Chapter 2

Liam

We're two runs away from winning our game. It"s the bottom of the ninth, we're tied with the opposing team, runner on third and we already have two outs. As a junior, it's my third year on the team and while we haven't been bad in the past few years we also haven't been the best. Not going to lie, I've also been feeling the added pressure of hoping to be captain next season.

It's my turn at bat, I take my place at the plate, digging in my heels and finding my stance. The pitcher from the other team throws his first pitch and it's way too low to be swinging at.

"BALL." The umpire calls out. I shake myself out, ready for the next pitch. I stare forwards towards the pitcher who's shaking out his wrist and nodding his head, probably towards whatever signal the catcher behind me gave him. Most teams have a code with their fingers that the catcher and pitcher use to communicate. He spits out onto the grass and gears up for his next pitch and it's coming right down the middle. I swing and hear the crack of the metal against the ball.

Quickly discarding my bat, I take off to first, trying to eye where the ball went. I notice the outfielders running towards the back to try and catch it but it's too far gone and that's a home run. I can hear the team cheering from the dugout as I take my victory lap among the bases. After the celebration dies down, the team and I head into the locker room where Coach holds our after-game meeting.

"Alright, I'll keep this brief today boys since Mills here got us that win." The crowd claps and Coach Russo goes into a brief summary of what to improve on and what he liked on the field.

"Alright, everyone. Dismissed." The crowd shuffles, guys heading to the showers to wash off the sweat and smell from the game.

"Liam, my office before you leave."

"Yes, Coach."

I take a quick shower and change into my regular clothes, black sweat shorts and a blue baseball t-shirt that sports our school mascot, the Bears. Grabbing my gym bag out of my locker I head towards the coach's office and wrap my knuckles on the door frame.

"Come in, Liam." Coach looks up from his computer and leans back in his black leather desk chair. I sit across the desk from him in one of the two worn-down navy-blue seats.

"You wanted to see me?"

"That was a great hit out there today."

"Thanks, Coach..." I start but he holds up a finger to silence me.

"I'm making decisions soon for next season"s captain. Show me a few more hits like that and you could be looking at having the C on your jersey." Coach gives me one of his rare smiles before his face falls back into a neutral position, opening his laptop back up to get back to work.

"Dismissed." I swear that's his favorite word, he's not an overly dominant guy but I think the power of ending conversations really does something for him.

"Thanks Coach, I won't let you down." He gives me a curt nod, not even looking up as I leave the office. I always thought the captain talk with Coach Russo would make me feel something, I'm not sure what. Accomplished, relieved, maybe proud. But it doesn't. There's this empty feeling instead, one I choose to ignore as I have been all year. I shake it off, I can't forget that securing that captain spot by the end of the season would look great to the scouts. When I get to my car, I finally check my phone and I have a few texts from my brother Ryan.

Ryan

Did you win?

We're having a party tonight.

Getting stuff for margaritas... don't ask...

Sighing, I text him back. I like to go out sometimes but hosting a party is always too much work and they always end up with more people than you intend.

Me

Yes, we won.

Sounds good. Small party though please.

Ryan

Fine.

Most people moved off campus today anyways.

He's right, yesterday was the last day of the semester and anyone in the dorms had to be out today, minus athletes who have ongoing seasons. Luckily for us we have a house our parents, my mom and Ryan's dad, my stepdad, got us so we can stay here all year if we want to. Though we always opt to go home for holidays, I'm pretty sure it would break my mom's heart if we didn't. She loves hosting and having all of us under one roof.

Me

Margaritas???

Ryan

I said don't ask.

Laughing to myself, I put my phone away and drive the ten minutes home. Our house is nestled in a neighborhood that consists of other students renting out houses or young couples. It's relatively quiet since it's not on a street directly next to campus but on the weekends you still usually see some activity and people looking for parties.

The house itself is the perfect size for the two of us. Downstairs you have the typical living room, dining room, a guest bath and the kitchen. Upstairs we have two bedrooms and the main bathroom that we split. We're also lucky enough to have a small yard with a nice patio that sits off the back sliding door.

We both lived on campus our freshman years, but then our parents decided to invest in this house for us to use and then possibly rent out later to other college students. We're very fortunate that they did this for us as it"s given us both the perfect space to study but also be social and have our respective teams over.

"Hey, Ry. I'm home." I call, toeing my shoes off at the door and shoving them in the small entryway closet.

"Hey! In here." I walk down the small hallway that leads into the open concept floor plan and see Ryan squatting in the kitchen, putting some beers and seltzers into the fridge. I reach above him snagging a water bottle and lean against the counter. "How was the game?"

"Good. Game winning home run scored by yours truly." I gesture to myself.

"That's my brother." He stands, grabbing a water for himself. "You going to get captain?

"Seems that way." At the end of the last hockey season Ryan was announced captain of his team. It would be cool for us both to be captains of our respective teams our senior year

"Scouts there?"

"Yeah a few I think." I nod but my stomach turns. I choose once again to ignore the uneasy feeling in my gut. "Want to order some pizza before the party?"