Adam
It’s the bottom of the fourth and we’re up by two against the Atlanta Bolts. We’ve been neck and neck with them all damn season and it’s dragged into these playoffs. Whoever wins this one goes to the World Series.
I’ve never once not wanted to play in the postseason, but this one, I can’t say I wouldn’t have minded too much to sit it out. The strain in Mia’s voice today was enough to make me want to forfeit this game entirely, but that wouldn’t be fair to my team.
Sitting on the bench, I’m grateful I’m not batting this inning and don’t have to race out and back in my catcher’s gear. Every few seconds though, I do look at that blue phone hanging on the wall of the dugout.
Exactly how mad would Olsson be if I called to check on Mia?
Before I can say fuck it and risk an ass-chewing, Will steps in front of me. “A watched phone never rings.”
I huff, nudging his arm. “Fuck off. Mia just sounded off on the phone. I don’t know, I can’t seem to shake the feeling that something’s wrong.”
“It’s weird how that sixth sense comes with the ones we love. I swear I can feel in my bones when Callie’s overstimulated. Idon’t even have to be in the same room as her and it’s like a chill goes down my spine when she’s reached her limit.”
“As her brother, I appreciate that. I love that Callie has you to look out for her…as my stomach already feels like it’s in my ass with worry for Mia—got to admit, it made me feel a little worse.”
Will chuckles. “Sorry, man, I didn’t think of it like that. I mean, on the other hand, Mia would one hundred percent call if she was in labor. And you saw how quickly Dex was able to get out of here and be with Lucie when she went—we won’t let you miss it. Even if it does happen during the final game.”
“Shit, if that happens, I pray it’s at one of our home games. Although, we have to win this one first.”
“Yeah, we’ve got two outs now in this inning. The Bolts have been notorious for late-game turnarounds this season. I selfishly wouldn’t hate getting another World Series win to go along with my Cy Young Award, but Callie said my head is getting too big.”
I snort a laugh. Will’s head? No. Callie’s on the other hand…definitely. “I think she might be preaching to herself on that one. Emma already had to put her on social media restriction when you won. Any comment that disagreed was responded to.”
“Yeah, my favorite comeback of hers was when she’d ask what position they’d play if they were athletic.”
“That was a good one.” I laugh, and while I’m still a bit on edge, I gotta admit, I feel a little better.
The last strike is called for the final out, and we pop off the bench.
Will claps my back. “I’m feeling my slider again this inning.”
“Fuck, of course you are. Do you know how annoying those are to catch and not hit my thumb?”
“Yeah, it gives you something to think about, doesn’t it?”
This asshole.
Getting in position, Will throws a few warm-ups with the change of the inning with one slider, and I send a few others justfor the fun of it. At this point, I know Will’s locked in, and even better, I’m positive the Bolts know it, too.
A strike comes with his first slider and two quickly follow. Nothing hits morale quite like three clean-cut strikes at the top of the inning.
The stadium noise practically vibrates the field. I know they want this back-to-back championship for the Blues, and dammit, I do, too.
Adjusting my stance, I rest in my signal position as the batters change, but the ump behind me calls time.
Dammit, is the Bolts tactic to call a timeout and hope it messes with Will’s flow? It’s a little far-fetched…but then I see Olsson headed down the field to the umpire.
I’m confused as hell for about two seconds until I see our other catcher come out of the dugout.
Holy shit.I’m up and walking to Olsson. I swear, if there is some bullshit reason for pulling me out—I don’t know how great I’ll recover.
Olsson’s grin feels pretty damning, but I hold my breath until he says, “You’re out of the game, Adam. You’re having a baby.”
I may have broken every speed limit possible—within reason—and ripped into the hospital parking lot in what had to be record time.
I don’t care if Mia will be laboring for another several hours, I need to be with hernow.
