Page 45 of Spotlight
Last summer they randomly decided to apply for chef positions on a cruise ship. They’re both chefs and owned a small catering business that did weddings, business luncheons, and private parties. Now they’re cooking for thousands each day as they sail around the ocean. It’s the most adventurous thing they’ve done during my whole life. I still have a hard time believing they did it.
“They’ll be back next season,” Ruby says after sliding her phone back into her front shorts pocket.
“You think? They seem happy.”
“It’s killing Mom not to be around for Greer’s school stuff. I can’t tell you how many times she texted me to be sure I recorded her music performance last week.” My sister changes her voice to a high-pitch, slightly nasal impression of our mother, “I want to see every second my grandbaby is on that stage.”
“You sound just like her.”
Ruby tosses a piece of popcorn at me.
“You do.” I sit back as Gigi comes down the aisle with lemonade for all of us. It’s better here than anywhere else in the world. I have the best memories of eating a hot dog and drinking lemonade while watching the Mustangs play. I was never a big fan of baseball but being here with my family is an experience that transcends the game.
“Is Grandpa coming?” I ask, taking my drink and settling back into my seat.
In front of us, the teams take the field.
“He’s around somewhere. Probably a last-minute maintenance issue.”
The announcer calls out the starters for the Mustangs as they run out to applause and cheers.
“Your catcher, JT Ryan.” The stadium gets loud. He’s one of the most beloved players on the team. I couldn’t tell you exactly why. He seems to be good at catching, but I think more than that it’s because he’s been with the team so long. A lot of players come and go. The Mustangs aren’t exactly known for winning so it makes sense that they move on. I imagine playing for a team that routinely loses takes a toll on you.
“And your starting pitcher, Flynn Holland!”
The applause around the stadium is even louder than it had been for JT. The people I assumed were here for the other team… now I’m thinking they’re here for Flynn.
“Ooooh. There’s your pitcher.” Ruby cups her hands around her mouth and yells for him, along with everyone else.
“He isn’t my pitcher.”
She flashes a teasing smile that makes my stomach swoop.
“What do you think the odds are that a guy you met in New York lives here?Andthat he’s related to your best friend’s fiancé? That’s too much coincidence to not be the tiniest bit romantic.”
I have had the same thought a thousand times. I’m not sure if I believe in fate, but I do think the universe has a sense of humor. The question is, what does it mean?
“Did you forget that he is working with Plot Twist?” I ask, deflecting. I have gotten really good at that. Not that Ruby isn’t aware of exactly what I’m doing. Sisters are the worst at calling out your bullshit.
“It must have slipped my mind after he bought my books.” Her grin lifts higher. “I love my readers.”
I can’t help but laugh and then blush when I think of him reading chapter twenty-eight.
Greer takes her seat, blocking my sister from any more annoying quips, and I go back to watching Flynn.
The announcer is talking about the batter, and his walkout music plays, but my gaze doesn’t leave the pitcher’s mound.
Flynn looks focused and a little intense. On the mound, he seems bigger somehow. He drags his right foot along the ground then digs his toe in. He stares down, but his mouth moves almost as if he’s talking to himself. When he finally looks up, I can practically feel the calm that’s washed over him. He pushes his shoulders back and turns to the side.
I hold my breath as he winds up and throws the first pitch. I watch him even after the ball leaves his hand. For a moment, it feels like everything stops and the only sound is the ball sailing through the air.
“Striiiike,” the umpire calls out, and the crowd claps.
Flynn’s expression doesn’t change as JT throws the ball back to him. My body is tense, like I’m the one out there as I watch him do it again and again. I lose track of the number of pitches, and I barely see the batters. It isn’t until he’s jogging off the mound that I realize they’ve managed to get three outs.
“Impressive.” Ruby turns and stares at me over Greer’s head. She raises her voice so I can hear her over the applause around us.
“What?”
