Page 27 of Fastball Fever
"You're gonna be fine," Nate says, but even he looks like he's not so sure.
I aim for humor to lighten the mood."Trying to get rid of me already?"
"Never," he says with a laugh, but his eyes say maybe.Nate is our best batter and a genuinely nice guy.He heads off toward his locker, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the room.
I sit down, pretending to go through my routine.The weights above my locker mock me—packed boxes without a place to land yet.I haven't seen Amy since our workout session yesterday.She has a life outside coaching me, I'm sure, so I couldn't reasonably expect her to be here the moment I arrived for the game.
I rub my shoulder, feeling the dull ache spreading into my chest.But it feels like phantom pain, like I'm talking myself into it.
Amy knocks on the locker-room door."May I come in?"
"Yep.Nobody's here but me and my trade rumors."
She walks in, hesitating halfway to me.Then she marches straight up to me and sits down beside me."Charlie, don't let them mess with your head.Trade rumors are just that—gossip."
"Seb heard about it quick like he always does.And he's usually right."
"It's not a done deal," she insists."We have time."
But does she really know that?Amy is standing right in front of me, shoulder to shoulder, like she's ready to fight this battle for me, with me.I want to believe her, but seeing her here only reminds me of what I stand to lose.It's not just my career on the line—it's everything we started rebuilding between us.
"I should handle this myself, Coach."
"Come on, Charlie, we both know I'm more than your coach."Amy clasps my hands, something I've never seen her do before."I care about you.A lot."
"I feel that way about you too."
"Good."She stands up, still holding my hands, and waits until I get up too.Then she smiles."Now, forget about the trade rumor.We have the rest of today and all weekend to explore Cooperstown.I don't want to see any more frowns or bummed-out looks.Let's go to your place and grab whatever you'll need for the weekend."
"Amy, I should be practicing for—"
"No arguments," she declares."If I see a baseball in your hand before Sunday, the trip is off."
I grin."You're amazing, Amy."
She winks and guides me out of the locker room.I shove thoughts of trades and defeats behind us.Maybe this will be our last trip together if Philly seals the deal.It might also be the break I need to clear my head.When she's not watching, I catch myself rubbing my shoulder again.
We drive in near silence until we hit traffic.
"Want to talk about it?"she finally asks.
I try to understand the look in her eyes.It's not pity.She wouldn't do that to me.So I tell her, "Just thinking.Philly might want to take me on, but that's only if my injury is healed enough."
"Relax.Your shoulder will be fine."
She squeezes my thigh reassuringly.The way she's acting, I'd almost think she'll pack everything up and bolt with me if I get traded tomorrow.
When we arrive at my apartment, I don't even pretend to pack.Amy sees right through me but keeps up her determined hustle anyway and fixes me with a teasing glare."You're going to spend all weekend looking like you got traded to the worst team in the league."
I can't help it.I laugh."But isn't that exactly what…" She cuts me off with two fingers, sealing my lips."Don't say it.No negative thoughts allowed this weekend.Remember?"
"Right, because you're just so laid back and easygoing."
"You bet I am."Amy sets down an armload of clothes I never intended to wear and ticks off the contents on her fingers."Toothbrush, check.Warm jacket, check.Goofy smile for photos we're going to take at the museum?Double-check."
"You are singular and amazing, Amy Keller."
She stops rushing around and looks at me like she's seeing something deep inside, a truth about us that even I can't quite put into words yet.Then she nods and smiles, like we've reached an understanding that doesn't require either of us to speak another word.We leave my overstuffed suitcase sprawled open on the floor and jump in the car, craving spontaneity the way only two people living on a ticking clock can.We drive north, letting go of everything except the road ahead, and make it to Cooperstown by midmorning.
