Chapter 14 Fletcher
Fletcher
It's hard not to feel disappointed when the ninth inning comes to a close and we’re still down by two.
Instead of performing the winning dance number we’ve worked on at practice, it’s the Rowdy Rattlers performing theirs instead.
We’d been hoping to start this season off strong with two straight wins, but unfortunately for the Honky Tonks, the Rattlers dominated at the end, coming back swinging—literally—in the seventh as they fully secured their lead.
Even so, there’s no way anyone could wipe this smile off my face, and it has nothing to do with the game at all. I’m still riding the incredible high from my evening out with Hollis last night, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
She’s finally opening up and showing off the real her as she no longer holds back.
Not that I needed the proof, but it was still nice to get the validation that yes, there is something simmering between us.
We might not be acting on those feels just yet, but the chemistry, oh, it’s there and it’s unmistakable.
Other than our small interaction during the fifth inning and before my special intro designed by her after her big pool-table win, we haven’t been able to talk, but I’m ready to change that.
I, of course, saw the way she glared in my direction the one time I managed to catch her eye after dragging her into my performance, but I’m ninety-nine percent sure it was all for show.
I probably should’ve clued her in ahead of time on what I’d been planning, but we all know she would've said no. What’s that old saying about it being better to ask forgiveness rather than permission?
So yes, I’m aware I have some damage control to do, and now feels like the perfect time as I spot her standing next to her father.
“So, what did you think of the game?” I ask Jared Clemmins, as I sneak up behind him, giving his shoulder a pat, making it appear as though he’s the one I’m here to chat with.
“Oh, man. What a game. And you put in quite the fight, even if it was the Rattlers who secured the big win tonight,” he beams proudly.
It’s still not something I’m fully used to, having a boss be okay with a loss. But I suppose in his case, given that he owns both teams, he wins either way. Plus, how can he not be happy when our first two games have both played to sold out crowds?
People are finally discovering and falling in love with our version of baseball, and I can’t blame them. Hell, even I’d take this over a regular ol’ game of baseball, which is saying something after having grown up playing competitively my entire life.
“Yeah, that wasn’t great, but we plan to come back even harder and get ‘em next time,” I say, my gaze drifting from him to his daughter.
For the first time ever, I finally get the saying if looks could kill, because if they could, I’d be dead under that piercing gaze of hers. I think I messed up—big time. Judging by that glare, she's more than a little pissed off.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, especially if you keep playing like you did tonight. You once again secured the lead for the player with the most trick plays out there.”
While the trick plays don’t necessarily help either team in the game point-wise, the audience eats it up each and every time.
Whether it’s catching the ball in a unique way, doing a flip, or throwing the ball with flair, it's what truly makes Honky Tonk ball the exciting game that it is. While I can’t always make something happen, I certainly try.
“Thank you, sir,” I say, feigning modesty, at least for his sake.
It’s one thing to be a showboat around my teammates and the fans; it's a completely different ball game doing it in front of your boss and the one who signs your paychecks.
“I was actually just talking to Hollis here about your special walk-up performance,” he grins, his loving gaze drifting down toward his daughter. “It was my favorite moment of the entire game.”
“As I’m sure she told you, the song choice was all hers,” I say, nodding toward Hollis, “But I’m starting to suspect she wasn’t all that thrilled about becoming a part of the night’s entertainment.”
“You think?” she deadpans, folding her arms and looking ready to disown both of us.
“Aw, come on,” Jared says as he slings an arm around her shoulder and pulls her into his side. “You were amazing, and looked absolutely adorable.”
“That’s not the point. I’m annoyed because Fletcher, here,” she starts, my name sounding like venom on her tongue, “didn’t warn me ahead of time.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” I ask, as inner me celebrates the fact that Mr. Clemmens seems to agree as he nods along.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he attempts to soothe her, but she only shoots him a glare. “What’s done is done so why not just focus on how well it all went? The crowd absolutely loved it.”
From a short distance, someone calls Jared’s name and motions him over.
“Looks like I’m being called away. If you’ll both excuse me,” he says, dropping his arm from around Hollis as he steps back into boss mode.
With a final nod and wave we say our goodbyes.
“You really thought you were so smooth with that one, huh?” she asks the minute we’re alone.
“Honestly?” I shrug. “Yeah. Kind of.”
“You realize this means I’m coming back with something even harsher next time, right?”
“I’m already looking forward to it.”
I shouldn’t be egging her on, especially given the way her eyes are still shooting daggers, but she makes it way too easy. Plus, every so-called “punishment" she's handed out has only ever worked in my favor, and I have a feeling that streak’s not ending anytime soon.
“You’re so frustrating,” she huffs, throwing her hands in the air before stomping away.
I reach for her arm, but she yanks it away just as fast.
“Wait, you're really this upset?” I ask, my voice lowering.
“Yes, I actually am this upset,” she answers, walking at a brisk pace as I attempt to keep up. “You think you can do whatever the hell you want without any consequences to your actions, but newsflash: there are.”
“I’m sorry, Hollis. I truly thought it was just a funny joke and that we’d be laughing about it together as soon as the game was over.”
She stops so suddenly that I almost run into her before she turns to face me with our bodies are only inches apart.
“You really thought I would laugh at being the punchline of your joke?” she asks, and this time what I see isn’t anger—it’s worse. The sharpness in her eyes has been replaced with hurt, and it absolutely destroys me knowing I’m the one who put it there.
“Fuck, Hollis. I’m so sorry,” I apologize, lifting my hat before dragging my other hand through my sweaty and disheveled hair.
“The last thing I’d ever try to make you into is a joke.
I guess I wasn’t thinking when I planned it.
If anything, I just wanted to have some fun with you, and thought you’d get a kick out of it too,” I continue and shake my head, hating how pathetic this sounds, especially since it’s nowhere even close to conveying just how truly sorry I am.
“I promise I wasn’t trying to embarrass you.
If anything, this was my lame, and failed attempt to once again get your attention, but I fucked up. This is totally all on me.”
Her jaw tense and it’s clear she’s still upset, but thankfully her eyes seem to soften, at least a little bit.
“Well, making me a part of the show isn’t the way to do it.
Hell,” she says, placing her hand on my chest and giving me a light shove.
“You had my attention all night, you doofus. You didn’t need to go and—”
I interrupt. “I had your attention?” I ask, wiggling my brows.
She tilts her head to the side. “Really, Fletch?”
“Sorry,” I say quickly. “Please, just tell me what I can do to make it up to you and I’ll do it.”
“First, you can promise to never pull that kind of shit again.”
“Done. Anything else?” I ask, willing to do just about anything to make this up to her, even if that includes getting on my hands and knees in front of everyone still inside this stadium.
“Actually, yes. You can buy all of me and my friends' drinks tonight. Oh, and pay for our Ubers home afterward,” she decides, wearing a smile as though she’s the one winning here.
“Done.”
I’m not quite sure how this qualifies as a punishment for me.
This just means I get to spend more time with her.
Sure, the last time I paid for her and her friends' drinks it cost me a couple hundred dollars, but given that it got me a kiss, it was totally worth it, and I’ll happily do it again if that’s what it'll take to make her forgive me.
“Perfect, then I guess I’ll be seeing you later tonight,” she says, sending me off with a wave.
I watch in complete awe as she walks away.
Life would probably be so much easier if I followed everyone’s advice and forgot all about her, and went back to my old ways, but I’ve never been one to choose the easy route.
That shit is overrated. Everything worth getting requires a little extra work, and without a doubt, she’s worth every second of it.
Yes, I messed up, and pissed her off, and she had every right to be. But she’s also giving me the chance to make things right, and that’s exactly what I'll do.