no matter the score, just like we agreed, and we’re already tied. So they can’t say they skunked us. That’s all that matters. So swing away, Parker—swing away!”
Parker took Bennett at his word and swung away, missing the ball three times in a row and bringing the game to an end. Bennett turned, expecting his teammates to congratulate him for bringing Pete into the game, but to his surprise, everyone crowded around Pete instead. The Delta Tau Delta men, half of the Beta Theta Pi team, and at least a dozen spectators surrounded him, asking how he learned to pitch like that. Didn’t it hurt to run on his peg leg? If they got a game together next Saturday, would he be able to pitch for them?
Bennett stood back, his jaw slack, while Pete received the attention and Bennett was ignored. He spun around in disgust and came nose to nose with Roy, who scowled into his face.
“Think you’re pretty smart, turnin’ that cripple into a hero?” Roy hissed the words, his voice raised only enough to reach Bennett’s ears. “Well, I saw the pledge list. Saw your name—and his.” Roy sent a disparaging look past Bennett in Pete’s direction. “As president of Beta Theta Pi, I decide who pledges and who doesn’t. And if you think you’re gonna sneak into my fraternity, you better think again.”
Roy stalked off, waving his hand as a silent command for his teammates to follow. Most of them scuttled after him, but three stayed behind, worming their way in front of the Delta Tau Delta men. They leaned in close to Pete, gesturing and talking excitedly.
Bennett propped one fist on his hip, shaking his head in disgust. He’d carefully plotted to bring Pete into the group, but he hadn’t anticipated being bumped by him! Exactly how had the tables been turned? He yanked the hat from his head and smacked his leg.
“Bennett?”
The puzzled female voice came from behind Bennett. He turned and found Alice-Marie watching him, her head tipped to the side. She held a small pink parasol over her head, the ruffled brim shading her face from the sun. Even so, her nose glistened with perspiration, and curls stuck to her forehead and cheeks. He grunted, “Yeah?”
Her rosy lips formed a pout. “My, you’re so grumpy. And after such an incredible display of athletic prowess. Why, do you realize you were competing with some of the school’s very finest athletes? And you met them run for run.” She shook her finger at him. “I would never have taken you for a sore winner.”
Bennett heaved a sigh. “I’m not sure I won anything today, Alice-Marie.”
She glided forward two steps, bringing her skirts into contact with his pant leg. She smiled, twirling the little parasol. “The day isn’t over yet . . .”
Only a fool would have missed the implication, and Bennett was no fool. But for once, he wasn’t in the mood for flirtation. There were bigger battles to be won—namely, finding a way to get in to the most prestigious fraternity on campus. He stepped away from Alice-Marie. “I’m hot and tired. I’m gonna go to my room and cool off.”
She gave the grass a stomp. “Bennett Martin, I never would have guessed you’d be as ill-tempered as my buffoon cousin. Why, Mother says we shouldn’t even claim that part of the family—they all behave like such bohemians.”
How did Libby tolerate this girl’s senseless prattle? “What are you talking about?”
“He’s always been insufferable. He simply can’t bear to be bested in anything—not even a simple game of checkers! So I wasn’t at all surprised to see him stomp away like a spoiled little brat. But I expected you to—”
Bennett caught Alice-Marie’s hand. “Roy’s your cousin?”
She huffed. “Isn’t that what I just said? On my father’s side, second cousin twice removed. Or something equally ridiculous. But it doesn’t matter. I don’t care for his boorish behavior, and right now I certainly don’t care for yours! So—”
“I’m sorry.”
She stopped and gave him a skeptical look.
He ducked his head and peeked at her, attempting to appear sheepish. “I’m hot and tired, and you’re right—I got cranky. It won’t happen again.”
“Well . . .” Alice-Marie swayed slightly, making her skirts dance. “I suppose I understand, seeing as how you’ve been playing hard under the hot sun. But”—once again, she pointed her finger at him—“don’t expect me to always be so forgiving. I don’t care for being barked at.”
Bennett held up his hand, as if making a pledge.