The Best Mistake - Cookie O'Gorman Page 0,40

Archer.”

I laughed but stopped just as quickly, noting the looks on their faces.

“You’re serious?” I said.

They nodded.

“But I’m sure he’s had girlfriends, right?”

Emmy nodded. “Yeah, about three.”

My eyes widened. “Three? But he’s so wonderful and attractive and—”

Emmy held up a hand, feigning sickness even as she smiled. “Please stop. I can’t take anymore.”

I laughed. “Okay but come on. Only three girlfriends? All his life? Archer O’Brien? I don’t believe it.”

“Hmm,” June said, “she’s right. I’m not sure if we should count Annabelle. That was like what? A few days during his freshman year? That wasn’t really a romantic relationship.”

“That’s true,” Emmy said. “Annabelle shouldn’t count—plus, she was rude and only wanted him as arm candy.” She nodded at June then looked to me. “So yeah, two girlfriends.”

I felt like all the wind had just gotten knocked out of me, my whole view of Archer trying to reconfigure itself. But it just didn’t make sense.

“But how?” I asked unable to let it drop. “He had to have had girls who wanted him.”

“Oh yeah,” Emmy said, “he’s dated. Don’t get me wrong. Girls definitely want him. Archer’s just really particular about who he wants back.”

Well okay, then.

As Emmy eyed me again, she added, “And he’s a natural protector, likes to take care of all of us. My brothers and I call him the momma bear—behind his back, of course. That might be another reason.”

It still didn’t add up, but what did I know? The fact that girls had thrown themselves at Archer, but he hadn’t just basked in their attention like some guys…it made me like him even better. As if I needed that.

June patted my hand. “I think it’s a good thing that you two are trying to be friends.”

Emmy just grinned. “Yeah, good luck with that.”

The game started shortly after, and I was grateful. Curiosity had always been one of my greatest downfalls. But I hadn’t meant to ask about Archer’s past girlfriends or girls who were his friends—or the lack thereof. I’d probably think about it way too much later, but right now, I welcomed the distraction the game provided.

And boy was it a great game.

Of course, I had nothing to compare it to, but from the first pitch, our guys were on fire.

Chase threw strike after strike, not allowing any hits. He’d nod after Archer signaled him, and it was like clockwork. I was in awe as I watched the ball zoom past the plate, almost faster than my eyes could track. The guys from Young Harris swung, but they didn’t stand a chance. Up and down, I thought with a smile, remembering what Archer had told me at practice. Before I knew it, our team was up to bat.

Dex was first in the lineup. He hit a foul ball to left field on the first pitch. The second was called a strike, which Emmy didn’t seem to agree with at all, saying any idiot could see it was high. Before the third pitch, Dex stepped out of the box to loosen his neck then crowded the plate like he owned it.

“Why’s he standing so close?” I said. “Isn’t he afraid of getting hit with the ball?”

Emmy made a face. “Dex? Heck no, he’s not afraid of anything. Dex only gets hit if he wants to get hit—and I’m talking more in fights than baseball. But no matter what, he’s going to get on base.”

“That’s why he’s the lead-off batter,” June put in, like I should know what that meant.

Seeing my confusion, Emmy said, “It means Dex bats first because he’s reliable and amazing. Now, watch my brother get a hit off of this guy.”

It was like she’d known what would happen.

The next pitch was clean down the middle, and Dex hit a pretty line drive that got him all the way to second base.

“Yeah, double,” Emmy shouted. “Let’s go, D!”

I quickly scribbled a few of the terms I’d heard so far into my notebook. My “Baseball Notes” sheet was already half-full. I knew I’d need more space before this was over, but at least I had a quick reference guide.

Our second batter struck out, but the third guy got a hit. It was a single, which meant there were players on first and third base when it was Baylor’s turn to bat. He walked by right as Archer stepped out to do a few practice swings, so honestly, I wasn’t paying much attention.

Unlike everyone else in the stands.

They clapped louder than ever when Baylor was announced. He