Page 75 of Spotlight
“I hope so. Otherwise, I might be a Mustang forever.”
“That’s a bad thing?” I feel defensive of my hometown team, if for no other reason than I know it means so much to my grandfather.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I am grateful that they took a chance on me and I’m really enjoying the team and coaches and the community that has stayed so loyal, but I want to play with the best of the best. It sucks but money matters in professional baseball teams. Everything from equipment to salaries.”
“I guess I never thought of that.”
“But if I can prove myself this season, then I’ll have more options.”
My stomach feels like someone dropped a cinder block in it. Obviously, I know that baseball players come and go from teams all the time, but Flynn just got here.
“You’re only going to be here for one season,” I say it more as a statement to myself than a question, but Flynn answers anyway.
“If things go well, maybe. There are a lot of talented pitchers out there.” His brows knit together. “Is something wrong?”
“Sorry. I guess I just assumed you’d be here for a few years at least.” I’m withdrawing into myself, which maybe isn’t fair to him, but I can’t help it.
“The season is long, and it just started,” he says, smiling in a way that I can’t seem to reciprocate.
“Still. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to get involved if you’re planning to leave.”
“Hey. Don’t do that.” He wraps his arms around me. “Nothing has been decided for sure.”
I rest my head against his chest and do my best to calm the anxiety coursing through me. But the truth is, I don’t know if I can pretend like I don’t know this has an expiration date.
He pulls back and aims one of his playful, charming smiles at me. “What do you say to a redo date? No roller skates or bad food.”
“I liked skating with you,” I tell him honestly.
“Same. How’s Wednesday night? I know Greer has dance class with Sabrina and she could watch her after like last time.”
“Can I think about it?” I ask.
His brown eyes flicker with some unnamed emotion. Disappointment maybe.
I decide to be honest. There’s no reason to hide my feelings from him. It’s obvious I like him, but I can’t pretend I don’t know he’s planning on leaving. “I like you, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me. It’s not just me. I have to think about Greer. She already worships you. If we keep dating, she’s going to get more attached.”
He nods and a muscle in his cheek flexes. “I understand.”
We fall quiet, staring at each other but neither knowing what to say.
“I guess I should go.” He stands slowly and I follow him to the front door.
The mood has shifted. The thought that this could be over before it really started is gut-wrenching, but I need time to process.
“Text me later?” he asks, holding my hand and swinging it lightly.
“Sure.”
“This sucks. I want to kiss you again, but…”
I step to him and lift onto my toes. If this is the last time we’re going to hang out like this, then I want to have kissed him with every emotion buzzing in my body.
Flynn is quick to wrap his arms around me and pick me up. My hands go to his hair, and I pour every ounce of myself into the kiss. He’s given me a gift, to feel this way again. Before him, I was happy not dating, or at least I thought I was.
He hums quietly as he explores my mouth and crushes me against him. I don’t know how long it goes on, but when we finally break apart, my lips are swollen, and his hair is a mess.
He continues to hold me up. I scrape my nails over his scalp.
