The Pass (Smart Jocks #5) - Rebecca Jenshak Page 0,34

secluded area is perfect for chilling, getting in the water, and just relaxing.

Datson and I do just that after he’s finished his first beer. The water feels like it’s warmed up a little over the week or maybe I’m just used to it.

He lets out a giant sigh and tilts his head up to the sky. “Now this is the life.”

“It’s not bad,” I agree. “Is the farm really that awful?”

“It isn’t the farm. I love the farm. It’s my family that makes it painful. I wasn’t home for two hours before my dad was cornering me to find out my graduation plans.”

“What happens if you don’t choose the farm?”

“They’ll hire someone else.”

“That’s it?” I can’t hide the surprise in my tone. I always assumed the ramifications must be pretty serious for as much grumbling as Datson does about it.

He stares at me blankly, like I just don’t get it. “Well, what about you? Have you decided what you’re going to do this fall? Baseball? Basketball? Both?”

A knot of annoyance tightens in my chest. “No and I’m not going to think about it until I have to.”

“What about that scout from the Dodgers? Have you heard any more from him?”

“No, and I don’t think I will. He was pretty hung up on getting me to answer which sport I was going to explore after college.”

Like everyone else.

“That sucks. I’m sorry,” my buddy says.

“It’s fine. I’m not going to worry about it.”

There’s absolutely no reason to ruin my last awesome summer by worrying about real-world shit. It’ll still be there, and the decision will still suck.

The corner of Datson’s lips twitch and pull into a smile. He lifts his beer. “Welcome to avoidance, brother.”

Jonah’s boat comes into view while we’re still swimming in the water enjoying our beer and talking about everything except our futures. My mind goes there anyway, even as Jonah and Ollie jump into the water and I listen to my friends shoot the shit.

Playing two sports is a lot of planning and work. I think that’s part of what I love about my summers at the lake. Sure, I could stay in Valley, do camps, work that off-season hard, but this keeps me sane.

Can I handle the life of a dual sport athlete professionally? People thought I was nuts when I signed on to play two sports at the division one college level. Pick one and specialize. I’ve been hearing that same advice since I was a kid. I’ve never wavered on my decision to chuck their advice and prove I could handle both until now.

This is my last year before the draft. Final chance to make an impact. If I continue to play both, I know that I’m making it harder to be drafted by either sport. But any time I seriously consider giving one up, I feel sick to my stomach.

Jonah finishes his beer and pulls it from the koozie. “I’ve got a bunch of friends that should be getting in pretty soon. Do you guys want to come back with us and hang for a while?”

“Definitely,” Datson answers for us and then glances to me. “We don’t have anywhere to be, right?”

“Let’s do it.”

Back on the boat, I check my phone for any missed texts from Sydney, but she must be enjoying her afternoon by herself. My sister tried to call but she didn’t leave a text or voicemail, so it can’t be that important.

Datson and I follow Jonah to his place. His friends arrive as we’re getting in the pool. From a raft, I wave as Jonah introduces us to Willow, Jade, and Beth.

They go inside to drop their stuff and Jonah jumps into the water. “You’re welcome, all of you.”

“For?” I ask.

Datson looks at me like I’m crazy. “Dude, did you see Jade?”

With a chuckle, Jonah nods to him. “I knew you’d dig her. She looks a little like that actress you’re always going on and on about. Kate Bosworth or Beckinsale... one of the Kates.” He nudges me with an elbow. “And Willow. Exactly your type, Shaw.” He winks.

I’m quiet.

Datson laughs. “He’s right. She looks a little like Amelia and that girl you dated sophomore year.”

“And Sydney,” Jonah points out.

“Don’t get him started, man,” Datson warns. “They’re just friends.”

“They don’t kiss like friends,” Ollie chirps as he hops off his raft into the water.

Datson’s head swivels back and forth. “What? When? What?” He stops on me. “You and Sydney finally kissed?”

“It wasn’t like that.” Not then, anyway. Sydney and I didn’t