Chapter 20 Is it Baseball Season Already?
-Drew-
Spring
I am so ready to kick off baseball season.
I have worked my ass off over the last few months.
Coach ran drills in the indoor facility most of the winter.
He also believes in running us. I loved every second of it, and I’m ready to prove why I should be the starting shortstop.
Last week, he pulled me into his office and let me know that I was going to get the start over Michels.
I should have told Meg first, but I’d texted Annie first, letting her know I was getting the start.
She had been so excited for me that she invited all our friends over for a movie night at her place with pizza.
Meg had given me a hard time about telling Annie first, but said she understood that baseball was one of the things Annie and I freaked out over.
***
Outside of baseball, I couldn’t be more content.
Meg and I have made good on the rain check and more.
She enjoys driving me crazy each time she comes over to the house.
Meg believes in sexy lingerie, and I wasn’t complaining.
She also isn’t shy about sex or foreplay.
She has been honest about her history and that she was on the pill.
She made me work for each new base, but she also stole a few of them herself.
So, it was fair to say that Meg and I were enjoying our time locked in my bedroom.
To be honest with myself, I like Meg, and we are having fun, but my feelings haven’t changed since we started dating.
It’s comfortable, which I guess isn’t a bad thing.
***
I've been trying to convince my parents that I need a car. Since November, Meg has picked me and Annie up for school. But I still had to find my way home by riding with one of the guys or, in the very worst case, Daniel. In more than one worst-case scenario, I’ve been subjected to Daniel’s new rotation of girls.
There have been so many that I’ve stopped trying to learn their names.
I am over having to play backseat to his hookups or having to bum a ride from my friends.
In this, Daniel and I have found agreement, and he's backed me up every time the subject comes up.
Dad told me this morning that we can go look at the used car lot next weekend. Freedom is only a few weeks away.
***
Life is looking up, I think as I head out the door when I hear the honking car horn.
This is no doubt Meg letting me and Annie know that she is here.
When I get to the car, Annie is already in the back, chatting with Meg.
I jump in the front seat, kissing Meg and interrupting whatever she was about to say to Annie.
“OK. OK. Enough already,” Annie groans from the back, and then for good measure adds, “I need a car: how do I tell my parents I am being mentally scarred from having to witness my friends make out?” I pull back and smile at Meg.
“Well, Annie, I think a better idea than a car is a new boy toy,” pipes in Meg.
Annie laughs from the back seat. “Please, Meg—describe in detail the definition of a boy toy. I think Drew and I need to get the details here.” “Annie, how many times do I need to give you the definition? You need a rebound from that,” Meg points dramatically in the direction of my brother walking out the door.
I’m still sitting sideways in my seat, and I can see Annie roll her eyes.
“That—” (making the same motion Meg just made) “—is the reason I don’t want a boy anything,” Annie replies.
I interject with my hands up, “For all boykind, we aren’t all like—” (making the same mention as both of the girls towards my brother) “—that.” For good measure, I wrap my hands together in a prayer position, “Please, Annie, don’t forsake us all.
” My actions have the desired effect, causing them to start laughing.
***
At lunch, Craig, Luke, and I are all geared up and talking about the first home game tomorrow.
If all the talk in the state is right, we have a pretty good chance of making the playoffs this year.
The team's seniors just missed out last year, and it's the goal they have painted on the wall for this year's team. Meg hasn’t let the boy toy conversation from earlier go.
She has been peppering Annie with a new game: Yes, No, or Maybe.
Meg announces after grabbing lunch that yes means Annie's interested, no means, well, no, and maybe means that Annie could be convinced if, say, a shirtless picture could be produced. All three of us guys mostly tuned out after that because Annie is pretty much saying no to every name that Meg has thrown out. The highest rating a guy got all lunch from what I couldn’t help but overhear was a maybe.
The rest of the day zooms by as I focus on the first game.
***
I want a low-key night in before tomorrow.
I have a few tests, unfortunately, and I need to keep my grades up to play, so I make it a priority to stay in and study.
It helps that Meg’s parents have a standing Thursday night family night, no friends or boyfriends allowed, so I can’t distract myself with my naked girlfriend either.
So, I’m trying to focus on my homework when my phone vibrates on the desk.
Annie Campbell
You studying for the English test?
Drew
I was until your text distracted me
Annie Campbell
I needed a brain break
But Meg is at game night
Drew
Are you telling me I’m your second choice?
I can’t tell if I should be honored or hurt
Annie Campbell
Honored I text you before Craig or Luke
Drew
I am redeemed
Annie Campbell
Any interest in a shooting contest out back. I’m sick of my room and this test prep
Drew
Let’s go
Five minutes later, I join Annie in her backyard.
We kick the ball around, and we play a game of HORSE, trying to match each other’s goal distance and angle.
Annie kicks my butt, being the soccer player after all.
“I feel wronged: unfair advantage to the actual soccer player on the field,” I say in my best commentator voice.
Annie smiles, “Next time we need a study break, you pick the drill, bet I can beat you on one of those baseball speed drills.” “Oh, do you think so? Game on, Annie,” I reply.
I have never wished I owned a ball machine more.
I want to see if Annie could face down a fastball.
We call it a night so we can both get to studying.
"In case I don’t say it tomorrow", she says, “Good luck, Drew, I can’t wait to see you on the field.” Annie gives me her full-on smile and I know I give her mine.
“Thanks, Annie, I’ll see you on the sidelines for my post-game interview. ”