Page 27 of The Perfect Play

Coach said some college coaches will be at the game tomorrow.

It was such a vague statement, and I wondered how he felt about it.

That’s a good thing, right? You’ll be able to show off your skills and get a scholarship for it.

I pressed send, staring at the screen as if his response would appear because I willed it. After nearly a minute with no answer, I started my music and continued reading Hamlet, going through it slowly so I could understand the older language and make sure I got the story correct. I loved English, but Shakespeare seemed to be my own kind of torture just to keep my grades up.

The message pinged in my ears, and I turned the screen on and saw a message from Jake.

I guess. I’m not sure about it yet. I had a rough day at practice. I might not have anything to show them.

The defeatist attitude was something I hated, but after everything he’d talked about on Saturday, I could understand it. He’d probably gotten so sick of his dad badgering him about his practicing and skills that he either didn’t think he was really good enough or he didn’t want to go to college and see his father gloat.

You’ll be fine. I’ll come watch after we get done with our practice tomorrow. Just play like you always do. A cocky, arrogant shortstop who’s better than everyone out there.

I don’t play like that. Usually I’m just hoping I don’t screw anything up.

I bit my lip as I read through his words. A wide smile took over, and I typed out,You fooled me then.

Several minutes went by, and I was worried I’d offended him. But then a long bubble popped up, and I realized what had taken so long.

At least I fooled someone. Tomorrow’s a big game, and I hope we do well. My stomach is already twisted in knots. Sorry, I shouldn’t bug you while you’re on the bus.

Please, you’re helping me avoid my reading for tomorrow.

I waited again and had to click the screen to keep it from going black.

What about you and college? Have you had any interest so far?

I’d gotten mail from at least fifty of the smaller schools, but after checking the classes and majors they offered, I’d been able to narrow it down to ten from there. I still would’ve preferred some of the bigger schools, but it was still early, and I had another year before graduation.

A few. I’ll have a better chance of being looked at over the summer.

I’m at the diner tonight. Wish you were here.

I read the last phrase at least a dozen times, my chest nearly bursting with excitement.

Me too.

I sent it, not wanting to say too much or too little. I liked this simple relationship, where we were slowly feeling things out. From everything I’d learned over the past few years, this was different than any relationship Jake had had with other girls. Usually, they started and ended within a week. It was nearing a week since the kiss, and we’d barely seen each other. Was that the secret to a longer relationship with Rosemont’s playboy?

He didn’t text me back, and I knew he was probably swamped with the dinner crowd at the diner. I stared out the window for a while, imagining several scenarios of the next time I saw him before turning back to my book. If I got it done now, I might be able to see him once I got home and before bed.

I never would have thought I’d want to get my homework done so I could see a boy. Especially not Jake White.

Chapter 23

Jake

Ipulled into my driveway after a long shift at the diner. Glancing over, I saw Penny’s car in the drive, and I looked up at her window, wondering if she was already asleep or not. We were different in that way. I was a night owl and usually didn’t go to sleep until after midnight, no matter the day. Penny, on the other hand, seemed to clock out by at least ten unless she was studying for something.

Opening the door, I stepped out of the Jeep and walked toward the side door of my house.

“Hey, long night at work?” Penny’s voice came from the side, causing me to jump for once.

She giggled, and I shook my head.

“I can’t believe you got me. It’s been forever since someone scared me like that.”

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