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“More like steamroll me,” I mumble.
Dalton sits on ball three. With a full count, things just got interesting. I lean forward as if that position helps me see better.
“That’s your fault and no one else. You let that boring bastard dictate to you for far too long. Tell him you’re done and then quit talking to him. Have you answered his calls?”
The pitcher sets and looks back at the runner on first. I will him to hurry so I can get out of this conversation. I don’t want to talk about Bobby.
“He hasn’t called since we went out to dinner. His party is in three days and I won’t have to talk to him after that.”
“It doesn’t sound like it’s going to be that simple.”
Smack.
“Oh.” I stand and watch the ball sail into left field, officially shutting down the Bobby topic. A roar echoes from the crowd as the runner takes off from first. The ball drops between the left and center fielders as Dalton rounds the corner at first and looks over at third base. The running coach motions for him to stop. He retreats to first and pumps his fist in the air as the runner from first lands safely on third. “Yes! Three for three, baby.”
“Now can you relax?” Nicole shakes her head but wears a huge smile.
“Yes! Barring no errors, he should be safe.”
Except he isn’t.
At the top of the next inning, our pitcher shows signs of waning. I watch my dad motion for relief and signal for a double switch.
“No,” I whisper-shout.
“What’s wrong?”
“Dad’s doing a double switch.”
“What does that mean?”
“How are you even related to me?” I roll my eyes. “Dad’s calling for a new pitcher along with another position player.”
“That doesn’t sound bad.”
As Jason stands and heads out of the dugout, my answer is a groan.
Nicole gasps when she notices the new position player. “Oh, it is bad.”
My breath stills.Please, please, please maintain your cool, I silently beg.There isn’t any reason for Dad to take out Dalton. No reason at all other than to be a dick. And yes, I just called my dad a dick, but he’s being one. I bite my lower lip and watch Dalton’s expression. Irritation flashes across his face, but he quickly masks it. When Jason reaches him, Dalton taps his glove against Jason’s andsmiles. He actually smiles.
My pulse begins to slow back down. When did they become friends? Okay, maybe the termfriendsis a stretch, but Dalton gave him an honest to God real smile.
I think Dalton just passed my dad’s test, and I know exactly how to celebrate. The problem will be implementing my plan.
“Nicole, I need your help.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
DALTON
“What a win. I’m starving.”Carter pats his stomach as we step from his truck. We just won the game, and everyone is pumped. We’re heading to the pizza parlor. I should be ecstatic. I had an incredible night and played the best ball I’ve played since arriving here. Coach rewarded me by allowing me to go out with the guys and gave me an eleven o’clock curfew. That’s nothing short of a small miracle, considering he’s still reeling over the fight I got into. I’d like to think I’m gaining some of his trust. It was nice of him and all, but I’m not feeling it tonight.
“What’s the matter?” Carter asks when I don’t respond. “Are you pissed you got pulled from the game?”
“No.” I may be able to lie to Carter, but I can’t lie to myself—I wasn’t happy and admittedly a bit surprised—but I knew Coach was pressing my buttons. “Jason deserved playtime.”I suppose.
“Then celebrate. You’re finally allowed to party with the guys.”
