Fastball by Terri E. Laine

Author:Terri E. Laine [Laine, Terri E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wicked Truth Publising LLC
Published: 2016-09-19T18:30:00+00:00

RYDER

Every chance I get, I find myself scanning the stands, searching for Gina. But no success. My stupid imagination is filled with images of her wearing my jersey, along with the Cougars hat, cheering me on. Disappointment ends up being the name of my game as far as that goes. The pitching coach has me step in as a reliever in the bottom of the fifth. Forcing every thought of that black-haired sex engine out of my mind, by some miracle, I end up pitching the game of my life. The manager leaves me in until the ninth inning when I’m replaced by the closer. I’ve given up zero runs and only one batter gets a hit off me. Maybe it was anger that fueled my arm, but whatever. The congratulatory pats on my back feel good, but do little to replace what I would’ve felt if Gina had lived up to her agreement to be here.

We end up with a solid win, which puts us one step closer to the playoffs. When I get to the locker room, I grab my phone and see Gina’s text. If that’s supposed to make me feel better, it’s an epic fail. In fact, it pisses me off even more. She waited until the last possible minute to send it, knowing I wouldn’t get it until after the game. What the fuck is that all about? Does she have such little respect for me that she can’t even give me an explanation of any kind?

Sorry, Ryder, but I couldn’t make it because I had to wash my hair. Or, Sorry, Ryder, I needed to go out and buy some toothpaste, so I hate that I missed the most important game of your career.

All this shit rolls through my head while I shower and sours my mood, even after the accolades on our win.

As I’m packing up my duffle bag and getting ready to leave, Robinson yells, “Hey, Ryder, you coming?”

“What?”

“You coming with us? You know, to celebrate?”

“Oh.” I scratch my chin. “I don’t know. I’m wiped out.”

“Yeah, but you need to party, dude. You totally killed it out there.”

“Thanks, man. Appreciate it.”

He grabs my arm and starts pulling me in the direction of the exit. “I’m not taking no for an answer. Let’s get out of here.”

Looks like I won’t be getting out of this, so I follow him to The Cougars Beer Stand, the team’s favorite watering hole. The place is jammed when we get there. The management is even present, including Ms. Whitestone herself. She’s buying drinks for everyone, and it appears it’s going to be party time tonight. I might as well join in the fun.

“Ryder, that was one hell of a game you threw tonight.”

“Thanks, Ms. Whitestone.”

“One step closer to that ace position you covet so much.”

I shrug. I think it’s bad karma to talk about this in front of other players, so my deal is to play it off as noncommittal. But she doesn’t drop it.

“I owe you a favor anyway, for what you did for me.

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