thoughts to tear you down. Their support has helped me feel stronger, and it’s gotten easier for me to combat those thoughts too.

“Okay, she gets my stamp of approval,” Jace says with a big smile. “Now can we please go inside? I’m starving.”

“Yes, please.”

As we’re leavingthe café after eating our weight in bagels, lox, stuffed French toast, and chicken and waffles, Rae loops her arm through mine.

“Are you doing anything tonight?”

“No. Why?”

“I was going to go to the high school baseball game tonight with Miles and Trevor. Want to come?”

I do my best to hide just how much that makes me smile. Jamie wanted me to see him pitch. “Yeah. Sounds good. Are you still friends with anyone on the team—besides Jamie?”

“Not really, but Aaron’s helping the coach out. No matter how messy things are… I still want to support him.”

I pull her a little tighter to me. “That’s what makes you such an amazing friend. I’d love to go. Thanks for inviting me.”

“Of course.”

When we get to the parking garage, we all say our goodbyes, then split off to find our cars.

Once I’m sitting in the driver’s seat, I pull my phone out andreread my conversation with Jamie from earlier. Then I send one last text back.

Me: Mm. Too bad I have plans tonight.

He doesn’t need to know those plans are watching his baseball game with our friends. And hopefully hanging out with him after.

The voice in the back of my head reminds me that maybe I shouldn’t.

But the connection between us is undeniable, and for a few months, we’re both in the same place. Would it be the worst thing to have a little fun?

Jamie

Sometimes it’s stillstrange being the number one starting pitcher on the team.

Since middle school, Aaron was always there. Even when he was struggling last season, he was considered the primary starter, even though I pitched more games. And with his injury, people had more questions about him than me. Sure, people paid attention to me, and to a degree, I’ve already made a name for myself—at least across the state—but this is the first year everyone’s focus is on me. The time when everyone is realizing I don’t just have a shot at the draft, but I’ll be a strong contender.No pressure.

Aaron claps me on the shoulder and gives me a nod as I follow the guys out of the dugout to start the game. We’re at home, which means we’re on the field first. Some guys love hitting. That ain’t me. I live for the feeling of the mound beneath my feet as I stare down a batter, ready to take control of the game and bring home the win.

Aaron holds the state record for most shutouts, but if I play right this season, I’m aiming for most wins. Arguably a harder statto pull. Shutouts are rarer, which means you don’t have to earn as many to hit that record. Pitching a shutout has never been my thing. Maybe I should care more, but I don’t give a fuck if one hit slips by me. I care more if someone crosses the plate because of it—and when I’m pitching, they rarely do.

“Kick ass, Jame,” my catcher, Z, says before heading to take his place.

“Thanks,” I call.

Z is a year younger than me, but pretty good. He got some training in with Miles last year, which helped. Miles is so damn good it’s hard to compare, but Z and I work well together. The team as a whole works well together. Unfortunately, that’s where it ends for me.

Maybe I should make an effort to change that, but working well as a team is what matters. I know who my real friends are, and those are the relationships I’d rather focus on.

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