Page 14 of Pitcher

I totally forgot about Thad being here, and I normally never forget nachos. With my gaze still focused on Theo, I whisper, “Just a 3.5?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Sounds like you saved me some calories. How ’bout I make up for the shitty ballpark nachos with some of my famous pancakes?”

Thad’s eyes light up at the mention of someone cooking for him. We go out to eat a lot. It’s rare we have time to cook anymore.

“Absolutely,” he agrees. “I’ll bring beer.”

I can’t even laugh at the beer comment because Theo throws a pitch and it’s straight down the middle. The batter doesn’t miss, crushing Theo’s no-hitter with one smooth swing, dropping the ball into the outfield with a double.

“Fuck!” Theo shouts behind his glove, glaring at me and Thad.

Thad chooses to ignore his brother’s tantrum and continues our conversation as if he doesn’t feel the daggers shooting from Theo’s harsh gaze.

“I’ll meet you both at the apartment. Is eight o’clock good?”

My smile wavers as Theo’s no-hitter game is obliterated, just like his attitude.

I manage to hold my smile though. Thad can’t help the fact Theo’s pitch was off.

“Sounds like a plan. We’ll see you later.”

Apart from the one batter, Theo sits the rest of their team down one right after the other once Thad leaves. The Yellowjackets are once again the victors thanks to Theo’s pitching skills.

Shifting my weight from one foot to the other, I wait for Theo to come out of the clubhouse. I’m not sure if he’ll shower at school or go home. You can never tell when he’s mad.

“You need a ride?”

I jerk at the voice behind me.

“Uh… no. I’m good,” I tell the right fielder, Max. I don’t know him really well, but he’s always nice to me when we cross paths.

“You sure?”

He really is cute with his tan skin and dark hair. The dimple is probably what does it for me. It’s deep just like Theo’s.

“She’s fucking sure.”

Quickly Max’s smile turns serious when he hears Theo’s menacing voice behind me.

Uh-oh. A shower didn’t settle him down.

I smile, not letting Theo’s sour attitude piss all over Max’s solid performance. “Thanks anyway, Max. You did good today, by the way.”

Max keeps his focus on Theo but manages to tip his chin in my direction.

“Thanks, Ans—I mean, Anniston.”

“Let’s go,” Theo barks, grabbing my elbow and pulling me toward the parking lot. I wave at Max and struggle to keep up with Theo’s pace.

“Did you want to work on your curve ball?” I ask hesitantly.

He clips out a quick, “No,” before unlocking the door and meeting my eyes over the top of the car. “You suck.”

My mouth falls open. “I suck?” I swear my eyebrows are to my hairline. “Why do I suck?” Was I not the perfect cheerleader? Did I not coach him to a victory?

“You weren’t paying attention. I lost my no-hitter.”

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