Page 27 of Under the Influence

Madden looks to Cori, "What do ya say, Chicago? Wanna come?"

Cori pops a Dorito into her mouth, "Sure."

I pull my phone out again, finding another message from Drayton.

Drayton

The fountain, 10pm.

I slide the phone back into my pocket. Cori notices the smile I'm unable to hide.

"You have literal hearts in your eyes," she mocks.

My mind floats back to Friday night and the way Drayton's hand felt against the back of my neck.

"Not hearts," I grin. "It has nothing to do with love."

CHAPTER

ELEVEN

CARSON

Nash yanks his catcher’s mask off, sweat dripping down his brow. “What the hell, man? You are off today.”

I stretch my arm out, rolling my shoulder in a circular motion, “Sorry. I just need some rest. It’s been a crazy few days.”

My eyes scan my surroundings, anchoring on the real reason I’m off my game.

She’s watching intently, her head bouncing wherever the ball goes. Trey Clark, Jovie’s dad, is our assistant coach, and he’s hitting grounders and hoppers to the infielders.

I turn up my Gatorade, watching her march down the metal bleachers, “Madden, the play was at home! You gave up the score!”

Coach Clark turns, rolling his eyes at Cori, “It’s just practice, Corinne but good lookin’ out, sweetheart.”

She waves her arms around dramatically, “Yeah, well, don’t practice bad habits and expect to win!”

Our head coach—Alexander Torres— gives him a questionable look.

“My niece,” he acknowledges.

Coach T crosses his arms, “Well, that explains a lot, actually.”

I can’t read the look that crosses Coach Clark’s face, but I’d say it’s a mixture of pride and embarrassment.

“Corinne, you want a spot on my staff?”

She shakes her head vigorously in disagreement, smiling at my scowling best friend, “Absolutely not. Looks like you got it all under control. Well, minus the fact that your third baseman shouldn’t be playing third base.”

Crew throws his hands up in disbelief. She’s ruffling everyone’s feathers.

“That’s enough for today, boys. See you tomorrow.”

Coach T approaches Cori, “Seems like you might be waiting for one of my boys, but you’re banned if you ever interrupt my practice again.”

She smiles, “Yes, sir.”

“What the hell is she doing here?” Nash seethes. “She’s everywhere.”