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Except Gail-the-Tail-Chianese-Rhymes-with-Easy-Hyphen-O’Rourke. Savannah’smother.
“I wish I could keep playing baseball,” Savannah whispered.
“I’ll talk to them,” Colleen promised. “We’ll see what we can do, okay?”
Paulie Petrosinsky was coming onto the field. Perfect. A role model of physical strength in an unconventional package. “Over here, Paulie!” Colleen called. “Do you know my sister? Savannah O’Rourke, meet Paulie Petrosinsky, my friend.”
“What’s up, kid?” Paulie said, fist-bumping Savannah. “Word on the street is you’re the best player in town.”
Savannah’s face lit up. “Thanks,” she said.
Well, well, well. Colleen owed Paulie a drink on the house.
The three of them went into the dugout, where the rest of the team was assembled, pulling on gloves and cleats. “Coll, wrong shirt,” said Kelly Murphy, Shannon’s sister and part of the Murderer’s Row of the O’Rourke offense.
“I know, I know,” she said. “I have to play for Stoakes tonight.”
“You gonna throw the game?” Bryce asked, coming down the steps to the dugout. Paulie’s face began its burn.
“I won’t have to, because we’re so superior. Gang, today we have a new player. Paulie, welcome!”
“Hi, Paulie,” everyone said. Connor cocked an eyebrow, all too aware of the matchmaking in progress.
“Bryce, would you help Paulie with her glove? She’s never played baseball before.” A lie, but hey.
“Seriously, dude? This is gonna be fun,” Bryce said. “I bet you’re a natural.”
The goal had been secured: a physically close moment. Paulie had been instructed to ask for help as much as possible.
Bryce gave the glove a tug, his hand on Paulie’s wrist. “Looks good!” He slapped her shoulder and trotted out to the mound.
“He touched me,” Paulie whispered, her breathing fast and shallow.
“Okay, don’t faint. I have to go. Keep an eye on Savannah for me? She’s a little blue.” Plus, if Paulie was good with kids, as she seemed to be, Bryce could see her as the potential mother of his children.
It was hard to be in charge of the world, Colleen mused as she trotted out to the shortstop position. Savannah was clearly dejected. Gail kept gesturing from the bleachers...probably some horrid advice like “suck in your stomach.” It was throwing off Savannah’s game.
And if Gail had her way—which she usually did—it would be Savannah’s last.
Dad watched his youngest intently, cheering every time she came to the plate. The poor kid struck out twice. “Good try, baby!” Dad called both times. “You’ll get ’em next time!”
Colleen looked away. Paulie had been instructed to high-five Bryce every time he got a hit (he was really good), so Colleen had to keep an eye on that. She was also watching Connor to see if he was giving any significant looks to anyone, because he just wouldn’t crack and tell her who his mystery girlfriend was. He was clever, too; he’d erased his texting history on his phone, which she had stolen that very morning. Damn that twin telepathy thing.
Mom kept braying with laughter at whatever Stan, Stan the Hairy Man said, then looking over at Dad, who wasn’t watching, which caused Mom to laugh more and more loudly until she sounded like a laboring mule.Brahahaha! Brahahaha!In between innings, Coll texted her.Quiet down, you’re trying too hard.
Her phone chimed with the answer.I don’t know what you’re talking about.Another donkey bray.
Sigh.
In the second inning, Colleen led off with a double, then watched as the next three runners struck out. In the fifth, she walked and again didn’t score, since Stoakes’s offense would’ve had trouble hitting a beach ball.
Then, in the eighth inning as Colleen was walking back onto the field, Lucas appeared with Joe and Didi.
As usual, Didi Campbell looked pissed off about something. Bryce loped over and said hello, then returned to the dugout, as O’Rourke’s was up.
Lucas helped Joe sit; he’d brought a camp chair, which was good, because the bleachers were uncomfortable. Joe didn’t look so good; his skin was dark and he was moving slowly. The evening was cool; Lucas had brought a blanket, too, and tucked it around his uncle, then sat next to him on the bleachers and said something, making Joe laugh.
He was an awfully good nephew.
