Page 227 of Force Play
Strike two.
We’re nowonestrike away from taking the series.
Rockman doesn’t let his nerves get the better of him, though.
His final pitch is another fastball. The ball connects and sends a line drive right at me. All I have to do is put my glove in front of me, and I catch it easily.
That’s out number three.
We won.
Holy shit, we just won the World Series!
We all rush to the mound and practically jump on Rockman in celebration.
The fans in the stands are wild right now, screaming and cheering and going absolutely crazy.
I look over at Lucia, who’s wearing the brightest smile.
I forgo celebrating with my team for a moment and dash right to my girlfriend. She heads out of the dugout to meet me, and I scoop her up and spin her around.
“You won, baby!” she shouts, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Ari!”
“Holy shit, Luc! We actually fucking won.”
She rests her forehead against mine, and the roar of the crowd is all but unheard as I lose myself in those beautiful, deep brown eyes.
“You deserve this. I’m so happy for you.”
I kiss her desperately.
I’m happy about the win, but I’m a hell of a lot happier to celebrate it with her.
“World Series champions again!” Cole screams into the absurdly crowded clubhouse. Everyone on the team and our partners have crammed themselves into the small area.
The champagne is brought out for the celebratory champagne shower, and bottles are passed all around.
As soon as Rory has one, she pops the cork and immediately turns it on her dad, dousing Skip from head to toe.
“Rory Elizabeth!”
She just smiles at him. “Come on, old man. I told you I’d personally spray champagne all over you the next time you won the World Series.”
“You said that three years ago,” he grumbles. “I was hoping you forgot.”
I have my arm around Lucia, and she’s positively beaming right now.
She pops her cork and sprays the champagne up in the air. “I’m so proud of all of you. I’m proud to be part of this organization. Congratulations!”
“We should toast,” I say, holding my bottle up in the air. “To the best group of guys I’ve ever played with.”
Everybody shouts ‘Cheers!’ and we all sip from our bottles of champagne.
Well, all of the guys do.
I do see Lo and Liv sip. Ella obviously doesn’t. But Rory and Lucia don’t either.
I look down at my girl. “You not gonna celebrate?”
