When I turn away to face home plate, it’s with a refreshed sense of purpose. I feel steadier. In control of myself for the first time since Tuesday. My attention hones in on the catcher’s mitt, pinpointing the precise spot where I need the ball to break. Tracing up the leather seams, finding my target.
One solitary stitch.
My grip tightens.
My arm cocks back.
My knee hikes up.
A perfect fastball blasts into Tomlinson’s glove.
“Strike!” the umpire calls.
Then another.
“Strike two!”
One more.
“You’re out!”
The crowd roars.
A smile twists the corners of my lips as the next batter moves into position at the plate.
Time to take back what’s mine.
Chapter Fifteen
JOSEPHINE
After the Wolveswin the game, the senior class is ready to celebrate. For good reason: it’s been years since Exeter has had an undefeated season; even longer since we’ve been headed into the playoffs with strong odds favoring a State Championship title. And it’s all because of rockstar pitcher Archer Reyes.
I can’t control the pride that swells my heart nor the stupid smile that tugs at the corners of my mouth as I watch him walk off the field surrounded by his teammates, the crowd roaring his name at top volume. The urge to run to his side is so strong, I have to look away.
Hundreds of shoes clank against the metal bleachers as spectators flood toward the exits. Ophelia and Odette walk behind me, chattering excitedly about the party. I don’t pay much attention; I’m lost in a daze, my thoughts distracted. I can’t stop thinking about the way Archer looked at me during the final inning. The way his slumped shoulders went straight. The way his face lit up when he saw me there, in the crowd.
I called his name and he came alive.
If I had any sense of self-preservation, I would’ve kept silent. I’m under no obligation to cheer him on. Not after last weekend. He made it quite clear he wants to fight his battles without any help from me.
And yet…
Watching him struggle inning after inning… Watching him begin to lose faith in himself with the entire town there to witness it…
Torture.
No matter how angry I am at him, no matter how much he’s hurt me, I can’t stand to see Archer in pain. I’d break my own heart a thousand times rather than watch his shatter.
Is that what it is to love someone?I wonder.Sacrificing your own feelings to protect theirs?
I’m so caught up in my thoughts as I cross the parking lot, I don’t notice Miguel and Flora until I’ve bumped straight into them. They’re parked one row over from the Range Rover.
“Josephine!” There are tears in Flora’s eyes, but she’s smiling. “Isn’t it just wonderful? Undefeated!”
I smile back. “You must be so proud.”
Miguel’s eyes are red-rimmed. He manages a choked grunt. “Hell of a season they had, huh?”