Page 35 of The Future Play

The next pitch is a fastball that he hits but fouls off.

And that’s the last ball he’s touching. I’m determined now. Which means it’s time to break out my specialty.

The two-seam fastball is one of my best pitches, but best isn’t the same as a secret weapon. Aaron loved to throw a screwball to throw people off. Me? I mastered the cutter.

The cutter is similar to a fastball, but a little slower, and it curves the opposite direction as a two-seam. But coming out of my hand, he won’t know that.

With one last nod to Z, I center myself, tune out the rest of the world, and throw.

“Strike.”

Fuck. Yes.

Z and my teammates come to congratulate me, but my eyes are on the bleachers. Amanda is standing and cheering. When she sees me looking at her, she shrugs her shoulders while smiling, as if to say,what’s the big deal?

I shake my head, and as I break free of my teammates, I snag a ball from Z and make my way to the fence.

Miles, Trevor, and Rae congratulate me on the game—though Rae’s eyes quickly go to Aaron standing by the dugout. Amanda stands to the side, listening as they talk, but not saying anything.

Trying to be covert, I pull the marker I stashed in my pocket at the beginning of the inning and sign the ball I’m holding.

When Rae, Miles, and Trevor go to meet up with Aaron, Amanda lingers behind, that playful smirk creeping onto her face.

“Funny seeing you here. I thought you had plans tonight.”

She shrugs. “I managed to make room in my schedule.”

“And was it worth it?”

She tilts her head back and forth. “It was okay.”

“Just okay?”

For a moment, there’s a glimpse of sincerity on her face.

“You were amazing. I guess I get what all the hype is about now.”

I clutch a hand to my chest. “Why are you always trying to hurt my feelings?”

“Someone has to keep your ego in check.”

She’s teasing me like we always do, but the tone of her voice makes me wonder just how much she sees.

And that’s a road I don’t want to go down… so I lean further into my cocky side and hold up the ball.

“Speaking of. This is for you. Might want to hold on to it. Who knows how much it’ll be worth someday.”

I toss it to her and she easily catches it, laughing as she looks at my signature.

“You really think a lot of yourself.”

“What can I say? You showing up was an ego boost. Even if you did lie to me.”

“It’s not my fault you never asked what my plans were.”

“And if I ask if you have plans after this?”

“I do.” She leans in. “I’ll be hanging out with the Ida Warriors star pitcher.” She flips a hand through her hair. “Want me to get you an invite?”

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