Page 5 of The Perfect Hit

The closer we got to Brynn’s house, the more worried I got. What was happening here? Why hadn’t Colt contacted me?Then again, I doubted he’d use Nate’s phone just to text and call me.

As my thoughts escalated, Brynn’s words from earlier entered my mind about how we weren’t dating. I wasn’t his girlfriend, so why would I be the first person he’d contact? That realization hit deeper than I wanted it to. I leaned on him for a lot, and I hated to think that anything could change between us. Sure, I had other friends at school, but somehow Colt balanced me out.

We pulled into Brynn’s driveway, and I put the car in park.

“Haze, just remember how awesome you are. There is someone out there for you, someone who will love every part of you. Don’t change.” She reached over and squeezed my hand, giving me a jolt of emotion and springing tears to my eyes. “Do you think you’ll get the script back tomorrow from Mrs. Sanderson?”

I nodded, trying to clear my throat of emotion. “I hope so, and I hope it’s good. I mean, I’ve never written something that will be performed before, and I can’t believe it’s finished. We start auditions next week.”

Disbelief at a finished product was the truth. When Mrs. Sanderson asked me to write the play from a story I’d written for English, I was floored. I mean, I was usually the lead of the play or musical, and writing this play had pushed me past anything I’d imagined I could do. But only part of it was done. There were still auditions and then the execution of the play, meaning my stomach would be in knots for weeks to come.

The passenger door opened, and a familiar face leaned over. “Is this a girls-only meeting?”

“You’re back!” Brynn said, jumping out of her seat.

Nate wrapped his arms around her waist, and they kissed, him lifting her so her feet were in the air.

My inner romantic swooned as it usually did, but there was a slice of envy running through me. I’d never been envious of my cousin before, but the fact that someone could look at a girl like that, like she was the only person in the world, made me wish I had the same thing.

Then my inner defense wall slammed down on that thought, crushing it to pieces. Getting attached to a boy in a relationship was just setting myself up for heartbreak. I didn’t need to be doing that right now. We were almost at the end of our junior year, and the spring musical would be taking over my life.

My entire spring would be booked up with rehearsals and memorizing lines. It was best to avoid anything that might distract me from that. At least, that’s what I’d tell myself.

3

Colt

Nate had dropped me off at the hospital, and it was a relief to see my grandfather in good spirits. Well, that might have been helped by the pain medication they’d given him, but I was still happy to see him cracking jokes.

The diagnosis was that he would need a few days in the hospital after the surgery on his hip, and then he’d need to stay in an assisted-living facility to get through therapy. He hadn’t been excited about that idea, but my mom pacified him by saying we’d work out the details when it got closer to leaving.

As usual, once we made it back home, my dad sent me out to get my chores done. My three brothers had already mowed the lawn and trimmed the hedges the day before. That meant I had to weed the garden. With one look, I knew Wyatt, my youngest brother, hadn’t done the weeding throughout the week, even though it had been on his chores list. At least gardening in the evening wasn't as hot as during the day. The sun hadn’t completely set, giving me enough light to see.

“Hey, stranger,” Hazel said as she walked around to the backyard.

“What are you up to?” I asked, grinning up at Hazel.

I stood, glancing down at my dirt-covered hands, and decided against reaching for a hug. She wore a pair of longer cutoff jean shorts and a bright blue t-shirt. It was the most casual I’d ever seen her, but it highlighted the color of her eyes.

I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed her until I saw her there, the light hitting her skin just right and making her look like she was beaming.

“I’m really sorry I didn’t call you when I got back. My phone’s inside charging finally.” Why did I feel so awkward around her now? I’d had the same feelings for months. I didn’t need to change the status quo after a few days away from her.

“I'm just really excited you’re home,” she said, laughing. “It felt like you were gone forever.”

It was my turn to laugh. “What are you talking about? I missed one day of school and was gone throughout the weekend.”

“I know, but radio silence wasn’t fun. Does it bug you when I talk a lot?”

I stopped pulling at the weeds and turned to look at her. “What do you mean?” The insecurity in her voice shocked me.

“I mean, do you get annoyed when I talk a lot?” Her eyes reminded me of a doe with the way she stared at me, as if studying my reaction for an answer.

I shook my head. “No, it’s kind of nice, actually. What’s with the question? Did someone say something to you?”

Hazel folded her arms over her chest and tightened, her gaze drifting to the tree at the corner of our yard. “No, I was just thinking about it. How was your camp?”

“It was good for the most part. My fielding skills were on point, but I struggled to hit anything.” I ran a hand through my hair, reliving the embarrassment I’d felt yesterday when I’d struck out. “I didn’t impress any college scouts who were there yesterday.”

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