Page 17 of Fastball Fever
Amy pretended she wasn't soft on me but—and this was the best part of her speech as well as my favorite bit—she finished by kissing me.
Her voice is still ringing in my ears as she drags me over to the trainer's facility for more heat and ice.That seems unnecessary since my shoulder is already feeling so good that I'm not worried about getting hurt again.I'll be careful, of course.But the fear is fading away more every day.
When we exit the facility, three reporters are waiting outside the building.They're clearly hoping to catch a good sound bite they can splash on every TV screen and newspaper headline.Those vultures must be here about yesterday's contest with Jared.I try to brush past the reporters, but they ambush me like gnats in July.
"Charlie!Heard you're back for good!"someone shouts, shoving a mic in my face.
I glance at Amy.She stands with her arms crossed, daring me to stay on script.
"Getting my strength back more every day," I proclaim."Coach Keller and the team are making sure I don't overdo it.But I feel good, real good."
Another reporter cuts in."What about your little showdown yesterday?Looked like Morris was giving you a run for your money."
"I don't pay attention to Jared's trash talk," I lie, feeling Amy's gaze burn into me.
The Aspen Altitude team, our nemeses, often practice in the same facility.So naturally, Morris had to harass me.And yeah, I got a little…irritated.Okay, I shouted obscenities at the jackass because he insulted Amy, and that led to a brief dust-up.I know I need to keep my emotions in check, just like Amy keeps telling me.But it's tough when she's Jared's target.
The third reporter is relentless."So can Admirals fans expect you at the top of the rotation this season?"
I pause just long enough for Amy to chime in."Charlie's on a great recovery track.We're making sure he's ready to lead this team all the way to the top."
She's prepared to play bodyguard as the questions keep coming.Amy ushers me toward the parking lot where my car waits like an escape vehicle.I duck around Amy and fire off a parting shot toward the little crowd."I'll be on the mound soon, better than ever!"
The reporters scribble furiously, shout, and circle like buzzards over fresh roadkill.I can still hear them when we reach my car.
"Did you see the camera guy wearing the Altitude's jersey?"Amy asks."That's either dedication—or a pay-off."
"It wouldn't surprise me if Morris has him on his payroll," I agree, sliding into the driver's seat.
Amy jumps in and sits beside me, seeming like she's choosing her next words carefully."Do you think you're ready for Aspen this weekend?"
"I just told them—"
"You told them what they wanted to hear."She moves into her patented resolute stance, daring anyone who has the balls to challenge her to give it a go."Can you handle Morris in a real game or not?"
"I'll be fine.Don't you trust me anymore?"
"Yes, but your injury sapped your confidence for a while."She drills her gaze directly into mine."You've done amazingly well when you practice with your teammates, but winning against a rival team is much more stressful."
"Amy, I meant what I said.My shoulder can handle it."I glance at her sideways as I maneuver the car out of the lot."Don't you believe I can do it?"
"I believe you're still a stubborn idiot."
She sounds annoyed, but I catch the hint of a smile before she turns away to stare out the window."Just don't blow it, okay?A lot's riding on you and your first spring training matchup."
I groan."Let it go, Amy."
"You know I can't do that."
She acts like she doesn't believe I can get the job done, that I might crack under pressure though I never have before.Something else is going on inside her head.And suddenly, a proverbial light bulb pops on over my head.Maybe my epiphany is bullshit, but I don't think so.
We're on the road now, and she's already running through scenarios for this weekend's game.I'm visualizing finally burning Jared with a smoking fastball as he stands there slack-jawed.I don't say much, just nodding along, partly listening.Mostly, I'm imagining her saying something else when we get back to my place.Something like "you really kicked his ass out there."
Instead, she's still talking about expectations.
Halfway to my apartment building, I can't contain my epiphany any longer.I peek at her sideways."You're still worried about me, aren't you?That's why you've been such a downer about my healing progress."
"Don't be ridiculous."
