Page 52 of Harley

That shithead!

Shutout had trapped me without my realising it.

“You need to be medically checked, and then you’re for the Cubs for a trial. Harley, I want to test if this performance is a one-off or sustainable. Carmine, get him to Chicago. You’ve got three days, boys,” Coach said and disappeared.

Stunned, I stared at Shutout, who grinned. He grabbed me in a headlock and began yanking me towards the stands where my family and Oakley were.

The other coach intercepted us and made a similar offer. Before I could speak, Shutout did.

“Thanks, Coach, we’ll let you know.”

“Bet the Cubs have already made their move,” the other coach said, and we chuckled. “The Cubs don’t deserve both Michaelsons!”

“Ya too late, fucker!” the Cub’s coach yelled, and I laughed.

Oakley was bouncing on her toes, and Dad helped Oakley climb over.

I swept her up into my arms as she clambered over, kissed her soundly, and hugged her tightly.

Oakley was babbling away. I was barely taking her words in as my mind whirled. I’d been offered a chance at my dream. Today had possibly been a fluke, but I had skills. I might not hit anotherfour-game home run, but I could hit three. That I was confident of.

“Harley?” Dad asked.

“The Cubs want me to trial for them and see their doctors.

“What?” Oakley gasped, leaning back in my arms.

“Yeah,” I replied, stunned.

“Carmine’s team wants you to play for them? That’s wonderful, your dream come true! I was going to suggest getting checked again. No way could you have batted like that with a bad arm,” Mom exclaimed.

“That was a hell of a game. Talk about getting your name out there. The offers will flood in,” Ace stated, slapping me vigorously in delight.

Ace’s words made me hit the ground with a thud.

“Yeah, well, it won’t happen,” I replied.

“What?” Dad demanded.

Everyone looked surprised and ready to tear me a new one if I turned this opportunity down.

“I’ve got the Smithy and being a prospect. There’s Oakley to consider, too,” I responded. For a second time, my dreams were slipping through my fingers.

“Shut the fuck up!” Oakley exclaimed, hitting my chest.

“Huh?” I asked, looking down.

“This is your chance. You cannot throw this away. Something can be arranged around the Smithy, can’t it, Drake? If you finish the orders you’ve got already and don’t take any more on. Shutout and Ice both prospect from afar, can’t Harley?” Oakley demanded of Dad.

Dad looked at me. “Harley, your heart broke when you realised you couldn’t play. This is a chance nobody would deny you. Pack whatever you need, son, because you’re going to Chicago.”

“But shower first,” Mom demanded, sniffing.

I began laughing as Oakley nodded vigorously. Even so, a hint of reluctance remained. Could I handle rejection a second time?

Ten days later.

I sat in Coach’s office with the manager of the team and two doctors. My hands twitched, on edge.

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