Page 95 of Cross Checking

Lmfao thanks

Come hang out w us

Go to section 112 and I’ll get you into the visitor’s clubhouse

Sounds good

“Yo, Emily, let’s head out,” I say, and I lead her to the meeting point. “James is taking us into the visitor’s area.”

“Are we even allowed to go in?” she asks.

I wave her off. “I think so? Just act natural.” No sooner than I’ve said that, James sticks his head out of a door and motions for us to follow him. We say hi, I introduce Emily, and a few steps later, we’re in the underbelly of the Northlink Centre.

“Welcome to the visitor’s clubhouse,” James says, walking backward to face us. “Doesn’t hold a candle to what we have in Boston, but it’s still pretty sweet.”

“Yeah, no. This is sick,” I reply, and Emily stares.

Then the two of us spot Will LeBlanc, and our attention goes straight there. James chuckles in confusion before swiveling his head around.

“He’s… not available,” James says, much to Emily’s disappointment. He lowers his voice. “The team is in a great mood tonight after the win, so if you want something to happen, just sit back and wait. They’ll come to you.”

I nod out of politeness because I’m ninety-nine percent certain that James’s advice is for Emily, not me.

“Sure. Besides, where’s Ethan? He’s still coming out with us, right?” I ask.

James is about to speak when Ethan shows up with an unfamiliar guy in tow. He’s even taller than Ethan, with brown hair that frames his striking face.

Boston definitely has the hotter roster, hands down.

“Guys, this is Max,” Ethan says. “He’s our rookie outfielder this year, and I’m helping with introductions and stuff.” He turns to Max and points to each of us. “You know James, this is James’s friend Luke, and this is…”

“Hi, I’m Emily, Luke’s friend-slash-coworker.”

Max gives Emily a shy nod. “Hey, Emily.”

If chemistry was audible, we’d all be deaf. Their sparky eye contact, interested smiles, and open stances are impossible to ignore.

“I didn’t see you out there today,” Emily says.

Max clears his throat, clearly nervous. “Wasn’t on the roster tonight.”

Emily tilts her head. “Is this your first time in Toronto?”

Max nods.

“Need someone to show you around?”

The tiniest smirk appears on Max’s face. “Yeah, that would be great.”

“Awesome! Come with me. I’ll be your tour guide.” Max sticks out his hand, Emily grabs it with great enthusiasm, and the two of them leave the ballpark.

Ethan stands motionless for a second before snapping back to reality. “Did I accidentally set up the rookie with Luke’s coworker?”

I laugh. “I guess so, but he’ll be well taken care of. Come on, let’s head out.”

The three of us take a different exit out of the Northlink Centre and walk down Front Street to a rapidly emptying sports bar. We settle into a booth and order our first round, and then James proceeds to add three double shots to the order.

“Ethan and I aren’t scheduled for tomorrow’s game, so we’re all getting drunk,” he says, and Ethan snickers.

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