Page 103 of The Triple Play

“Is Foxxy nervous?” Isla asks as we take our customary seats near the dugout.

“No,” I reply, laughing. “If anything, he’s too confident. I honestly think Griffin considered punching him if he didn’t stop strutting around, talking about how many strikeouts he plans on having.”

“Sounds about right,” Juniper chimes in. “That man doesn’t have a modest bone in his body.”

I would defend my boyfriend, but she’s not exactly wrong. I’ve never known a more self-assured man than Denver Foxx.

“Ugh, we really need that roof on the stadium. I’m going to melt,” Juni complains, fanning herself with her hand.

Isla shakes her head. “If we get a roof, it’ll only be for rain, not beautiful sunshine.”

Part of me agrees with Juni. It’s the end of August and ridiculously hot, even at seven in the evening. I don’t know how the guys manage to play a full game of ball and not collapse. But I suppose the shade of the dugout helps a little in between innings.

It’s been a little over four months since Denver’s accident, and thanks to his rigorous adherence to his rehab plan, he’s back on the mound, at last. I won’t lie, I’m nervous that it’s too soon, but I’m putting my trust in the doctors and rehab specialists that have given him the go-ahead to pitch. He’s said he’ll likely only do a few innings his first few games to ease himself back in, but still.

The roar of the crowd when he takes the field to warm up brings tears to my eyes. From what I’ve been told, just two seasons ago, these stands would’ve been mostly empty. Now it’s packed, sold out for just about every single home game. The boys are loved and supported by the town, and Denver felt that more than ever while he was off with his injury.

Isla passes me a tissue, which I take with a tremulous laugh. “Thanks. Didn’t expect to get emotional.”

“Me neither,” she says, and I notice her dabbing her own eyes.

The game gets underway, and it’s clear Denver is ready to be back. Even to my untrained eye, it’s clear his pitches are strong, accurate, and fast. His focus is locked in on Griffin’s glove, and watching the two of them play together again is magical.

The first inning flies by, with not a single player getting a hit on Denver. “Wow,” I breathe as the guys jog off the field, slapping Denver’s back as they go. “He’s going to be insufferable after this.”

The three of us dissolve into giggles that don’t subside until Cal steps up to the plate as the leadoff hitter. Juni straightens, moving to the edge of her seat. Isla and I exchange a knowing glance. It’s clear to everyone but Juniper and Cal how much they like each other, and as a lot more than friends.

Cal takes a ball, then misses a strike. But his bat hits the third pitch with a resounding crack, flying over the heads of the players.

“Oh my god!” Juni whoops, leaping out of her seat as the stadium explodes with excitement at Cal’s home run. He jogs around the bases, pumping his arms as we all scream his name.

When the noise finally dies down and another Thunder player takes the plate, Isla nudges Juni’s shoulder. “Pretty good early birthday present, huh.”

I turn to Juniper. “Is it your birthday soon?”

She nods. “Yeah, next week. Cal and I have the same birthday.”

“Do you have plans?” I ask.

But before Juniper can answer, Isla exclaims, “Wait! You’re turning thirty. Does that mean it’s time to plan a wedding?”

My jaw drops as Juniper turns bright red and starts to choke on the water she just swallowed.

“Wait, what?”

Isla’s still fighting to hold in her laughter as she explains. “So, get this. When they were younger, Cal and Juni made a marriage pact. If they were both still single at thirty, they’d marry each other.” She waggles her eyebrows at Juniper. “Time’s up, bestie.”

“It was just a joke between two drunk friends,” Juni protests. But she doesn’t meet our stares. “I’m sure Cal doesn’t even remember it.” She stands up. “I’m going to get us some beers.”

She’s gone a second later and I turn to Isla. “A marriage pact? Really?”

Isla nods, looking a little guilty. “Yeah, I shouldn’t have teased her about it, though. She only told me a year or so ago when we’d had too many margaritas one night. Don’t say anything to the guys, okay? Please?”

I shake my head quickly. “Of course not. It’s none of my business.”

She flashes me a grateful smile and we turn our attention back to the game.

The Thunder pull off an easy win, and after the stadium empties out, we make our way down to the lower levels of the clubhouse to find the team.