AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I know the fake boyfriend thing was dumb, but…”
“Not dumb. Completely on brand for you guys. How about this? I’ll be your fake boyfriend.”
I start laughing hysterically.
“What is wrong with you? We don’t fake date. Davey asked me if I ever had with anyone besides Aaron. I had to explain how much you’re like my brother. If I even pretended to date you, I’d vomit. Besides, don’t you have a date, Mr. Romance?”
“So much love,” he teases. “And no, I don’t. It’s senior year. I want to have fun with my friends, not get into a relationship. So, how about we go to the dance together? We’ll take goofy pictures and have a blast. And this week, I’ll scare anyone away who tries to ask you out. Deal?”
I wrap my arms around his neck. “Deal. Thanks, Joelskies.”
“Of course,” he says, but his voice is a little weird.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
I furrow my brow, but before I can say anything else, the back door swings open and Sarah saunters in. Joel’s eyes go to her. He looks like a sad little puppy.
Nevermind, got my answer about what’s bothering him.
Guess I’m not the only one wishing I was going to the dance with someone else.
But after a summer of feeling like crap, I’m determined to have fun. And if Joel and I are causing trouble together, it’s definitely going to be fun.
Aaron
“Hey, Coach, you wanted to see me?” I ask, stepping into his doorway.
He nods and waves me in. “Close the door. Sit.”
I do as he says and drop into the chair across from his desk.
“What’s up?”
“Well, I’ve spoken with coaches from the schools you mentioned. All of them were interested, but the Finger Lakes Sea Dogs are the most enthusiastic. And that’s where you’re most interested in, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“Good. Well, we’ve sent them old film, but they’d like some newer things, and the pitching coach will be down in this area doing some scouting next month and would like to watch you pitch.”
I try to hide my grimace, but can’t.
“You think you’ll be ready?”
I force a smile. “Definitely.”
He sighs and leans on his desk. “Anything you want to tell me, son?”
I stare at him for a minute, then glance down at my hand.
“I hit my hand over the summer and it’s been stiff since. But it’s getting better,” I lie.
“Do you need to see a doctor?”
I shake my head. “No. It’s getting easier. It’ll just take some time. If we can rely on film for a bit longer, I think I can get there.”
He nods. “I’ll set it up.”
