Page 68 of Fastball Fever
I clear my throat."I appreciate everyone's concern, but I should probably have some say in this, right?"
Three pairs of eyes turn to me expectantly.
"Look, I understand the importance of publicity.I get that this is part of the job.But I also need to make sure I'm ready for next season.So, Amy's compromise does sound reasonable to me."
Phil puckers his lips, tapping one finger on his knee."One week could work.We'd have to consolidate some interviews, but—"
"Absolutely not," Ray interjects."This tour is about capitalizing on momentum.One week isn't enough time to hit all the markets properly."
I throw my head back and groan."Ugh.Ray, I respect you as an owner, but this is my body we're talking about.My career.I came back from an injury that nearly ended everything, and I don't want that to happen again."
The room falls silent for just long enough that I'm starting to get worried."Tell you what.Let's shoot for ten days.We'll hit all three cities, but we schedule in proper rest days.And no demonstration pitches unless I feel one hundred percent."
Ray studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.Then he sighs, nodding in resignation."Fine.Ten days it is, with rest periods built in."He points a finger at me."But I want your A-game when you're on camera.The fans want to see Charlie Braddock, not some exhausted shadow of him."
"You'll get my best," I vow."Every time, rain or shine."
Phil scribbles notes on his tablet."I'll rework the schedule tonight.We leave in three days."
Once big guys are gone, Amy and I collapse back onto the couch.
She curls into my side, her head resting on my shoulder."That went better than expected, huh?"
I laugh, but the sound feels hollow even to my ears."Yeah, Ray only looked like he wanted to fire me twice."
"He wouldn't dare.You're the golden boy right now.Record-breaking fastball, remember?"She wriggles closer, lowering to a sexy register."Besides, I think you handled that perfectly.You stood your ground without burning bridges."
"Ten days is better than two weeks.We also have our wedding coming up, ya know.Our moms won't be happy if we cut the nuptials short."
"We won't skimp on the wedding craziness.But first, we do the publicity tour.Agreed?"
"As long as you're coming with me, baby, I'll go anywhere."
She smiles, that special smile she reserves just for me."Someone has to make sure you don't overdo it.Besides, I'm your coach.It's literally my job to monitor your physical condition."
I pull her close, planting a kiss on her forehead."So, you're coming as my coach, not my fiancée?"
"Both."She traces a finger along my jaw."Always both."
That night, I lie awake staring at the ceiling.Amy's delicate breathing beside me is the only sound in the room.Can I make it through ten days of being paraded around like a prized racehorse?Ten days of repeating the same stories, answering the same questions about how it felt to throw that pitch, how it felt to win the Series?The press will also want to talk about the arrests of Coach Rivera and Jared Morris.
I shift around on the mattress, careful not to wake Amy.What if Ray pushes too hard?What if I can't say no when some hotshot reporter asks me to demonstrate my famous fastball for the twentieth time?What if—
"I can hear you thinking," Amy murmurs, her voice thick with sleep.She rolls over, propping herself up on one elbow.In the dim light filtering through the blinds, I can make out her concerned expression."What's going on in that head of yours?"
I sigh, turning to face her."It's nothing.Just some pre-tour anxiety.Cameras.Questions.People expecting me to be awesome at all times."
She grazes her lips over mine, speaking in a sultry tone."But you are awesome, twenty-four seven."
I hesitate, considering what she said.Then I sigh and shake my head."You're absolutely right.I shouldn't have let midnight doubts creep in.My fastball set a record.I've got nothing to worry about."
And I mean that.Amy is the most amazing coach and the most amazing woman.
In three days, the publicity tour will begin.But apparently, I have momentous decisions to make in the meantime.
"You need new clothes," Amy declares over breakfast, scrolling through her phone while I shovel cereal into my mouth.
"What's wrong with my clothes?"I ask around a mouthful of Frosted Flakes.
