The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,37

the first level, in the middle of home plate and first.

I get tears in my eyes and a fluttery feeling in my stomach when Mikey walks onto the field in his uniform. It’s the first time I’ve seen him play in a Rays’ uniform. I’m so happy for him; I can barely breathe as I watch him. JJ eventually texts me that she’s running late.

“So what do you think of Frank?” I ask David.

“He’s a nice guy from what I’ve seen so far,” he says, glancing in my direction. By reading his expression, it’s clear that he has more on his mind.

“What?” I ask.

“I know it’s not a big deal, but I think he seems a little too old for her.” He shrugs his shoulders.

“Why, cause he’s almost your age?” I give him a smile.

“Yeah, maybe that has something to do with it.” He laughs.

“Well, all that matters is if she’s happy,” I say, leading into my next subject, the tone in my voice makes David looks at me. “Luke’s home.” The words spill from my mouth.

“Yeah, I know. How’s he doin’?” he asks with concern.

I know he doesn’t get what I’m saying. “David, I mean, here, home.” His whole body swirls in my direction.

“Does she know?” he asks, completely caught off guard.

“No. He just got here a couple of days ago. He wants to see her.” I fill David in on what transpired over the last couple of days, and how Mikey and I thought it best if he waited until after her show. David agrees and he also thinks it’s best if I prepare her ahead of time.

JJ and Frank arrive after the first inning and take their seats next to David and me, who is now sharing in my anxiety. Between watching Mikey play and thinking about my talk with JJ later, my head feels as if it’s about to explode. Mikey hits a homerun in the fifth and JJ and I high-five each other.

“De, he has been doing so good!” she says excitedly.

“I know. I’m in so much trouble!” I laugh.

“What do you mean?”

I relay the terms of the bet we made last evening. JJ laughs and asks how I feel about it. “I don’t know. I had this strange feeling last night when I was with him. I don’t know,” I say, confused.

“What kind of feeling? What do you mean?” she presses, as we whisper to each other while watching the game.

“I don’t know. I miss him terribly when I’m away. I can’t wait to see him when he comes home or when I visit here. I mean, it’s no big deal.” I shrug, trying to give off a nonchalant vibe. “It’s just that we grew up together, he knows me better than anyone. I miss hanging out with him, that’s all.” I can tell by JJ’s expression that she believes there is more to it. “I mean… really… after the first ten minutes, he drives me completely insane.”

“Whatever you say.” JJ laughs.

I figure it’s a good time to keep my mouth shut and watch the game. Sure enough, in the 9 inning, he hits another. The game ends and the Rays have a two game lead in the series.

“Start cooking and whatever else he wants,” JJ teases, referring to the terms of our agreement.

I roll my eyes as we head through the crowded stadium, walking towards the area where the players come out from the locker room. Mikey told us to wait for him after the game. David and Frank lag behind us and JJ makes a comment that she’s happy that they seem to be getting along.

This particular section of the stadium seems to be bustling with people lingering after the game. When Mikey finally appears, we congratulate him. After shaking hands with the guys, he immediately walks towards me, leaning his head down until his lips brush against my ear. “Ready to pay up?” he whispers softly, sending chills down my spine. I shudder and glance up at him. He knows he got to me. His eyes are focused on my mouth.

“A bet’s a bet,” I say, trying to regain my composure. “When?”

“Now,” he says seductively, still focused on my mouth. I self-consciously wet my lips and he smiles. I take a breath and look at the others, but they are too engrossed in their own conversation to notice what is going on between us. Is there anything going on between us, or is it all in my mind? Is it my