Page 51 of Spotlight
JT jogs up to us. He flashes a smile and nods at Earl. “Good to go. Sorry about that.”
“Have a good game today, boys,” Earl says, tipping the brim of his hat to us as he walks off.
As JT and I continue warming up, Earl’s words keep coming back to me. Coach Wayne comes over and watches me throw a few, nodding and giving me a few pointers.
“All set?” JT asks when we’re done and walking toward the bench. It’s almost game time, and I like to have a few minutes before I take the mound to visualize and get my head right.
“Yeah.”
I must look as in my head as I feel because JT gives me a strange look.
“I need to do something really quick, then I’m ready.”
He keeps staring then nods as if he’s pieced it together. “Nervous pooper?”
“What?” I ask, laughing.
“It’s fine. I’ve seen it all. Freddie used to run off the field before the start of every game to vomit. By the end of his rookie season, it finally went away. Eat light and drink lots of coffee early in the day to clean out your system.”
“My stomach is fine, but thanks for the tips.” I clap him on the shoulder and then take off past the dugout to where the tunnel leads to the locker rooms. There’s a stairwell off to the left that goes to the stadium seats. I nod at a guard and pass by him, then quickly make my way up to the first level.
Greer spots me before her mom does. She aims a shy smile at me and says, “Archer’s brother!”
Olivia’s head snaps up and those stunning blue eyes lock on me. Her surprise morphs to amusement quickly.
“Flynn Holland. Watching the game from the stands today?” she asks with a taunt in her voice that makes my body come alive.
“You came!” I try to hold back my excitement, but the smile on my face doesn’t want to relax.
“Was I not supposed to?”
No, I’ve just been looking for you at every game.
“I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been meaning to stop by the bookstore, but practices and games have been long.”
“Need more Ruby Madison recommendations?”
“That depends. Does she have a book on how to convince you to go out with me?”
She lets out a nervous-sounding laugh. “I can’t go out with you.”
“I know you said you weren’t dating, but that’s just because you’ve been out with some real ass—” I stop myself when I remember Greer is listening in. “Jerks. Let me prove to you that good guys still exist.”
“Are you one of the good guys in this scenario?” she asks all sass but smiling.
“You know that I am.”
“Do I? Because I seem to remember you leaving me all alone in a hotel room.”
“A mistake I won’t ever make again,” I say playfully, but I’m dead serious.
“It isn’t a good idea.”
“Because your best friend is engaged to my brother? Because you know I think I could break them up if needed.”
She lets out a loud laugh and her shoulders relax. “It isn’t because of that.”
“Good because I was lying. Archer is more likely to disown me than break up with her.”
