Chapter 8

Willowand I waited for Parker and Boston in the bleachers after the rest of the crowd emptied, ready to celebrate. We noticed Boston first as he jogged over. His wavy hair was tousled and damp with sweat, and his jersey was covered in dirt. Before I could stand, he swept me up into a fierce hug, practically lifting me into the air.

"You did it!" I cheered, hugging him back tightly.

He set me down, grinning from ear to ear. "Did you see that last inning? We smashed it!"

Parker ran over, slinging an arm around Boston's shoulders. "All thanks to this guy's batting skills. MVP for sure!"

Boston waved him off, though his cheeks flushed pink at the praise. Behind them, the rest of the team cheered loudly, already stripping off their jerseys and making a beeline for the lake just beyond the field, ready to celebrate their victory.

Boston watched them go, then turned back to me, his smile softening.

"C'mon," he said, holding out his hand. "Let's join the party."

I laced my fingers through his, while we raced to catch up with the others. Parker looked over at Willow. "Keep up, babe," he shouted, breaking into a run and pulling her along toward the shimmering lake. Willow squealed but kept pace with him, her feet were pounding against the sandy shore. She threw her purse and phone on the nearest picnic table and I did the same. As they reached the water's edge, Parker scooped Willow up into his arms, eliciting another delighted shriek from her.

"Don't you dare throw me in!" Willow demanded, laughing as she clung to his shoulders.

Parker waded into the cool water up to his knees. "What, you don't trust me?" He grinned mischievously.

Willow narrowed her eyes at him. "Parker Hartford, if you throw me in fully clothed, I'll..."

Her threat was cut off as Parker tossed her into the air. She flailed for a moment before she hit the water with a tremendous splash. Parker burst into laughter as Willow came up sputtering, her sopping wet hair covering her face.

"You are so freaking dead!" Willow shouted, but she was laughing too as she sloshed over to Parker and shoved him. He toppled backwards into the water. When he emerged, they were both cracking up.

One by one, the team leapt and dove into the lake.

I took small steps in, savoring the moment. The cool water felt amazing after being out in the hot sun all day. I found my way to Willow. Her blonde curls were already frizzing in the humidity.

"What a game," she sighed contently.

"Yeah," I smiled. "There's a lot of talent on the team."

"Speaking of the game… Parker!" Willow began, her voice sounded serious. "You know, if you had positioned your feet just a smidge differently, you could've snagged those two balls in the fifth."

Parker turned to face her, the corners of his mouth twitching upward despite the critique. "Yeah?" he asked, genuinely curious. "You'll have to show me what you mean."

"I would have before you threw me in the lake," she rolled her eyes.

"Whatever you say, Coach," he teased, bumping her shoulder lightly with his own.

"Has a pretty great ring to it, don't you think?" Willow grinned, a spark of ambition lighting up her eyes.

"I'd take orders from you over your dad any day." Parker smiled back.

We floated lazily, watching the rowdy team enjoy their victory swim. Parker and Boston were dunking each other playfully, their boyish laughter echoing across the lake.

My heart swelled with happiness. Not all games end this way, but today was one of those perfect moments you wanted to bottle up and save forever. That moment ended quickly once I noticed that something was going on with Boston.

"I'll be right back," Boston shouted before he walked out of the lake. Water dripped down his tanned shoulders as he jogged over to his belongings. I watched him pull his phone out, and his eyes narrowed when he saw who it was.

"Really, Mom?" he growled into the phone. His jaw clenched, fingers drumming against his thigh. He listened for a moment, then sighed heavily. "You always say you have to work. I really wanted you at my first game. I don't get why you can't ever make one." He sighed before continuing. "Well, I'm telling you now that I want you at the big game against our cross-town rivals. Coach said some of the pro scouts will be there, and you should be too. It gives you plenty of time to request off."

Ending the call, he shoved the phone into his bag. I saw his chest rise and fall as he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Then he put a shirt on before he walked closer to us, just before the edge of the water.

"I'm gonna go for a walk," he called out, running a hand through his damp curls.

Parker treaded closer, concern etching his features. "You good, bro?"

Boston's shoulders lifted in a shrug that seemed too heavy. "Yeah, all good. Just need to clear my head," his voice carried a forced lightness. "I'll be back in a bit."

As he turned away, I caught the shadow that passed over his face, the same one that appeared every time he had ended a call with his mom.

"Sure thing. Let me know if you need some company," Parker responded, but his gaze lingered on Boston's retreating back, unsure if Boston was really okay.

"She has never missed a single college game, you know? I don't get why she can't ever make it to Bayside. Do you think something happened to her here when she was younger?" I asked, my words were a mix of frustration and empathy.

"I don't know. I don't get it either," Parker said solemnly.

"Poor kid." Willow shook her head in sympathy.

"I'm gonna go dry off and lay out for a bit," I yelled to Parker and Willow as I headed out of the lake. They waved absently before quickly returning to their playful splashing and laughter.

I made my way toward the edge of the water, looking in Boston's direction, but he was already out of sight, so I decided to take a seat on the dock nearby. As I approached, I saw someone's long legs hanging over the side. It was Reese. I didn't realize that he had also walked away from the group.

"Shit," I whispered under my breath. He chose that moment to glance up, his eyes meeting mine. There was no mistaking it—he had seen me. His eyes squinted in the sunlight. "Hartford," he said smoothly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "To what do I owe the pleasure? Planning on trying to kill me again?"

I couldn't turn back now, not without it being more awkward than simply facing him. With a resigned sigh, I resumed my approach, each step feeling heavier than the last.

"Only if you tempt me… and do you call every girl by their last name, Carrington?" I asked, taking another small step closer to him.

"Only the pretty ones," he replied with a roguish wink. His gaze drifted down, lingering on my lips for a while before meeting my eyes again.

The intensity of his eyes made my heart pick up speed. Get it together, Chandler. I held his stare, refusing to be the first to look away. I wasn't convinced by his smooth words.

"Whatever. I guess you pitched a good game," I forced out.

"You should expect nothing less from me. I aim to please," he winked.

I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm sure… Anyway, I'll leave you alone. I didn't realize anyone was sitting here."

"All good," he said with a crooked grin. I smiled back before turning and walking away.

"Hey, wait up a sec," Reese called after me from the dock.

I turned slowly back to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

He hesitated, almost shyly. "Do you wanna see something? My favorite spot is right up this hill." He pointed a finger at a nearby area on his right.

"What kind of spot?" I said, curiosity getting the better of me. I couldn't put my finger on what was drawing me to him. All I knew was that being around Reese gave me a thrill I'd never felt before.

"You have to see it for yourself," he said with a grin. "But I think you'll dig it. That is, if you're up for a little adventure?" He raised an eyebrow in challenge.

How could I say no when he was looking at me like that? Although I was unsure about him, I felt a calmness and a comfortability with him that I couldn't explain. I pretended to consider it before smiling back and throwing caution to the wind. "Lead the way."