Page 16 of Fastball Fever
Amy turns to me."You okay?"
"Absolutely.That guy's got a gift for getting under my skin, that's all."
She studies me for a moment, then her posture relaxes."Ready to pick up where we left off?"
I try to find that zone again, the one I'd achieved before Jared barged in, but it takes time.Amy's still here to guide me, fortunately.We return to the field, easily reclaiming our earlier focus.I suspect that's only possible because of the rapport we have, or at least, used to have before the dugout-sex incident.
Amy leaves before I do.
By the time I walk out of the facility, it's coming up on three o'clock—in the morning.The air is chilly, stinging my face as I make my way back to my car.My shoulder aches, but it's a good kind of pain and not as intense as it once had been.The kind that says yeah, I can do this.
And it's because of Amy Keller.
While I climb the stairs to my apartment, the hallway is empty and silent.I push the door open, still reflecting on the night and Amy.Her voice, her eyes, the tolerant smile she gives me whenever I crack an inappropriate joke.The way she seems to understand me like nobody else can.
A sharp knock jerks me out of my thoughts.I hesitate, then pull the door open wider.
My ex-wife stands there, looking like she's just stepped off a magazine cover.It's been a long time since I saw her in person, and the sight stuns me.Why is Alicia here at three in the morning?
"Hello, Charlie," she coos, a half-smile playing on her lips."Surprised to see me?"
Damn straight I am.But I don't say that.Instead, I step aside to let her in, my mind racing with crazy thoughts about what her unexpected arrival means.I keep my hand on the doorknob, twisting it side to side."What do you want this time, Alicia?I'm wiped out from midnight practice."
My ex-wife sashays closer."I want to talk about us.Our future."
"You divorcedme, so there is no future forus."I wave toward the open door."Get out.Now.I'm in no mood for your bullshit.You can walk away on your own, or I can toss you out myself."
She pats my cheek."I'll call you tomorrow, honey."
Alicia sashays out the door.
I slam it after her.If my life gets any screwier, I'll need to get fitted for a straitjacket.
Chapter Nine
Rival's Challenge
This morning, Amy gave me the best speech ever—just for me.It was like something out of a movie—rousing, and in a strange way, patriotic.Baseball is America's favorite pastime, after all.I've heard coaches give inspiring speeches before, but Amy's should be written down and enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
I hear her words replaying in my mind as she leads me out of the locker room.
"Charlie Braddock, you are the Admirals' all-star pitcher for a reason.And when we're on the road to the World Series, I need you in top form.Don't let one idiot's taunts get in your head.Charlie, you are more than ready.This team would be toast without you, the fastball king."
She made me feel like I'm Superman without the cape.
"Maybe you think of baseball as a contest," she continued."And you're partially right.It's true that in a game one team wins, and another loses.It's true that some players are traded and others get to stay.Some go down to the minors again, and others stick around.Maybe fate plays a role, and luck too."
I had been mesmerized by the fire inside her, the desire to convince me I can be the fastball phenom I was before my injury.
"But sometimes," Amy went on, "things happen that make us question all our assumptions.My dad was the best coach anyone could hope for.Taught me everything I know about being a coach—and he was an encyclopedia of baseball knowledge.Ever since I was six years old, there was nothing I liked more than sitting in the dugout with him, watching him work, listening to what he told his players, enjoying the banter between innings."
Amy was electrifying, and I swore I could almost hear the crowd cheering and whooping.
"But then something happened that changed everything," she goes on."I think you know what I'm talking about.Dad got sick and passed away too soon.I had a choice: Take over his responsibilities as everyone expected—or step away.Hurtling into the unknown, redefining my own life instead of living up to other people's expectations.It sucked, and it was scary, but I did my best—and now here I am, coaching for a team that kicks ass—and a pitcher who has turned these players into a family."
I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.Her words hit me like a fastball to the chest.
But she wasn't quite finished yet."So, what about you, Charlie?You've had some bad luck.Maybe some jerk thinks you're done for the season—or forever.But are you ready to believe that?Or are you going to surprise everyone, including yourself, and come back stronger?"
