Page 25 of Fastball Fever
She pivots on her heel with the same cool grace she had when she walked away from our marriage.
As soon as she's out of earshot, Phil aims his best managerial stare at me."You need to get back to your old self.We need you, but only if your shoulder is ready for away games.The season is about to start, you know."
I get what he's saying.I'm not out of time yet, but the clock is ticking, winding down to Judgment Day.
Phil leans forward, resting his elbows on his thighs, and turns his hardest stare on me."Your substitute coach wasn't working for you, that much is clear.We need our fastball king in prime condition."
"I know.And my shoulder—"
Phil interrupts with one raised hand."I've seen your latest scans, which means I probably know your condition better than you do.But here's the deal.You can't get back on the field untilyoubelieve you can do it.My opinion is bullshit."
I swallow against a lump in my throat, having no idea what I'm supposed to say.
"Listen up," Phil says."Because I'll only say this once.You're the best pitcher I've seen, and you can win the World Series this year.That's why I'm giving you a gift."
He stands up, shoves two fingers into his mouth, and lets out the loudest whistle I've ever heard."Get your ass in here now, Coach!"
The locker-room door swings open—and Amy walks in.
Before my shock has even really set in, Phil pats my shoulder and says, "Here's your gift, Braddock.Don't fuck it up.You have no idea how many favors I had to cash in for this."
I still can't speak even as Phil walks away.
Amy traipses up to me, wearing an expression that's impossible to decipher."Are you ready to practice like your life depends on it?No whining, no excuses, just grueling practice."
Clearing my throat, I stand up straighter."I'm ready, Coach."
"You'd better be.Otherwise, I'll have to cancel our weekend trip."
"Where are we going?Zimbabwe?"
She rolls her eyes and straps her arms over those luscious tits."You won't find out until you've proven to me that you're ready to sweat blood and train until you drop."
"Are you serious?"
"Do I look like I'm pranking you?You're off the bench, but not for long if your form stays like this."
She waves toward the slouch I've somehow fallen into lately.
I fake-wince, trying to mask the thrill I feel with mock resignation."So, we'll be, what?Stuck together twenty-four seven?"
A ghost of a smile tugs at her lips."If you can't handle it, now's the time to back out.I hear the sanitation department needs another garbage man."
"And lose my chance to make the opening roster?No way."
She tilts her head."Charlie, this won't be a vacation or a romantic getaway."
"You can stop whacking my head with a shovel, Amy.I'm not that stupid."
"Good," she says sharply, but with warmth just beneath the surface.
I'd almost forgotten this push and pull is exactly what I thrive on with Amy Keller.Alicia never made me feel this invigorated.
Bracing myself for whatever insane schedule Amy's cooked up, I follow her down the hall to the gym.As she leads the way, I can't resist admiring her ass and the way her tight pants accentuate every delicious curve.I need her for more than training.She's become the most important person in my life, period, and it has very little to do with baseball.
I can't let her down again.I won't.After a fruitful workout, I'm ready to go.
"Okay, what's in store today?"I ask as we step out onto the diamond.
