Rounding Third - Michelle Lynn Page 0,35
in the slightest.
“You’re always my girl.”
I tuck a strand of my hair that’s fallen from my ponytail back behind my ear.
“He wasn’t relenting in saying how lucky you were.”
We stare at one another, a silent understanding that neither of us are lucky.
“Thanks for correcting him,” he says.
“You’re welcome.” I go to move past him, but his hand grips my upper arm. Shivers tingle my skin.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.” I continue walking, giving him no other choice but to let me go. Grabbing a piece of paper and a pencil from the table, I thrust them into his chest “Fill this out.”
“Next,” Dr. Trickle says.
The only player I don’t know in this group stands and goes in.
“So, Ella, do you have to hold it for us, too?” Brax asks.
Crosby checks him with his arm to Brax’s chest.
He coughs, gasping for breath. “Jesus, I’m kidding.”
“You should know better,” Oliver chimes in, fist-bumping Crosby.
“She’s my friend.” Brax argues back, but each of them ignores him.
“Hey, I’m going to watch the playoff games over at Field Goal tonight. Anyone interested?” Saucey asks.
Brax and Oliver don’t waste any time in saying that they’ll be there.
Field Goal is the sports bar in downtown Ridgemont. It has fifty-inch flat screens plastered to the walls.
“What about you, Crosby?” Saucey leans forward.
He looks at me, and his teeth scrape his bottom lip. “Sure.”
Oliver and Saucey start trash-talking the teams that will be playing them. Brax smacks Crosby on the shoulder, and they share a smile. It’s nice to see him making friends. He needs to trust others and know that he won’t lose them.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he is healing from the accident. Having a connection to others was the hardest part, and still, I find myself keeping my past away from Jen.
Chapter Nine
Crosby
I walk into Field Goal Bar and Grill, and every game imaginable is being broadcasted on no less than sixty flat screens. Shit, they even have a polo match playing on one television. I search the room, finding Saucey talking to some girl.
Originally, I planned on going to see Ella and begging her to forgive me for not telling her about the dickhead cheating. Regret has been my best friend today, confirming I should have been straight with her instead of making her see it with her own eyes. Brax’s approach wasn’t cutting it for me, and I didn’t want one of those situations where she didn’t believe me or some crap. I knew, if she saw it, she would know it was true. I never fathomed I’d be the jerk in the situation.
The girl slithers away when she spots me approaching. I think he’s got something going on with Jen, and I really hope Saucey isn’t like Ella’s ex because I’ll lose respect for him. Why am I always catching guys in compromising positions?
I slide out the stool across from him, checking the score on the Sox game.
“Who was that?” I ask, not looking at him. I hope my question isn’t as investigative as it sounds.
“Who are you, the damn relationship police?” He laughs off my question.
If I add up what I’ve witnessed about him, my guess is, he’s a cheater. After the girlfriend and Jen on the first night, the frat party, and tonight, it’s all too suspicious not to call him out. Then again, I’m the newbie here. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut.
“If you have to know, Jen and I have an open understanding,” he chimes in, his eyes pinned on a television behind my head.
“Hey, man, I just asked a question.” I raise my hands in defense.
He continues talking, which, to me, means he’s guilty, “No, you were implying. You’ve been here a week. We’re fucking ballplayers. You know how much pussy you can have?” He leans in, as though it’s a secret.
Half of the team probably continued to play ball strictly for the girls.
“First, I’m not implying anything. Whatever understanding you and Jen have is between the two of you. Second, I know exactly what being a ballplayer means, but I worry more about my balls on the field than off.”
The waitress comes over, placing a napkin in front of me.
“Who’s your new friend, Tyler?” Her eyes light with a glimmer in my direction.
“Kami, this is our new third baseman, Crosby Lynch. You should give him a warm welcome.” He places his hand out in front of him, and she steps closer.
“Nice to meet you. I have a break in ten minutes. Why don’t we meet in the alley?”