Page 18 of Pitcher

Von Bremen.

It was the first shirt of many she would wear to my games after I packed my shit and threatened my father with failing grades if he didn’t let me attend Anniston’s school. It was low and immature but was exactly what I needed. My constant.

So again, really, today’s outburst is all Anniston’s fault.

She made me greedy.

She made me want it all.

And Thad got in the way of my peace.

“Don’t you have something better to do tonight than hang out at a baseball party?” I hold back a glare, picking at the label on Anniston’s lotion. After the game, we stopped by the house so Ans could shower Thad’s breath off of her. Okay, fine. It was dirt.

“Anniston invited me.”

Of course she did. She’s a bleeding fucking heart.

“Why? Do you not want me to come?”

I almost groan and roll my eyes, but I don’t because Thad Von Bremen would think he still has a shot with my girl. And he doesn’t. Just because I haven’t asked her out yet, does not mean she’s available. It’s an unwritten rule.

“You can come. I was just curious,” I lie. “I figured you might have a date with Sheila.”

My brother’s eyes go squinty. “Her name is Sasha, and she has a study session tonight.”

Ah, the smart girls. They always have their priorities fucked up.

“Don’t look at me like that. Idoget laid, Theo.”

No, he doesn’t. Otherwise he would be at this “study session” with Sonya, fingering her under the table when she answered a question right. Instead, he’s third-wheeling it with me and Anniston by attending a victory party.

“I didn’t say anything.” I laugh, amused at his crimson cheeks. See? No pussy for Thaddeus Von Bremen.

“At least Ihavea girlfriend,” he counters, acting like that’s a trophy-worthy statement.

It’s not.

“Having a girlfriend is like—” I take a breath and look at the ceiling as if I’m searching for some profound words. “—having a puppy.” I bite my lip, containing my grin and hold up one finger. With as much seriousness as I can manage, I rattle off, “You have to feed them premium, organic food or they will get a stomachache and vomit.”

Thad rolls his eyes, but I keep going, holding up the second finger.

“If you don’t take them out or give ’em attention, they whine.”

Another finger.

“Their grooming will cost you a small fortune.”

I start to make my last point, but a hand covers my fingers, pushing them down.

“But if you stroke them just right, they might lick your fingers and play with your balls.”

Thad coughs.

But me? I smile so big my fucking cheeks hurt.

Did I not say Anniston was my girl?

I slide off the barstool and turn, facing a grinning and freshly showered Ans.

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