Page 69 of Fastball Fever
She gives me a look that could wilt flowers."Charlie, you have exactly two dress shirts that fit properly, and that navy suit you wore to the awards dinner has seen better days."
I glance down at my current outfit—gym shorts and a faded Admirals T-shirt with a small hole near the collar."Fair point."
Shopping isn't my favorite activity, but Amy makes it bearable.We hit the upscale men's store downtown where a salesman named Marco fusses over me like I'm royalty.Two hours later, I've got three new suits, five dress shirts, and a pair of shoes that cost more than my first car.Marco insists the navy suit is a "timeless classic" that will photograph well on camera.
Amy's gaze travels over me while I model the final ensemble."You look like a million bucks."
I adjust my sleeve cuffs."I'm more concerned about pleasing you."
She steps closer to straighten my tie."Mission accomplished, then."
Once we're home, I find a detailed itinerary in my email.The schedule is packed tight—morning shows, radio interviews, photo shoots, fan meet-and-greets, charity events.Even with the compromise of the ten-day timeline, it still looks exhausting.
I scroll through the endless list of commitments."This is intense."
Amy peers over my shoulder at my laptop."Ray wasn't kidding about maximum exposure.There's barely time to breathe between these events."She commandeers my laptop, her coach-face settling in as she studies the schedule."Hmm.The rest periods we asked for are technically there, but they're minimal.And look—they've got you doing a pitching demonstration at Dodger Stadium on day eight."
"I can do that.Don't worry about me."
As she scrolls through the list, her frown deepens."And here, on day five in New York, they've got you scheduled for a 'friendly competition' with some Yankees relievers.That wasn't part of our agreement."
"I want to do everything that's asked of me.But I hope there'll be some events with kids too."
Amy scrolls a bit more, then points to the screen."Actually, there are a few kids' events.You'll be visiting a children's hospital in Jacksonville and a youth baseball clinic in Los Angeles."She freezes for a second, then breaks into a wide grin."Look, Charlie, August Murphy will be there for the Jacksonville event."
"That's fantastic!I've been texting with him, but it'll be fun to see August in person again.His mom says his cancer is in total remission."
I love working with kids—their enthusiasm, their unabashed joy for the game.It reminds me of why I fell in love with baseball in the first place.
Chapter Thirty-Four
The Wedding Night
The last ten days have been a whirlwind, with cameras flashing and reporters shouting questions.The publicity tour went better than I expected.Now that we're home, the press still can't get enough—radio shows, TV spots, newspapers, the works.It was as if the moment I landed back in Jacksonville, the whole city lit up.There's a huge buzz in the media about my return to the Jacksonville Admirals.
We hit all the sports networks, all the local stations, every one hungry for the scoop on my return.They seemed to play up the rivalry drama between our team and the Altitude.But the buzz is real, and it's thrilling.No awkward questions about my past.It feels like the entire baseball world is watching, waiting to see what happens next.They've got a bad case of fastball fever, and I'm loving every second of it.
Naturally, I'm often asked about the marijuana oil scandal surrounding Morris and Rivera.
Because the criminal cases are still pending, I can't say too much.I keep my answers bland and professional, deflecting with practiced ease.The media vultures are always hungry for a juicy soundbite, but I've learned my lesson about running my mouth off.
"Just focusing on baseball" has become my go-to phrase.
I wonder how the Altitude team will make do without Jared Morris.They've got plenty of good players on their side, and none of them knew anything about Morris and Rivera's vicious little scam.I'm sure they'll be fine.
But today, I have a wedding to attend.The groom is kind of necessary, so I'd better get ready.Never would I ever leave Amy waiting at the altar.
I adjust my bow tie in the mirror, feeling anxious and excited simultaneously.Never thought I'd be the kind of guy to get nervous on his wedding day, but I am.The tux fits perfectly, hugging my shoulders in a way that makes me seem quite respectable.
"You clean up decent, Braddock," says a voice from the doorway.
My best man, Teddy Freeman, leans against the frame, dressed and ready to go.Yeah, we've become good buddies—and I'm sure he and Alicia will tie the knot soon too.My sister Kaitlyn has just started dating one of my teammates, Danny Alvarez, and I'd bet my signing bonus there will be another Admirals wedding before long.Danny's a great guy, and I approve wholeheartedly.
Teddy tosses me a small velvet box."Don't lose the rings, Braddock, or Coach Keller will have both our asses."
I chuckle, but my hands tremble slightly as I pocket the box."She's not my coach anymore."
"Nah, now she's your boss for life."
