Page 3 of Worth the Risk

Quickly discarding my bat, I take off to first, trying to eye where the ball went. I notice the outfielders running towards the back to try and catch it but it’s too far gone and that’s a home run. I can hear the team cheering from the dugout as I take my victory lap among the bases. After the celebration dies down, the team and I head into the locker room where Coach holds our after-game meeting.

“Alright, I’ll keep this brief today boys since Mills here got us that win.” The crowd claps and Coach Russo goes into a brief summary of what to improve on and what he liked on the field.

“Alright, everyone. Dismissed.” The crowd shuffles, guys heading to the showers to wash off the sweat and smell from the game.

“Liam, my office before you leave.”

“Yes, Coach.”

I take a quick shower and change into my regular clothes, black sweat shorts and a blue baseball t-shirt that sports our school mascot, the Bears. Grabbing my gym bag out of my locker I head towards the coach’s office and wrap my knuckles on the door frame.

“Come in, Liam.” Coach looks up from his computer and leans back in his black leather desk chair. I sit across the desk from him in one of the two worn-down navy-blue seats.

“You wanted to see me?”

“That was a great hit out there today.”

“Thanks, Coach...” I start but he holds up a finger to silence me.

“I’m making decisions soon for next season's captain. Show me a few more hits like that and you could be looking at having the C on your jersey.” Coach gives me one of his rare smiles before his face falls back into a neutral position, opening his laptop back up to get back to work.

“Dismissed.” I swear that’s his favorite word, he’s not an overly dominant guy but I think the power of ending conversations really does something for him.

“Thanks Coach, I won’t let you down.” He gives me a curt nod, not even looking up as I leave the office. I always thought the captain talk with Coach Russo would make me feel something, I’m not sure what. Accomplished, relieved, maybe proud. But it doesn’t. There’s this empty feeling instead, one I choose to ignore as I have been all year. I shake it off, I can’t forget that securing that captain spot by the end of the season would look great to the scouts. When I get to my car, I finally check my phone and I have a few texts from my brother Ryan.

Ryan

Did you win?

We’re having a party tonight.

Getting stuff for margaritas... don’t ask...

Sighing, I text him back. I like to go out sometimes but hosting a party is always too much work and they always end up with more people than you intend.

Me

Yes, we won.

Sounds good. Small party though please.

Ryan

Fine.

Most people moved off campus today anyways.

He’s right, yesterday was the last day of the semester and anyone in the dorms had to be out today, minus athletes who have ongoing seasons. Luckily for us we have a house our parents, my mom and Ryan’s dad, my stepdad, got us so we can stay here all year if we want to. Though we always opt to go home for holidays, I’m pretty sure it would break my mom’s heart if we didn’t. She loves hosting and having all of us under one roof.

Me

Margaritas???

Ryan

I said don’t ask.

Laughing to myself, I put my phone away and drive the ten minutes home. Our house is nestled in a neighborhood that consists of other students renting out houses or young couples. It’s relatively quiet since it’s not on a street directly next to campus but on the weekends you still usually see some activity and people looking for parties.

---