Noah was just as surprised as I was about not having to run or workout this morning. He hurried to get dress and ran downstairs before I was ready. I hurried to get changed too and joined the pair downstairs.
Zeke headed for the door once he saw that we were both ready. We got into his car and he took us to the same diner we went to the morning of the twins birthday. Noah picked the same things as last time, getting chocolate on chocolate, yet Zeke didn't say anything about it.
I went a different route, choosing some of the sides like bacon, toast, and hasbrowns. Pancakes were just too heavy for me and I really didn't have the same metabolism as Noah.
We enjoyed a peaceful morning, chatting about the A's and how their odds to make the World Series have improved with Maberry's expected return.
"Talking about World Series, who won the College World Series?" Noah asked Zeke. "I stopped paying attention after Stanford lost."
"Vanderbilt." Zeke answered.
Noah made a face. "That's too bad."
"Where's that school?" I asked, curious.
Zeke looked to me, looking somewhat surprised by my interest. "It's a private school in Nashville, Tennessee. They also had an impressive outfielder like Stanford does. He actually got drafted fourth overall."
"So he's better than you?" I asked.
Noah scoffed. "No way. I bet this guy wasn't a first round pick coming out of high school."
"He certainly wasn't." Zeke told us. "In fact, his freshman year, he only had a .250 average and his fielding wasn't too great. He turned it around his sophomore year and earned a .360 batting average even with an injury. Has stayed over .300 since."
"Tch." Noah shook his head. "I bet you'll be more impressive. You and Rhys will carry Stanford to the championship game next year." He grinned. "With a little help from Bradley Thompson of course."
Zeke chuckled. "Well, I hope I don't let you down."
"You won't." Noah said with confidence. "I'm honestly more worried about Rhys. Will he be back to full power and speed when spring rolls around?"
Zeke nodded. "I would believe so. He has finished rehab completely and moved on to training." He glanced at me. "You guys could bring your bags and maybe try to get a few hits off him, if you can."
Noah looked hopeful. "Yea! I want to see if I've gotten any better! Or...if Rhys got worse."
Zeke nudged him. "I'll mention that to him. See if you have any hope touching his pitches."
Noah made a face. "Don't do that! Give me a chance!"
I laughed at how quick Noah changed his tune.
"You don't understand, Jake." Noah complained. "Rhys is crazy good. Better than the twins. Better than Garret. Better than that university prep pitcher. He can strike out Zeke."
I looked to Zeke, shocked. "Really?"
"It's been awhile so it's not positive that he can still strike me out." Zeke admitted.
Noah scoffed. "Why don't I tell Rhys what YOU said?"
Zeke pushed Noah out of the booth and went to pay the bill. We headed back to the house and packed up a few items including our baseball bags and some A's gear to wear to the game tonight. After some thought, Zeke told us we should pack our pajamas and some clothes for tomorrow. We would spend the night with Rhys.
Zeke looked at me. "That's okay, right?"
I nodded. Rhys was safe. I didn't know much about his parents, but they treated him very well so I didn't feel suspicious of them. Plus, his dad was doing an away game so I doubt he would be back tonight.
"Okay, I'll call to make sure Rhys is okay with that too." Zeke pulled out his phone and called. After a very brief conversation, we got the thumbs up and went upstairs to pack.
"It's like a small getaway vacation." Noah grinned as we went to our room. He pulled out a small suitcase and we packed both of our clothes in it. He paused at one point and looked at me. "Do you think...we need to pack workout clothes..?"
I made a face.
"Good idea! Do it!" Zeke hollered from down the hall.
I glared at Noah.
Noah shrugged. "It's not my fault he has supersonic hearing." He sighed and packed some more.
I added running shorts and a plain t-shirt.
We finished packing up the car and hit the road while it was still early. There was some traffic along the main highways, but Zeke was a very calm driver. Just as we finally got off the freeway, he made a quick stop at a grocery store parking lot. A firework stand had been set up.
Noah started to bounce around and pick out some fireworks that we should get.
"Don't get too crazy. The limit is $100." Zeke told him.
My jaw dropped, while Noah looked depressed. Apparently he was used to them spending more. With a smaller budget, Noah picked out one big firework, and then a bunch of little ones.
Zeke paid for it and Noah carried the bag of fireworks to the car. Zeke finished the drive to the house and we piled out of the car.
Rhys came out right away, so he must have been waiting for us. "Hey! How was the drive?"
"Boring." Noah handed him the fireworks. "Here. You hold these while we get our stuff out."
"Yes sir!" Rhys laughed.
We got all our stuff out and carried it into the house where his mom greeted us. She smiled warmly. "Glad you boys could spend the day with us. My brother and his family will come over in just a little bit. He will be the one responsible for the barbecue, but I'll start setting up the snacks soon enough."
I blinked, surprised that others were coming over.
"My cousins are little." Rhys told me. "And my uncle and aunt are pretty cool. They'll probably ask you a few questions, but I've already told them a little about you."
"Oh." I said, unsure if there was a better response.
"Drop off your baseball bags here and we'll take the other bags upstairs." Rhys instructed. He also set the fireworks aside before leading the way. He told Zeke to drop off his bag in his room, and then took Noah and I to the guest room.
It almost resembled a hotel room with its ability to fit two full size beds. It also had its own bathroom and was decorated very nicely.
"I think I'm moving in." Noah sighed, pushing our bag to the empty closet. "It's so much bigger than our room at home."
Rhys shrugged. "You're welcomed to stay over whenever. I know it's tough with your summer school schedule, but maybe we can work something out."
Noah laughed. "It's fine. I like my small city better, with my small room and my small bed." He glanced at me. "And my small brother."
I straightened up. "I'm growing!"
Rhys looked me over and nodded. "I see it. You're also putting on some muscle." He chuckled. "Is that from playing softball or training with Zeke?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Noah rolled his eyes. Then lifted his shirt. "Look at my abs! They're visible!"
Rhys laughed. "Nowhere as good as mine." He lifted his shirt and showed off a well-defined six-pack.
"Not fair!" Noah claimed.
Rhys put his shirt down. "How is it not fair?! I had surgery and was so out of shape. This was hard work, okay?"
Noah squinted. "So you're up for some competition?"
"You're not competition, squirt!" Rhys patted him on the head.
"That's funny. Zeke said that about you!" Noah sold Zeke out.
Rhys turned to the quiet Zeke and narrowed his eyes. "You don't think I can take you?"
"I believe you won't be able to strike me out." Zeke didn't back down.
