“So, are we watching the whole game or what?” Jordan asks now that Fletch’s at bat is over.
“Maybe? I don’t know. They’re usually long, so maybe only like half depending on how it’s going for the Suns. Also depends on if I actually start to understand what’s happening in this game.” I laugh. “I still have to ask the crew every time something new happens. I feel so dumb watching.”
“You’re not dumb. It’s new to you. You can’t be an expert if you don’t have any experience in it. I’d be shocked if youwerean expert all of a sudden after only nine games. And lord knows youaren’t paying attention the whole time for all of them because, you know, you’re actually doing your job.”
I sigh and settle into the couch further as Cooper Lennox hits a double, putting him on second and Fletcher on third. The camera zooms in as Cooper takes his helmet off to run a gloved hand back and forth over his short hair before slipping the helmet back on. “Yeah, I mean I guess you’re right. I hate that I don’t know what’s going on. Asking the others always makes me feel like a complete idiot, but I know I’m not. You know how I am. I hate being bad at something. It makes me feel like I’m failing.” I take a sip of my drink to clear the thickness building in my throat. “Damn, how did this conversation get so deep?” I chuckle.
“Girl, you know me. I love to get deep.” The waggling of Jordan’s eyebrows tells me she very much meant that as an innuendo.
I roll my eyes but laugh and focus back on the TV in time to see the next batter hit his pitch into the outfield, giving Fletcher the opportunity to head for home.
“Go, go,go!” I sit forward, locking in on the screen. “Run, Ryan! YES!” I throw my arms up in celebration as he slides across home plate right before the ball is thrown to the catcher, earning the Suns their first run of the game.
“Not obsessed, she says,” Jordan mutters from next to me. I chuck a throw pillow in her direction without looking as I settle back in.
By some miracle,we sit through all nine innings. It’s the bottom of the ninth right now and the Suns are up six to five.San Diego gets this last shot at bat before the Suns are officially deemed the winners. There’s one out and a Bears player on first base, so the tension is high.
I can see Fletcher as he bounces his body back and forth, ready for the runner to attempt to steal second, but he doesn’t. He waits until Anderson throws the pitch. The batter tips it straight back toward Anderson, who scoops up the ball and launches it at Fletcher in a quick snap, beating the runner to the base by a mile. But the play doesn’t stop there. The second the ball meets Fletcher’s glove, foot kept on the base, he fires it down the line to second, earning them the extra out.
“What an incredible double play by the Suns to end the game! Anderson and Fletcher have impressive reflexes and remarkable speed on their throws,” the commentators say about the final play.
“They won!” Jordan cheers and jumps off the couch, pulling me up with her. Together the two of us jump around. I honestly feel so ridiculous, but I will admit it was fun to watch Fletcher play. Even if I don’t like the game.
After a few minutes, we switch off the TV and make our ways to our separate rooms with energized goodnights. I’m standing in front of my bathroom sink, inspecting my features in the mirror. My under eyes are starting to form dark circles from the late hour, but my eyes have a sparkle in them from all the excitement. I chew on my bottom lip as I debate texting to congratulate him.
That’s not weird, right?
It probably is.
I shouldn’t.
Should I?
Fuck it.
Isabella
Congrats on the win
That was a nice double play there at the end
There. Simple but gets the sentiment across.
I’m climbing into bed when my phone buzzes with a text.
Fletcher
Holy shit
Is this your way of telling me you watched?
Isabella
I will admit nothing
Fletcher
Omg you totally watched!
