Page 38 of The Future Play

“What do you mean?”

“I have a lot of decisions to make about baseball over the next year, and it’s scary as fuck. I have no idea where to start or how to handle it. I read blog posts and shit online, but it mostly confuses me more.”

“What are you struggling with the most?”

“Whether to go to college or hope for—push toward—the draft.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I’m not sure that matters.”

Her brows pull in. “I think that’s the only thing that matters.”

“Not necessarily. It needs to be the best career decision for me.”

“Do you truly believe—throw that cocky shit in the fire because I need the real Jamie to answer this. Do you believe you can make it to the majors either way?”

“Yes.” Because no matter what path I take, I will learn andgrow and prove myself. I’m committed to this dream, and I’ll see it through on any path.

“Then it’s not really about a career decision. It’s about what will make you happy. So take some time and figure out what you want. Only you can decide that.”

I stare at her for a moment. “That’s very wise.”

“Obviously. I’m brilliant.” She gives me her biggest smile.

“You’re something.” But brilliant doesn’t begin to cover it. I let out a long breath. “Thanks for coming to watch me play tonight.”

“Thanks for inviting me. I would’ve come either way, and I’m glad I did. Watching you play tonight was fun. Special. Your talent is clear, but it’s the way your love of the game shines through that sets you apart. I’ve seen Joel play and Aaron coach, but this was different. You belong on the field.”

“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”

“Because I’m such a die-hard baseball fan?” she deadpans.

I shift closer, my gaze roaming over her gorgeous features. Her eyes are light brown with a shimmery bronze glint. Like everything else about her, they captivate me.

Her question, though playful, dances in my mind with varying answers. The bantery, flirtatious answer or the serious one.

When I look into her eyes, it’s impossible to give her anything except total honesty.

“Because you’re passionate. You work hard at what you do, and there’s no doubt you’ll achieve every goal you set, then raise the bar higher. That you see something similar in me means a lot.”

Her eyes lock on mine, and slowly, she moves closer to me, like she’s caught in my orbit and can’t help but be pulled in.

When she speaks again, her voice is low. “You’ve only seen me at one event. I’m not sure that’s enough to know?—”

“It is. Take the compliment. I mean it. You know what I thought as I watched you flawlesslyrun that event?”

“Hm?”

“That you were mesmerizing. And you were. Brilliant and charming and one step ahead of every problem.” She opens her mouth to say something, but I keep going. “But at the event isn’t the only thing I’m talking about.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tonight, at dinner, I noticed you tapping away on your phone, and when I caught a glimpse, I realized it was a lengthy to-do list. Then, I noticed you scribbling some design on a piece of paper you dug out of your purse. You’re always thinking, always planning, but you’re also paying attention. You were constantly glancing at Rae, making sure she was okay, making sure she didn’t need you to jump in or change the subject, and I saw every time you reached for her hand or said something to make her laugh right when she needed it. I saw you reach for Trevor’s hand when he was talking about a possible future in baseball and how sad he is that his dad is missing all of it. Yes, you’re passionate about what you do, but you’re also passionate about the people in your life. You care about them. And everything you do is done with intention. That’s rare. I hope you see that.” I lift my hand and tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear. “I hope you know how special you are.”

Her chest rises and falls with heavy breaths as she stares at me.

“You noticed all that?” Her voice is soft and raw.

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