Page 109 of The Future Play

Through all the chaos of the last couple of weeks, these are the moments that make it worth it.

I think I’m going to enjoy being an MLB girlfriend.

Jamie

“You losing your spark already,kid? One win and you have to fight for the next one?”

“What can I say? I feed on the tears of the losing team’s fans. There are fewer of them here.” I spin to face Declan Lowery, the third baseman and a shit-giving grump most of the time. “I think you’re still mad about the first time I pitched in this stadium and struck you out.”

There’s a chorus of “oohs” from around the dugout.

Yeah, I’m never going to let anyone we played against for Aaron’s bachelor party forget that a bunch of ragtag small-town kids beat their asses. Plus, I know he’s trying to get under my skin.

Yeah, my first game was a clear victory for the Metros. I only had a handful of hits and only let one run through over the course of eight innings. I was pissed when they pulled me, but these days, complete games are a thing of the past. I was lucky I got any of those on the Knights. They’re strict about it at the collegiate level too, and it makes me that much more grateful I didn’t go for college ball. This is where I’m supposed to be.

Today’s game has been more of a pitcher’s duel. Again, I’ve only let one run through, but the team has also only scored one.

“Maybe one of you should get out there and hit the damn ball,” Marc Demoda says. As pitching coaches go, he’s been great. Not that I have a ton of experience. No one compares to working with Aaron, but Marc comes close. I think it helps that he’s still close to the game. He isn’t a decade removed from pitching. Hestill remembers what it’s like. “Stop psyching your pitcher out or you’ll screw us all over.”

“Yeah, behave, Dec,” Ryan Daily, one of the other starting pitchers says.

Declan just rolls his eyes.

“Maybe you should all shut up and pay attention,” Marc says.

I smile to myself. Close games like this are stressful, but they’re also more rewarding.

“Might pull you after the next one,” Marc says to me.

“After the sixth? Really?”

“You want the win?”

“Obviously.”

“Then trust me. We’ll see how you do next inning. If it’s easy, we’ll keep you in.”

“So bring my A game. Got it.”

Marc nods approvingly, and when I have a second of quiet to breathe, I let out a shaky breath as I stare out at the packed stadium.

It’s a lot to adjust to, but I’m loving every second, even if sometimes I need to take a breath, ground myself, and remember why I’m here, how hard I’ve worked, and how important it is to enjoy having what I’ve worked so long for.

“Here’sto win number two for the Metros’ star pitcher!” Aaron says, raising a glass.

Everyone else here is already twenty-one, but being the Metros’ newest pitcher comes with a fun perk of not being carded.

The game continued as a pitcher’s duel. I stayed in through the seventh, then they had one of the relievers come in. The other team wasn’t as smart. They let their pitcher go an inning too long, and we scored three more runs between the sixth and the eighth.We ended the game four to one, and I walked away with my second win of my major league career. Not that I’m counting.

We all clink our glasses together, but I shake my head. “Not star. Not yet. I haven’t earned that.”

“But you will,” Trevor says. “And it’s an honor to watch while you do it. Proud of you, man.”

“Thanks. I appreciate you all being here.”

“I think that deserves one more toast,” Rae says. “To friendship.”

Again, we all clink our glasses, but as we do, Amanda’s phone rings.

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