Balk

by Joy Eileen

  “Like what?”

  “Like you’re trying to think of how hard you’d need to throw the ball at my face to cause a disfigurement.”

  “Don’t. Stop laying on your charming southern accent. I don’t like you right now. And for your information, I was thinking about the amount of force I’d need to break your trachea. Now what do you want?”

  Trip’s mouth tightened and I wondered if I went too far. This was the second day of our friendship and I was starting to realize how hard this was going to be.

  During dinner we joked back and forth, but when we piled into the bus to get to the game Trip refused to acknowledge me. All of our banter was on hold until after the game. I understood why he had to do it, but it seemed I was having more of a problem with it than he was.

  “I want you to strike this next one out so we can get home. I also wanted to check on your shoulder. You’re dropping it too fast. It looks sloppy. One more is all I need.”

  “I’ve got it.”

  His head tilted up, giving me access to his eyes. They wandered over my face, studying it before nodding. “I know you do, Raine. I never had any doubt. Now don’t make me look like an ass for believing in you.”

  “No need for that. You look like an ass all on your own.”

  Trip’s lip twitched to the side before he pushed his hat down further on his head. “Oh and, Raine. I like that you wanted to save my face and would aim for my throat instead. You’re a good friend.”

  He walked to the side and I fought my lips from turning up. My eyes couldn’t stop watching his ass as he sauntered away. He was my friend and my coach, but it didn’t stop him from being hot.

  The umpire screamed for the game to continue, snapping my attention away from Trip’s glutes.

  You can do this, Kenna. Just strike this chick out.

  With a deep breath I whirled the ball around in a circle, snapping it out of my hand at the last second.

  “Strike one.”

  The sound of my team screaming was drowned out by Trip’s smile showing underneath his hat.

  You’re his friend, McKenna Raine, you need to stop noticing his smile, glutes…

  “Ball one.”

  “Get your head in the game, Raine.” Trip’s voice penetrated my musing.

  Shit.

  “Strike two.”

  Sweat dripped down my back, tickling me between my shoulder blades. I swiped my forearm over my forehead, grit and grime scratching the sensitive skin.

  I palmed the ball before taking it out of my glove and pitched it toward my catcher’s glove. The force smacked hard into the pocket and I knew what was coming before the ump screamed, “Strike three.”

  “Good job, Raine.” Coach Mae clapped me on the back after the team put me down on the ground. “Go pack up. The bus is leaving in thirty minutes.”

  The team ran off to the locker room to get their stuff, and I turned around to grab my mitt.

  “By the smile on your face can I assume I’m safe from bodily harm?”

  Trip’s southern smooth voice pushed my adrenaline up a notch. My legs wobbled as my hand passed over my mitt twice before being able to retrieve it.

  “You’re safe for tonight,” I answered, standing up slowly and begging my legs to keep me upright.

  “Well, I guess that’s all I can ask for. Are you still mad at me?”

  “Yes.”

  His eyes widened in shock as I turned and went toward the locker room.

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Claire would have got herself together. There was no need to put me in as early as you did.”

  “Raine, are you questioning my coaching skills?”

  I shrugged and winced as pain lanced through my shoulder.

  “I know you don’t believe me, but I know what I’m doing. Hoffer’s head wasn’t in the game. I knew you wouldn’t let the team down. This was my first game as a coach and I wanted the win.”

  “I agree Claire’s head wasn’t in the game, but I think she would have gotten there.”

  “I didn’t want to wait and find out. Especially when I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about you.”

  “Why is that?”

  My hands slapped to my hips and my legs stopped moving. I ignored the pain in my shoulder and soreness creeping into every muscle. Before Trip came into the picture I’d come to terms with the fact that I was done playing softball. Graduation was coming up quick, and the only reason I stayed on the team was because Coach Mae asked me to.

  Now the first scrimmage before the real season even started I’d already pitched more than I thought I would the whole season. My mind wasn’t prepared to play anymore. I was already moving on to becoming a physical therapist and helping patients. Softball was a memory. Yet here Trip was wringing out the very last shred of competition in me.

  Trip stopped and turned when he noticed I wasn’t beside him. His hands crossed over his chest and I refused to let the bulge of his biceps distract me.

  “Because this is it, McKenna. I’ve read your file. You turned down every offer you received to play softball overseas. I refuse to let you regret your last season.”

  “I won’t. Just let me ride the bench like I was planning.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.” My leg twitched, but I was able to stop it from stomping like Norah did when she didn’t get her way.

  “Sorry, McKenna. When it comes to being on this field I’m the coach. You aren’t my friend, you’re my player, and I’m going to do what I know is right.”

  “What you think is right,” I countered.

  “You can say it whichever way you want. It won’t change that if I think you’re the one who’s going to win the game you’re the one who will be on the field. Now go get your stuff. I need to help Coach Mae check in the players before we leave.”

  My mouth hung open as Trip walked away from me. This time I didn’t even look at his ass. Okay, maybe I peeked for a second, but I didn’t enjoy it.

  That much.

  The team buzzed with excitement when I climbed into the bus. I was the last one to check in as I stomped to the back.

  Yes, I was stomping. Trip drove me insane and made me act completely out of character.

  I was the levelheaded one. Yet there was something about Trip that made my system go haywire and caused me to act abnormally. When I got home I needed to research pheromones or something that would cause this reaction.

  “Raine, come up here with us,” Heather Cheeks, our catcher, yelled when I continued toward the back of the bus.

  “I’m going to sprawl out and ice my shoulder. You guys celebrate. I’m beat.”

  Claire rolled her eyes as the team booed for half a second before returning to their celebration. I wasn’t lying when I told them I was beat. Everything I had went into winning. In the four innings I played I only allowed three hits.

  Trip pulling Claire and pushing me out onto the field lit a fire inside my belly I hadn’t felt in a long time when it came to softball. I thought the thrill of the game had died when I turned down the opportunity to play overseas, but Trip was right, there was still a little bit left. Not that I’d tell him that.

  The fire really didn’t have to do with competition, but because I didn’t want to let Trip down. He’d put his trust in me when he put me in, and I wanted to show him I could do it. Also, as his friend I wanted him to win as well.

  With slow deliberate movements which caused my legs to scream I settled down into the seat. I kneaded the ice packs I snatched from the locker room and slapped them on my shoulder, letting the icy numbness carry the pain away.

  My eyes were closed when I felt someone sit down in the seat behind me. The masculine smell of Trip wafted through my nostrils, making them flare at the goodness it brought. I refused to acknowledge him, not wanting to be in the presence of Coach Butler instead of my friend Trip.

  Trip was not going to be ignored. He reached around the seat and popped out one of my ear buds. I waited for him to
say something sarcastic about the fact that I was listening to a book about a certain boy who was about to embark on an adventure into the wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry.

  When he remained quiet, I broke and cracked open an eye, turning my head to look at him. Trip’s eyes were closed and he had the stolen ear bud pushed in his ear. A small smile played around his lips and the son of a bitch was adorable.

  Removing one of the ice bags from my shoulder, I passed it behind me. He nodded his head before tossing it on his shoulder and going back to his relaxed state.

  I closed my eyes. If I didn’t I’d get lost memorizing his face. I was sure my teammates were already gossiping about Trip sitting in the back of the bus near me. There was no way I was going to give them any more ammunition.

  I pressed pause on my phone to stop the audio book, when the bus arrived back at school. Trip handed me the ear bud he’d taken hostage and moved to the front of the bus, shuffling out with everyone else.

  You can do this, McKenna. You’ll be his friend and be there when he needs you. He asked for your help and you’re going to give it to him.

  “Whoa, Coach Butler, is that your new ride?” one of the girls from the team asked.

  “It is.” I heard Trip answer.

  “I miss the sports car,” Claire whined when my feet hit the pavement outside.

  “It looks like Raine’s car,” Heather said, walking over to Trip’s new explorer.

  “It looks nothing like Raine’s car,” Claire’s bitchy voice rang out.

  “No, Dora looks way better than his.” I stuck up for my baby as I gawked at Trip’s new Explorer.

  “My mom used to drive me all over in one of these when I was younger. My parents actually gave it to me when I got my license and I drove it around until I was signed to the ABL,” Trip explained.

  “All right, girls, let’s stop drooling over Coach Butler’s car and get out of here. I’m proud of all of you. It was a good game to fire us up for the season. See you tomorrow at practice.” Coach Mae clapped her hands and the team dispersed.

  I opened my mouth to say something to Trip, but I stopped. Even though the girls were moving to their cars they were doing it slowly. As if they were waiting for some type of exchange between us. I tried to ignore their sideways stares when we were on the bus. Even though Trip was behind me and they were unaware we were sharing a magical story together it was still suspicious and enough to start the rumor mill.

  Trip noticed my mouth snap shut and nodded slightly before climbing into his new Explorer. I jumped in mine and drove off without looking back, hoping the other girls on the team noticed our non-exchange.

  “Squishy, I’m home,” I yelled, dropping my stuff off at the front door.

  “Aunt Kenna, I’m so proud of you. You kicked butt.” Norah threw her little body at me.

  “Look at my little softball pitcher,” Renee said. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

  “Neither did I,” I muttered, kissing Norah on the top of the head before walking into the kitchen. “What are we doing for dinner tonight? I’m thinking pizza.” I sat Norah down on the counter and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge.

  “Well, uhm.” Renee fidgeted in the kitchen, not quite meeting my eyes.

  “What?” I asked, fear skittering up my spine.

  Renee was never one to act nervous and seeing my best friend wring her fingers made me uneasy.

  “Momma’s going out with Brian tonight and we’re having a movie night,” Norah supplied for her mute mother.

  Renee’s eyes grew wide and she put her hand out as if to start explaining.

  I cut her off before she could backpedal. “That sounds like a fantastic idea. Pizza, a movie, my favorite girl, and ice is exactly how I wanted to spend my night.

  “Yay!” Norah cheered.

  “Why don’t you go to your room and pick out which jammies you want to wear after your bath.”

  “Aunt Kenna, if you want to talk to Mommy alone all you have to do is say so.”

  “Go on, smarty pants.” Renee patted her on the butt when she set her on the ground.

  Norah giggled and ran to her room, bringing an instant smile to my face.

  “Kenna, I know you’re tired. We were glued to the computer screen watching your game today. You don’t have to babysit if you don’t want to. I can call Brian and cancel.” Renee looked at her phone on the counter and I snatched it up.

  “It’s fine. You know I don’t mind hanging out with Norah. She’s mine too, remember?”

  Renee smiled with me, both of us lost in the memory of Norah’s birth. I was the only person Renee allowed in the room and somehow we got through it together. When Renee put Norah into my arms I knew I’d do anything in the world for the screaming bundle of baby.

  “Meet your niece, Aunt Kenna,” Renee said, happiness shining on her sweaty face. “Thank you for being with me. You’re officially my sister and Norah’s yours just as much as she’s mine.”

  Those words swirled around my head as I stared at Norah while she finally settled down into her first sleep. Renee was right. I found my soul-sister and got a precious bundle of joy along with it.

  “So another date, huh? Look at you growing up on me.”

  “Is it too soon? I mean, we just went out. Maybe I should stay home. You played today. You’re probably exhausted.”

  “Shut the hell up, woman. I didn’t expect to play today and I am exhausted, so hanging out tonight with my little one is perfect. Now go change.”

  Renee’s neck snapped down and she took in her clothes. “Shit, I forgot what I was wearing. I got caught up finishing my orders so I could go out tonight. He’s going to be here soon.”

  “Go change. I’m sure Norah can help me keep lover boy busy until you’re ready.”

  “Love you,” Renee shouted, running down the hall, her shirt already above her head.

  Norah came running out of her room when the doorbell rang. “I’ve got it,” she screamed, rushing past me as I made my way out of the kitchen.

  “Hold on, Norah. Let me check to make sure it’s who you think it is.”

  After confirming Brian was waiting patiently outside, while Norah bounced next to me, I nodded and moved to the side so she could answer the door.

  “Hey, munchkin. I missed you.”

  “Really?” Norah cocked her head to the side as if she was trying to make sure he was telling her the truth. She looked just like her mom.

  “Yes, I have no idea what happened yesterday in your class. You fell asleep before I could talk to you on the phone last night.”

  “Mommy’s getting ready still. If you want I can tell you now.”

  “Fill me in.” Brian took Norah’s outstretched hand and let her lead him to the couch where she bounced on the cushions while she told him every minute detail of her day.

  I leaned back on the wall and watched her little face light up with joy when Brian listened intently and asked questions, making her giggle.

  “He talks to her every night before I put her to bed and she tells him all about her day,” Renee whispered when she emerged from her room.

  “He really listens to her. He knows all of her friends’ names,” I said, nudging her.

  “I know. I really like him. He doesn’t mind having Norah around and that’s a huge deal.”

  “He’s a good guy.”

  “He’s too good. He goes out on the road next month and I’m pretty sure he’s going to cheat on me. Hell, he’s probably cheating on me now.”

  “Oh, are we self-sabotaging already? I thought we’d wait at least a couple more months before that started.”

  “You’re so lucky I love you, Kenna. I’d kick your ass right now.”

  “This would be the best time to do it. I’m so sore.”

  I threw my arm around her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “Hey, Brian?”

  Brian and Norah both turned to look at us. Renee’s fingers dug into my shoulder and I almost went do
wn to my knees.

  “Don’t pay attention to her.” Renee’s voice was tight and her fingers continued to squeeze with all their might.

  Brian smiled, his eyes sparkling as he watched us.

  “I was just wondering if you were dating anyone.”

  Brian’s face looked confused as he turned his attention to Renee. “Well, I kind of thought I was dating Renee. Was I wrong?”

  Renee banged the back of her head on the wall.

  “No, you weren’t wrong. I was just wondering what your intentions were with my sister. I mean, I was just curious.”

  Renee pleaded with Brian. “You don’t have to answer her. She’s delirious from having to pitch today.”

  “My intentions are pure. I like your sister very much and I haven’t talked to another woman since I started talking to her. In fact, I’d be okay if she didn’t talk to anyone else too.”

  Renee’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink as I watched her try and contain the smile twitching on her lips.

  “I think she can handle that,” I answered for her.

  “With that settled, would you like to go out? Or we could stay in and hang out with munchkin,” Brian said, smiling widely.

  “You wouldn’t mind hanging out with Norah?” Renee asked with wonder in her voice.

  I smiled at Brian, liking him more by the second.

  “No, I have a date with Aunt Kenna. You go have fun, Mommy. You’ve been in the house working hard all day.” Norah jumped off the couch and hugged Renee.

  “Why don’t the three of us have a date tomorrow?” Brian suggested.

  “That would be fun,” Norah said, coming over and hugging Brian.

  “You two get out of here. I have a pizza in my future,” I told them as they stared at each other with googly eyes.

  “Good night, Norah baby. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Renee bent over and kissed Norah before grabbing her purse and walking out the door with Brian.

  “That was very nice of you to do that for your mommy, squish.”

  “He’s really nice. I hope he sticks around.”

  “Me too. Now who gets a shower first?”

  “You should take one first. You stink, Aunt Kenna.”

  Chapter Seven