Page 25 of The Perfect Game

“How many pitches did you throw?” I’d learned this important detail after the last therapy session we’d had together. The fact that Penny could throw game after game while Ben was only allowed so many pitches before he had to rest for several days blew my mind.

Ben cleared his throat. “You remembered. I think it was around seventy.”

Grinning at the fact that I remembered all the little details he’d explained, I asked, “So you’ll probably come in as the, oh dang, what’s the word? The last pitcher of the game?”

His deep laugh rumbled through the phone, and I wished he was there by me. I didn’t know at what point I’d started liking Ben the Pitcher, but what I felt for him made my feelings for James earlier in the year pale in comparison.

“Relief pitcher. Yeah, I can come in as relief.”

I smiled, trying to keep the giddiness out of my voice. No wonder Penny turned into such a mush when she started dating Jake. No matter how much I tried to be chill, I just couldn’t.

“Maybe I’ll drive up tomorrow. I could probably get Penny to come with me.”

“Really?” The sound of the one word made me laugh. He seemed stunned, like he’d never expected that to happen.

I nodded even though no one else was around. “Of course. Are you on the bus right now?” I listened and heard guys talking and laughing in the background. Sounded like a winning team with all the energy.

“No, we’re just getting ready to head back to the hotel. No buses in summer ball.” Ben’s voice trailed off, and I heard a healthy pause. If I hadn’t heard all the other noise, I’d have thought we’d been cut off.

“That’s good. Well, I should let you go. Text me when you get back.” Panic took over my chest at my words, and I hurried to say, “Or just tomorrow. Whenever.”

Ben cleared his throat. “I was, uh, thinking, um, that m-maybe we, if you’re not busy, that, uh…” He paused and what sounded like a cough echoed through the phone. A few more seconds passed, and he said, his words going so fast it took a second for me to comprehend, “Let me know if you’re coming for sure. It would be fun to see you in the stands again. I was, uh, wishing you were there earlier today.”

I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt, and my heart soared. “Yeah? John got a text from your coach about the win, and I wished I’d been there. The daughter of a pro-football player and now baseball enthusiast.”

At my response, I heard a whole bunch of cheering, and I laughed. “Sounds like a lot of people there. Teammates?” A sliver of fear hit my chest, wondering if anyone had heard my last statement. I’d been through a lot in my life because of the status of my parents, but I’d done as much as I could to avoid talking about them so casually as I’d just done. Most of the people at school knew who my parents were, but I still didn’t like being made fun of or even people sucking up to me because of it.

“No, well, yes.” His voice sounded so far away, like he was going through a tunnel or something, even though there were no tunnels in between where the game took place and Pecan Flatts.

“Oh, John said I’m almost healed.” I’d been excited to hear that, and the fact that he’d been so surprised I’d rebounded in three weeks. An ankle injury wasn’t something I wanted to repeat.

“No way! That’s so awesome, Serena. You deserve it after how hard you’ve worked to get back to normal.” I could hear a smile in his voice, and my cheeks ached from smiling for so long.

Was this how relationships were? No worrying about the other person sneaking behind my back with another girl? Or having someone to tell all the exciting parts of life to? If so, I wished I’d found Ben months ago. Then I could have avoided some major heartaches.

I chuckled. “Thanks. I had a pretty good assistant trainer.”

“Intern.” He paused for a moment. “Sorry, I’ve got to run. Coach has some news about the game tomorrow.”

“Okay, good night.”

“Good night, Serena. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” His words sounded like a promise, one that made me giddy just thinking about it.

Fifteen

Ben

The guys gave me a hard time the night before about not setting a firm date with Serena, but if she was coming to the game, I didn’t want to ask her over the phone. I wanted to see her face to know that she really wanted to go and wasn’t just saying yes out of pity. It seemed like over the past few weeks she’d been less sarcastic and brooding, more happy and confident.

The next day sped by, and it was soon game time. The sun was down, the lights on, and we were in the big stadium used by one of the community colleges. As I saw the number of scouts with their guns ready and aimed at the field, I was glad I wasn’t starting. I just needed to focus enough to pitch flawlessly when called in and hope it would be enough.

Serena sat with Penny and Kate next to my parents and Daniel. I’d been surprised my dad had decided to show up to the game, but ultimately, I was glad he’d come.

The other team’s shortstop ended up with a torn ACL during the fourth inning, and it seemed like all the momentum had swung to our side after that. We ended the game, winning seven to two. Coach pulled me in during the seventh inning to pitch, and while it wasn’t a perfect game by me, I was just happy with the win.

It took forever for us to line up to receive the trophy and awards from the state athletic director, but I kept glancing up at Serena. She met my gaze each time, and I thought about the two of us together. I could bet no one would have ever pegged us for liking one another, the shy guy and the fiery volleyball player.

After all the celebrations, we packed up and headed out to where families stood waiting for each player. Daniel came bounding up and pulled me into a big hug. “You were awesome, Benny!”

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