Page 43 of Fastball Fever
I wind up, muscle memory taking over as the ball flies out of my hand in a blur, cutting through the air with a kind of precision I haven't experienced in ages.For a split second, I see doubt flash across Jared's face.
Perfect.Let the jerk worry.
He swings—too late.
The satisfying smack of leather echoes as the ball hits the catcher's mitt.The umpire's arm shoots up.
"Strike three!You're out!"
The crowd erupts, and I allow myself a small fist pump.Nothing excessive, nothing that would give Jared the satisfaction of knowing how much this matters to me.
"Lucky pitch," Jared snarls, glowering at me as we pass each other.
I don't dignify that with a response and let my pitching speak for itself.Three up, three down—a perfect inning to end the fifth.I'm feeling good tonight.Better than good, actually.
Coach Martinez slaps my back as I descend the dugout steps."Superb, Braddock.You're dialed in."
"Thanks, Coach."I snag my water bottle and collapse onto the bench, stretching my shoulder.No pain.Just the good kind of fatigue that comes from working hard.
"Keep this up and we might just have ourselves a comeback story," he says with a wink before turning to address the batters who'll be up next inning.
I take another swig of water, observing as our offense takes the field.From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of a familiar figure leaning against the railing near the entrance to the locker rooms.It's Alicia.
What is my ex-wife doing here?Sure, we're friends these days.But Alicia knows I'm with Amy now.
The woman I adore walks into the dugout, sitting down beside me, and I forget all about my ex-wife.Amy rubs her cheek against my shoulder."You're amazing today, Charlie.I can almost taste victory coming our way.And that's all because of you."
"It's a team sport.I'm one spoke in the wheel, that's all."
She leans closer to whisper, "After the game, let's go back to your place.I bought the massage oil we saw in that little shop…"
"Mm-hm."That's all I can say, since two of my teammates just sat down beside me.
Amy wanders back to the bullpen.I enjoy the view of her sexy ass while she walks away.
"Eyes on the game, Braddock," I mutter to myself, forcing my attention back to the field where Rodriguez has just connected with a fastball, sending it deep into left field.The crowd roars as he rounds first base, and I'm on my feet with the rest of the dugout, pumping my fist in the air.
"That's it, Rod!Keep going!"I shout as he slides safely into second.The momentum is building, electrifying our team.This is what we've been working for all season.
Coach Martinez signals from his position, and Rodriguez nods, understanding the play.Our next batter, Sanchez, saunters up to the plate.
I roll my shoulder, feeling the pleasant burn of muscles that have worked hard but aren't giving out.Not anymore.My gaze drifts back to where I spotted Alicia, but she's gone now.Probably for the best.I need to stay focused, especially with Amy keeping a close eye on me.She gives me a thumbs-up sign, smiling sweetly.
Then she mouths, "Take it all the way!"
Knowing Amy is there, following every moment, makes me feel a hundred feet tall.
"Hey, Braddock," Johnson, our shortstop, nudges me."Your ex is here with some guy.Thought you should know."
"Uh-huh."As if it matters to me who my ex-wife hangs out with.
I keep track of the plays as best as I can.But my gaze perpetually returns to Amy—her profile lit up by the stadium lights, a slight smile on her lips.She's beautiful, so damn beautiful.
Two more runs in the sixth inning put us up 5-1.When I take the mound again in the seventh, I'm riding high on adrenaline and confidence.The first batter goes down swinging.The second batter hits a weak grounder to first—an easy out.Then Jared Morris waltzes up to the plate again, and the voltage on the field just got dialed up to a dangerous level.
"Ready for another strikeout, Morris?"I shout, because I just can't help myself.The words poured out before I could stop them.
Jared's gaze narrows."In your dreams, Chucky."
