Page 42 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
I sink into my batting stance. It’s comforting and disconcerting all at the same time, being here. Knowing that Raegan is just a short drive away. That someone from Clear Creek could be here, watching my game.
I honestly figured I’d climb within the Warriors organization and spend the rest of my life in Atlanta. But, here I am. Batting in my first Silver Spurs game.
I called Mom the evening I found out about the trade. She was excited, but she doesn’t have any time off soon. They’ve been pushing her to the limit in her job there. I turn off my thoughts, and focus on the game.
I keep my eyes on the pitcher. Once he’s on the rubber and the pitch timer starts counting I turn my focus to the ball.One, Two, Three.I count as the pitcher shakes his head in response to the catcher’s calls. Finally he picks a pitch he wants to throw and readies himself.
The ball sneaks past me for a strike. It’s a sinker, my least favorite pitch. And I hate to admit that I am distracted by the crowd. It’s a full house, and I really want to know if Raegan is here.
I step out of the box, adjust my helmet, then step back in. I find the perfect grip, then resume my stance and wait for the pitch. The pitcher steps back onto the rubber and flips the ball around in his hand, places it into his glove, then takes it back out. He’s nearly out of time on the pitch timer. I’ve never had a pitcher not throw me the pitch in time. But this pitch won’t be the one, because he finally winds up with three seconds left.
I swing my bat, catching just the edge of the ball, sending it off toward the Silver Spurs dugout. My chest deflates, and I blow out a raspberry. If I’d paid better attention I could’ve swung at the right time and gotten at least a base hit.
I step out and swing the bat around a few times, pull on my left pant leg to ease the itch by my knee. Back in the box I rest the bat on my right shoulder. The pitcher winds up again. The ball comes flying, it’s a curveball. In a split second I decide, and I swing for the fences. The force of my swing pulls me toward the field, and a burning sensation sizzles through my right shoulder.
A buzzing roars in my ears. I bite down on my lip. I missed the dang ball, and did something to my shoulder. I hang my head and walk back to the dugout.
The shade of the dugout feels good. I didn’t realize just how warm that hot Frisco evening sun was. I roll my right shoulder and rub it a few times.
“Y’all right there?” Josh, our catcher, turns from his spot on the fence. He catches sight of my hand on my shoulder and plops himself down next to me.
We’ve talked a few times but I honestly don’t really know any of the guys too well yet. Most of the guys have been here longer than I have, and he’s older than most of us. Not that I’m a great judge of character, but he seems like a guy I’d get along with.
“Yeah. Just a weird feeling as I swung the bat. But I’m still good to play.” I give him a thumbs up. Wild horses, or maybe even a bull or two won’t keep me from playing. They’ll have to trample me till I’m dust to keep me from setting foot in that batter’s box.
“It should get checked out by the team doctors. There’s no playing while injured here.” He cocks an eyebrow at me.
I stare down at the cement floor. It’s just a twinge, it’s not an injury. I’m going to be fine.
“Hopefully it’s just nothing, or maybe you need more time with the strength and conditioning coaches.” He lays a hand on my other shoulder. “They’ll work with you. Keep you in tip-top shape.”
I nod my thanks, not saying anything. I kind of just want him to leave me alone. My emotions have been all over the place today. But Josh leans back on the bench, stretching an arm behind me and sets his cap on his knee.
“So, you played in Atlanta before coming here?”
I nod, still silent.
“Did you grow up there? How do you like it here? Any trouble finding an apartment?” He finally pauses his barrage of questions, a sheepish smile playing across his features. “Sorry if I’m being nosey. You just looked like you needed a friend. And we’re a team, so we need to get to know each other.” Everyone had been introduced during practice earlier in the day, but this is the first time that someone is sitting down and actually trying to get to know me.
“Umm, yeah. I grew up in Atlanta. The Warriors have always been my team. But here I am.” I laugh dryly. “I did live here, in Texas, just for a short while. Never thought I’d be back though.” Never thought I’d leave Raegan. Not likethat,at least. And after I’d left, the thought of coming back had been like a swallow of sour milk.
“Well, if you’re up for it, you’re welcome to join Jared and I,” he motions toward the youngest guy on the team, his blonde curls poking out from under his ball cap, “for some milkshakes after. We don’t do it too often, since I like to head home to my wife, but we’d love to have you join us.” He raises his voice, “Right, Jared.”
Jared turns and smiles, nodding and giving us a thumbs up. He hops down from his spot on the fence, and makes his way toward us.
“Milkshakes tonight?” He asks with a twinkle in his eyes. From his figure it’s obvious this guy enjoys his milkshakes. If I had to guess I’d say that we’re the same age. But I’ve got inches on him when it comes to height and he’s got inches on me when it comes to width.
“Yep. We’ll bring Austin into the milkshake club.” Josh pats Jared on the shoulder as he gets up and heads back toward the fence. “We’ll work out the timing once the game is over.”
“I’m Jared, obviously.” The bench shifts, and he settles his large body next to me. His hair is perfectly styled, I’m amazed that he doesn’t have hat hair. He smiles and I feel like his eyes are dancing.
I raise my hand in a greeting. “I’m Austin.”
“New to the team, obviously. Glad to have you, man. We’ve got some awesome players, and some great coaches.” He nods toward Josh. “Josh is the best. We love finding the best milkshake in every city we visit. We also have a little Bible study going on. You’re welcome to join us.” He shrugs his shoulders, “and if that isn’t your thing, no worries.”
A tingle runs down my back. What are the chances? Did God bring me back here for a reason? “Yeah, that’s cool. It’s been a little while since I’ve been to a Bible study.” I look away. I haven’t cracked open my Bible since that night. Coach gave it to me after I came to Christ. I’ve looked at it. Run my hand over it. But I haven’t picked it up and read it. I don’t feel like I’m worthy of reading it.
Raegan's face pops into my head. Her smile wide across her kissable lips. I push the thoughts away. I need to focus on baseball. It’s not like she won’t join me in my thoughts as I lay in bed tonight… Just like she always does.
