Page 39 of The Perfect Hit

There had been nothing I could really change when it came to my relationship with Seth. There were so many things I’d done over the top, getting him gifts for the littlest events and being at every one of his basketball games, even the off-season ones.

But had I already lost my chance with Colt? I mean, this was the first time I’d gone to something he loved, and now he’d been asked to a dance by a girl I thought was my good friend.

But who was I to stop her from asking him? I mean, there were no official titles between us, and I wondered if Colt would even want that.

I remembered last semester, before the holidays, Brynn had mentioned that Colt seemed to have a crush on me, but he’d never said anything about it. I’d heard of people having a crush on someone until they’d gotten to know the person better. Did he not have a crush on me anymore because he knew so much about me?

“Hey, girl. Where are you right now?” Colt still had his hands on my sides, staring down at me as though I was the only girl in the world. Or was that just my brain overthinking things, hoping it was true?

“Sorry, I just got lost in some thoughts. You did great, though. I can’t believe you know how to stop a ball that comes flying at you like that. Very impressive.”

Colt grinned and laughed. “Are you talking about the one I almost messed up completely? Yeah, I’ve been struggling today. My hitting was the worst.”

“You’ll get it. You just need to keep on going.” It was a lame phrase, but I’d run out of terminology that applied in this situation.

A taller kid I recognized as the new player came and slapped Colt on the back. “Good job today.”

“Thanks, Adam. Way to save the game with that hit.”

The guy grinned and walked away.

“What position does he play?” I asked, pointing after him.

Colt blew out a breath. “Third base and sometimes first base. He took over for me when I rolled my ankle.” He picked up his bat bag and started walking toward the school.

“Why do you sound like that’s a bad thing?”

He shook his head and glanced around us. There was no one even close, and he leaned in closer, causing my breath to hitch somewhat.

“I’ve got this pressure coming from Coach Maddox now, like if I don’t perform, I’m out. I’ve been starting since the middle of my freshman year. I don’t want to give it up to a new guy.”

He stopped speaking for several seconds and then continued. “I mean, I get it. We want to win state, and this kid is focused, always practicing and giving out tips. He even helped me with a few hitting tricks, which I obviously didn’t put into practice today.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“Should he have the spot because he wants it so bad? I mean, I love baseball and sports, but I just don’t see myself playing in college.”

That was something I hadn’t considered before. In a way, it kind of felt like that with me and the play since I was directing when I could’ve been the lead. But just thinking about trying to direct and memorize all the lines was more than I could handle.

“I guess it depends on what you want to do. I mean, you’ve got another season of high school baseball. Does he have to play third base?” I asked, trying to be helpful.

“I don’t know.”

With a shrug, I said, “Then you give it your best and see what the coach says. Not that we’re that old yet, but would you look back on your time playing for Rosemont High and be disappointed that you didn’t give it everything you’ve got?”

He nodded, looking like the answer to that question hadn’t crossed his mind.

“Should we head home?” he finally said, getting to the truck in the parking lot.

“Don’t you have to go shower or something?” I said, pointing toward the school.

“Are you trying to tell me I smell?” he said with a half-smile.

I shook my head, trying to hold back a grin. “Of course not. I just figured that’s what you all do all the time.”

“I think I’ll just shower at home. I’m starving and don’t want to wait for the cold water in the shower here.”

We stood next to my car, and I said, “Well, I’ll chat with you later, then. Are you ready for the bigger rehearsal tomorrow?”

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