Page 50 of The Perfect Game

Both my parents burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She looked behind her, and when she turned back, she said, “Go easy on him. He’s a good kid.”

“See you at home, doll,” my dad called out over his shoulder as he and my mom walked away. How long had I waited for all that to happen between me and my parents? Now that it had, I wasn’t sure I was actually awake. I could only hope that by working with my mom, we could be as close as most moms and daughters were.

I waited a few seconds before dragging my eyes back to the tall guy I knew I was standing in front of me.

“Hey,” he said, giving me a hesitant smile.

“Hey.” I waited a few seconds, trying to think of what to say next. “Did you tell my parents about the game?”

He nodded, his eyes pleading. “I figured you could use some people on your side. I, uh, I just wanted to say I’m sorry, again, for everything that’s happened between us. And I wanted to say I miss you. We won our championship game this weekend, and all I could think about was you not being there in the stands to cheer me on. So I knew I needed to be that person for you.”

I lifted my bag and slung it over my head and across my body. “You want to be that person now?” I couldn’t help the load of sarcasm that came out with the words.

Ben pinched his lips together, nodding his head. “I know I was an idiot. I, uh, threw a perfect game this weekend.”

I raised an eyebrow, not sure what he was getting at by using an apology that bragged about his talents. “What’s a perfect game?”

He smiled, looking down at his feet before raising his eyes back to mine. “It’s when a pitcher, with an awesome defense behind him, doesn’t allow anyone on base the entire game.” He paused, and I thought he’d finished.

“Okay, that still isn’t a good example of how you were an idiot.”

He held up a hand and laughed. “Just give me a minute to explain. I’ve been working harder than ever to get it so my pitches work and so I’m perfect in the things I thought were important. After achieving the perfect game, I realized that it came at a significant cost and one I don’t think was worth it.” Emotion choked the last few words. “I’ve been trying to live up to this ideal my dad has always held up for me. But you were right. I need to follow what I want, follow my dreams.”

“And what are those dreams?” I asked, the delivery not punching like I wanted it to.

“Oh, getting a scholarship, but also spending a lot of time with a certain brunette volleyball player.” He grinned for several seconds before his expression sobered. “I’m sorry I tried to offer you lame gifts for your birthday. I should have actually thought about things and realized all you really want is time. So, I wanted to know if you’d go to the homecoming dance with me?” His smile shook a bit.

I laughed as tears sprang to my eyes. “I’d rather have you here than gifts any day.” I reached forward, putting my hands on his neck and pulling him toward me. Without waiting to think about it, I pressed my lips to his in a quick kiss.

When we pulled back, his eyes were glazed, and I laughed. “That—went better than I imagined. So will you go with me?” he asked.

“Yes, Ben Clark. Dancing with you at my first school dance is the best birthday gift you could give me.”

Epilogue

Serena

The past few months had been a whirlwind, and while nothing was absolutely perfect, I was happier than I’d been in a long time.

I’d finally gone to my first dance in a dress my mom and I designed and created. Ben had made the night magical, but nothing would ever replace our first date in my mind. He’d relaxed on the amount of baseball practicing he did, allowing us to experience the fun, and heat, of Texas in the fall. And he was back working at the clinic. After a long discussion, Ben explained that he needed to follow his own dreams. His dad finally came around, and had even attended more of the fall ball games Ben’s team had played.

We’d made it to the second round in the state tournament for volleyball, and it was an adjustment not having practice and games as often. I’d been filling my time working with my mom in her boutique. With all the changes we’d made, tailoring the clothes to a younger audience and using my knowledge of social media to get it out there, we were busier than ever. We’d even started looking for larger warehouse space to accommodate all the orders.

My parents were now sharing a lot more with me, and adding Ben to my life made the loneliness go away.

We were sitting in the box suite at my dad’s game against the Dolphins, and Ben kept looking around as though he’d never experienced anything like it.

“I can’t believe we’re here. This is amazing.”

I laughed and shrugged. This was the first game I’d been to in a few years, but being there with my mom and Ben made it seem just about perfect.

“Ouch!” Ben said after a bone-crunching hit my dad laid on the guy in front of him. The player was slow to get up, and we watched the replay a few times on the big screen.

“I think I’ve finally decided where I’m going for college.” Ben’s voice was almost giddy, and I turned, curious to where he’d be heading next fall.

“Which school has convinced you to grace them with your presence?” I laughed.

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