Page 59 of Left on Base

“Oh. Did he know you were coming?”

“Uh.” Shit. I try to play it cool, even though my heart’s doing that weird flutter thing. “Yeah?” It comes out as a question. Smooth, Cam. Real smooth.

“Wait.” She stops digging in her bag and gives me a side-eye. The sun catches her dark hair, hints of red glowing. “You guys have been hanging out more. What’s going on?”

My throat tightens. “I don't know. I never know.” With Jaxon, it’s like trying to read a pitching sequence blind. You think you know what’s coming, but you’re usually wrong.

For the first time, I notice the sold-out crowd, the stadium packed, music blasting, everyone dancing. We never get this many at our games. The energy’s different. Electric, like the air before a storm.

Scanning the shirtless guys by home plate with purple letters on their chests (supposed to spell ‘HUSKIES’ but looks more like ‘HUSKEFS’), I spot Brynn—and unfortunately, Inez. I hate that Brynn keeps dragging her everywhere. I get they’re roommates, but come on. Thankfully they’re far enough away, in the student section, so I don’t have to talk to her. I’d rather not, after the awkwardness of the interview.

“Why is she at a baseball game?” I mumble, staring at my hands like they have the answers to why my ex-boyfriend’s maybe-something is here.

“Who?”

“Her.” I point, not very subtly.

Callie looks up and frowns. “Are they talking again?”

“No.” I want to puke at the thought. “I highly doubt that.” Judging by his needs an hour ago, I’m sure the answer’s no. At least, it better be. Otherwise, what the fuck? The memory of his hands on me, his mouth on my neck, makes my cheeks flush. Thank God for stadium lighting.

I usually tell Callie everything, but I don’t know how to explain this. I can’t say I’m back with him, because we’re not. I don’t know what we are, and I’m afraid to ask, so I’m here in a haze of uncertainty, wearing his hoodie like some kind of claim while wondering if I even have the right.

“Maybe she’s here for the game, not for Jaxon,” Callie says, trying to be helpful, but we both know better.

“Yeah.” I shrug, eyes back on the bullpen, but Jaxon’s gone. “Maybe.” Maybe pigs will fly and Coach will cancel morning practice.

“Who gave you these seats, girl?” Callie asks, looking around and realizing we’re right above the home dugout. Perfect view of everything—especially him.

“Oh, uh, Coach Drew had them and hooked me up after our game.” Lying, but whatever.

“Aww, nice. Isn’t that Jaxon’s parents?” She points. “Damn, his dad is so hot though, for real.”

“Callie,” I snort, laughing. Leave it to her. “Yeah, that’s them. I’m gonna go say hi.”

“Okay, I’m going to get food.”

“You were just at the concession stand.”

“I know, but I’m hungry.”

“Of course you are.” Callie’s on a full ride and her parents still send her a monthly allowance—otherwise, she’d never afford to eat as much as she does. The girl’s stomach is a black hole.

I scoot past Callie and head over to Jaxon’s family before I can second-guess it. It’s not until I’m feet away, and they’ve already spotted me, that I realize what I’m doing. Jaxon and I aren’t together anymore.

What if they don’t want to see me? What has he told them? Probably nothing. What if they’ve met Inez and love her more?

Please don’t let that happen.

My throat tightens. Emerson, his older sister, spots me first, eyes wide. “Cam!” she squeals and jumps up to hug me.

Growing up an only child, Em was the big sister I never had. Five years older than Jaxon, an EMT in Seattle, never afraid to put him in his place. The number of times she’s saved both our asses is probably higher than his batting average.

She yanks me into a hug, and I’m practically laying across his mom to reach Em. Her vanilla perfume is like a comfort blanket.

“It’s been months, girl.”

“I know. I’ve barely been in town since the season started.” I squeeze her tight. She was one of my best friends. I looked up to her more than she’ll ever know.

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