Page 34 of Fastball Fever
This moment—right here—this is what matters.
I wind up for the final pitch, feeling the energy of the stadium wrap around me like a warm embrace.The batter sets his jaw, determined not to strike out.I respect that fight.
I deliver a changeup that seems to hang in the air for an eternity before dropping like a stone just as he swings.The bat whooshes through empty space.
"Strike three!You're out!"
The stadium erupts.I pump my fist, allowing myself a moment of pure, unfiltered celebration.My gaze finds Amy first—always Amy—and she's beaming at me with those expressive eyes that see right through my defenses.
When I jog back to the dugout, August high-fives me with such enthusiasm that I worry he might hurt his small hand.
"That was awesome!"He's practically vibrating with excitement."Can you teach me how to throw like that?"
"Sure thing, buddy."
"You've got the fastest fastball ever!"
I chuckle."Not quite.But I'm aiming for it."
Jared stalks up to me, fuming so hard I swear steam is rolling out of his ears."You might've beaten our team, but you aren't the fastball king anymore.Those pitches were practically softballs."
"Go suck a lemon, Morris.Nobody cares about the outcome of a charity game."
He snorts."Oh, this wasn't about winning for myself.It was about showing everyone that you're washed up, Braddock.Your shoulder's shot, and we both know it."
I grind my teeth so hard I half expect them to crack.The worst part is that on my darkest days, I've had the same thoughts.But today isn't one of those days.I know Jared is full of shit, but I won't argue with him now."Don't spoil it for the kids, hey, Morris?This is their day, not ours."
"Charlie!"August tugs at my uniform."Don't listen to that mean man.You're the best pitcher in the whole wide world!"
Something loosens in my chest at the kid's unwavering faith.I ruffle his hair again and bend down to his level."Thanks, buddy.That means a lot coming from you."
When I straighten up, Amy is there, positioning herself subtly between me and Morris."Great pitching today, Charlie."
She said that loud enough for everyone to hear.
The color commentator informs everyone in the stadium that it's time for the players to meet with the children.I'm looking forward to that, and August will be my guide.He really is the sweetest kid.Once all the players have left the field, August waves for me to follow his family.
But Amy is jogging up to me, so I call out to the kid, "Be there in a few minutes, buddy!"
She halts only a foot away from me.For what feels like forever, she stares at me as if she doesn't know what to say now.I'm about to open my mouth when she finally speaks.
"I'm in love with you too, Charlie."
My grin must look stupid, but I don't give a hoot.I drag Amy into my arms and kiss her like there's no one else in the entire world except the two of us.
Chapter Eighteen
Clearing the Air
We sit across from each other, a bottle of wine between us and the city lights playing off the river outside the window.The bar is warm and intimate, the opposite of what I'm used to lately thanks to my life on the road.Amy goes with me to every game.But since players usually don't get more than one day off every ten days, she mostly serves as my coach—not my girlfriend.
Well, except at night.She's my girl all the way when we're under the covers together.
I lean toward Amy."I couldn't have won that game this evening without you."
Amy looks like a different person, out of her element in this romantic setting.She probably wouldn't like it if I said so, but she seems more feminine in the subdued lighting.I love her tough-coach side too, don't get me wrong.She must think I look like a waiter, with my tie and spiffy slacks.I feel a little off tonight, probably because it's been at least five hours since my coach yelled at me to hustle.She hasn't called me Braddock either.
I can't remember the last time I talked with someone instead of getting talked at.Hence, our private dinner.
