No, but it’s my fault I got hit by that pitch, right?
I can’t win.
“Don’t worry, Granddad, if I miss the wedding, you can all blame the fact that I crowded the plate.Iwas the one asking to get hit. Not Evan. Never Evan.”
The hiss in his voice is like a lit fuse. “How can you make light of this? You broke your wrist. He has a brain injury.”
I feel so disgusted with myself, I physically can’t keep my eyes open, just in case I see my hands, my feet, any part of me. My granddad’s right. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“You should be sorry. I don’t care if you have to drive all night. You get here.”
“I’ll do my best.”
I end the call.
Shame whips around me, piles on top of me, burying me deeper than any Kansas snowdrift. My breathing is shallow, the cold air stinging my lungs. The glare of the sunshine off the snow is blinding. I stare forward without seeing anything and let my feet take me where they will. The roar in my head is deafening, drowning out the wind and the crunch of snow beneath my sneakers.
Eventually, I stop in front of a small brick coffee shop. I could keep walking, but I’m too tired from beating myself up. I step inside, place an order for a hot chocolate, and sit at a table. The chair scrapes sharply against the floor. I peel my coat off, but when my sweat meets the cold from sitting near the window, I shiver.
I’m about to pull up theBeyond Justiceapp when I spot a missed text.
Scottie
I’m at the airport, and the Fischer bros are here, too. Please tell Lucas that if he doesn’t stop flirting with me, he’s fired.
Fletch
No can do, sorry. He’s on the Firebirds’ 40-man roster. Lukie isn’t going anywhere.
Scottie
You’re dead to me.
How’s Rochester?
Fletch
I have no idea. My flight was canceled due to the storms in the NE. I got stranded in Denver and rented a car.
Scottie
What? Fletch, that sucks. Where are you now?
Fletch
Nowhere, Kansas. And my stupid rental got snowed in.
Scottie
Enjoy the journey, dude.
I’m kidding. That’s the kind of thing the Lucas Fischers of the world say.
If he doesn’t stop winking at me across the gate, I’m going to break your star pitcher’s arm.
Fletch
Don’t break his arm.
