Chapter four
Top of the Fourth
Derby
We had six games scheduled this week.And I still couldn’t stop thinking about Godwin.
I had to stop that shit since I was the Ace, starting the first game.I jogged out to the mound.The home crowd cheered.I tipped my hat to them, which sparked an even louder round.For not wanting to be a poster boy, I surely was a media darling.How much was I willing to give the industry?That was something to think about later.In the moment, I had to focus.
I shook off my errant thoughts and slapped the ball into my glove.Some rockstar had thrown the first pitch, but I’d been texting Amy at the time.Asking her if my next appointment with Ellis Homes had been set up.I needed to stop this obsession.I had a game to play.
Griffin was catching, and we normally worked well together.He flashed a sign, but I waved it off.His second sign was a fastball.I wanted that.I loved throwing hard.
I struck out the first two batters.The third made it on base.ThatI hated.I switched up my pitches, and the next batter hit a grounder.Our shortstop fielded and threw the runner out at second.On to the next inning...
That turned out to be long, which was good for us.Starting out the game ahead by several runs never hurt.We’d had a couple of doubles and a few steals, and we’d scored five runs by the time I was up to bat.I lovedthat.Everyone knew I was a gimme.I had no power and a crap stick.I hadn’t had enough practice, but I’d do my best.At least we only had one out, so I wouldn’t screw things up terribly if I struck out.
No pressure.
I stared down the line at the pitcher.I knew his stats, but what was he going to throw me?Junk.I didn’t want to stand there like a punchout waiting to happen.I swung.Surprisingly, I got a hit.A worm burner heading toward third, but I didn’t watch where it went.I ran like my ass was on fire.My long legs were the one thing I had going for me besides my arm.I never ran track, but I could move.
I was on first.
The crowd cheered.The guys in the dugout were as loud with their razzing as the people in the stands.
The next guy knocked one out of the park.The roar was deafening, but I ignored it and rounded the bases.When I stepped back in the dugout, some of the guys slapped my back, and Franklin hooted.“Way to go.”
Sanchez asked, “How’s it feel to connect the bat with the ball?”
“That extra batting practice paying off?You’ll be hittin’ homers soon,” Brewer added.
I couldn’t help the shit-eating grin on my face.I’d take all their teasing.This was going to be an awesome season.I could feel it zinging in my veins—everything was going right for me and the Mystics.
This game was already wild, and we continued to play well.I pitched six more innings, holding the other team to only three runs before relief came in.Coach Boyd popped his clip board on the back of my shoulder.“Good job, Ward.”
That was enough praise for me.I smiled ear to ear the rest of the game, watching as I iced my arm.As predicted, Bresnick hit three homers, one with plenty of ducks out in the pond.The team played well with the infield starting to gel.We won by seven.Thiswas what I lived for.A great team.Camaraderie.Everyone doing their part for a sensational outcome.It was more than winning the game.It was doing it together.
The locker room was a celebration with half-dressed men and reporters rushing in and out.Even female ones, and the guys were very respectful of them.I did my share of answering questions, of course.They all wanted me because I was great in front of the camera.
Afterward, I headed back to my hotel.Alone.Not that I couldn’t have changed that, but I didn’t want anyone else.I was only thinking of Godwin.
Adrenaline was still rushing through my system, making me want more, although I wasn’t sure what it was that I wanted more of.Maybe everything.Life.Exuberance.Something to extend the rush.
Someone close to share it with and a real home of my own, like the one Godwin was building for Momma.
I sat on the edge of the bed.It was a nice hotel, but I needed to buy a house or condo in Mobile.Maybe near the clubhouse in Florida, too.But the one on my mind was in Brexlin.Twenty minutes or so from the offices of Ellis Homes.
I was still pining over him when my cell rang.“Godwin?”I couldn’t believe he was actually calling me.Either he really was interested, or something was happening at the house.“What’s wrong?”
Godwins gravelly voice answered, “Uh...hello?Nothings wrong.I wanted to, uh, talk.Talk to you.”He sounded nervous, and I couldn’t have that.
“Yeah?Well, this is Derby.Derby Ward.You sure you have the right number?”I teased.
Godwin chuckled, the sound going straight to my balls.“I called the right number.I only know one Derby.”His confidence that had me in knots was back.
“Huh.Me too.Imagine that.”
“Not a popular name...”There was a pause.I didn’t know what to say.“But I like it.”
