Page 75 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
“Thanks Rae. I couldn’t do it without you supporting me.” It would be a lonely game if she weren’t there, cheering me on from the sidelines.
“You know it isn’t just me, Austin. You’ve had a ton of support, and God gave you all this talent.”
“Yeah, God is the anchor, holding me steady, but Raegan you’re right there beside Him, keeping me grounded as well.” Being drafted right out of high school, and having a record this good could turn me into a very prideful person. “If I’ve learned anything from the hardships I’ve gone through recently, it’s that God deserves all the praise. Not me.”
“I know it’s only been a few months since we got back together, but Austin… As hard as being a single mom was, talking with Ms. Rosa changed me so much. And I think Coach and Josh have rubbed off on you.”
I know we’ve both grown. Both changed. “Rae, I don’t want to jump anything… But if I were to make it to the majors anytime soon… Would that move our relationship forward? Like, toward marriage?” I’m certain this would be better in person, but as oneof the best in the minor leagues, I assume I’ll get called up soon. But I don’t want to get my hopes up.
“Are you proposing to me over the phone?” The question makes me a little nervous, but I can hear the laughter in her voice.
“I would never.” I know better than that. “When I do propose, Rae… You’ll know.”
“Tell me more.” I can see her waggling her eyebrows at me in my mind.
“I can’t. It’s a surprise. But don’t worry, I’ll talk to your dad first.”
After I hang up with Rae a plan begins to form in my mind. I tuck it away for later. I need the perfect moment to propose.
The majority of my Silver Spurs teammates are situated in a private room, some of the guys sipping beers; but Jared, Josh, and I have sweet teas instead.
Josh raises his glass, “To Austin’s league leading home run record.” The rest of the team raises their glasses, clinking them together before drinking to my new record.
I tip my chair back, filling my lungs with a deep breath. Josh and Jared are seated at the same table as me, along with three of our pitchers from the bullpen. Even though this isn’t The DugOut, Griff appears to be enjoying himself.
Servers come and go, bringing appetizers, taking orders for entrees. I’m munching on a cheese covered fry, something I haven’t had in a while since I’m trying to stick to a strict diet during the season.
Jared elbows my bicep. “So, what does it feel like, being a league leader? Bigger, or badder?” He chuckles.
“I feel like regular old Austin. I’m sure high-school-Austin, or before-Jesus-Austin would be celebrating differently, or feeling like a superhero. But who I am now…” I’m not the same guy I was a year ago, and definitely not who I was three years before.
“God’s done a lot for you, Austin. I haven’t known you long, but you’re a good man, and the growth is obvious.” Jared pats my shoulder, giving me a chin nod.
“Thanks, man.” I duck my head, praise isn’t always easy to accept. “You know I’ve struggled with my faith a little. But having you and Josh alongside me has made a difference. That whole iron-sharpening-iron thing, it’s definitely true.”
“I’m glad to be here for you, man. Just remember me when the majors call you up.” Jared clicks his tongue and shoots imaginary pistols at me.
“As if I could ever forget you.” Not with the gospel connection we share. Not when Jared has been there as I’ve figured out a lot of my faith. I wrap an arm around Jared’s shoulders. “We’re bros, even if baseball sends us to opposite sides of the country, I’ll still be checkin’ in on you.”
Jared grins, showing as many of his white teeth as he can. “I would say bros forever, but that sounds weird.” We both chuckle.
My mouth is full of a juicy bite of cheeseburger when my phone begins to vibrate in my pocket. I quickly wipe my hands on a napkin before grabbing the phone. Coach Scott’s contact info lights up the screen. My chair screeches on the tile floor, “excuse me one second guys, it’s Coach Scott.”
As I leave the room chatter about placing bets on a call to the majors starts to circulate. It couldn’t be, right? Just because I’m leading the league in home runs doesn’t mean that the Fort Worth Lariats would call me up to play with the big boys.
Pressing the phone to my ear, I greet Coach Scott.
“How’s it feel, leading the Double-A in home runs?” Andrew Scott asks, a smile infusing his voice with congratulatory cheer.
“Not much different than being tied for first as the homerun leader.” The sticky, humid, late August air of Frisco kisses my skin as I exit the doors of The EndZone and take a seat on theedge of the mostly empty patio. “So, am I getting a raise now?” I know that’s not how it works in baseball, but it’s worth a shot, right?
“Well…” Andrew draws the word out. I freeze, my skin pebbling with goosebumps. I force myself not to overthink Andrew’s words, or the fact that despite the occasional shoulder pain, I’ve had a phenomenal year. But there’s no way they’re calling me up. I’m too young. Too new. Too inexperienced. I’m not ready. I’ve finally found my team. I work well with Jared and Josh. Even on the field I mesh with Griff, even though we have differing lifestyles and views.
“Are you going to tell me what I think you are?” I manage to croak out.
Andrew clears his throat. “Austin, this isthecall. You’ve been called up. You’re a Fort Worth Lariat now. Your first game is on Wednesday. You’ve got two days.” Andrew goes into further detail, explaining the new salary, and housing accommodations if I need them. I’m allowed to keep living in Frisco if I want, since the two teams are in the same vicinity.
I hear all his words. My brain comprehends them. But my heart… What will this mean for Raegan and me? Will I have enough time to spend with her and Grace? She’s supposed to go to school now. If I stick with my idea, will I uproot her and take her from her family, the cafe, and her schooling?
