"Way to finish strong, boys." Dad pulled me and Noah into a simultaneous group hug, giving us an extra squeeze.
"Ah, c'mon Dad." Noah complained. "Everyone's looking."
Mom pulled me away from them and checked my back. "Does it hurt Jake? Do you want some ice?"
I shook my head. "I just took the ice off. I'm okay." I pulled my jersey out of pants so I could show her my lower back.
Mom gently put her hand on the spot. "Oh, Jake. That looks awful."
I tried to twist around to see, but could only catch a glimpse. "Really? It didn't hurt that much."
"Jake's just tough like that." Dave patted me on the head. "High pain tolerance."
I scanned the crowd, looking for Jeremy and...Carson.
"They went to Jeremy's car to get away from the crowd." Dad read my mind easily. He reached out to take my baseball bag. "Do you want to go see them as we load up the car?"
I nervously tapped my fingers together and thought about it. "I want to tell Jeremy thanks for coming. Again. He's supposed to be at Spring Training."
"You know if you'll go, you'll have to see Carson, right?" Kyle pointed out. "Can you handle it? What if you have another anxiety attack?"
I looked up at Dad.
"Why don't I take you to them to say goodbye? Mom can take the other three to the car and get it situated?" Dad suggested.
I nodded.
As a group, we headed for the parking lot. I did my best not to make eye contact with any of the strangers we passed by, knowing that it could be a scout or reporter. I didn't want to invite any more questions about my future or even talk about the championship game.
Mom took the twins and Noah back to the family car while Dad led me to a much farther spot. I recognized Jeremy's car out of the way. Both windows were rolled down. When we got close, Jeremy got out of the driver's seat. Carson also got out from the passenger side.
I started to slow down. But I didn't stop. I couldn't stop this from happening. Meeting Carson officially, on my terms.
"Great game, Jake!" Jeremy greeted me first, meeting us near his trunk. "A couple of homeruns added to your stat sheet. I think you have more this tournament than you did all last season, right?"
Carson came towards the back, staying a few feet away.
I nodded at Jeremy. "I only had one last season. In the championship game at the end. The one you went to."
"Crazy how much you've improved." Jeremy grinned happily.
It'd be weird to tell him that it was thanks to the Atkins care, making me eat more carbs to gain weight and build muscle. So I told him the partial truth. "I got a little taller. It helps if I can aim for the corners." I glanced towards Carson, wondering if he felt awkward that Jeremy was complimenting me.
Jeremy noticed my gaze. He reached out and pulled Carson closer to the group. "This is Carson. I know you guys have had a few run-ins before, but I wanted to introduce you guys." He looked at Carson. "This is Jake."
Carson nodded at me. "You're a great batter. The best I've seen."
I felt my face flush. "Thanks."
"I think you'll have trouble in the future once teams figure out that you can't power hit a breaking ball." Carson told me suddenly.
I thought back to his team's game plan earlier today. "Yea, I can see that happening. But it's okay. I can still get a base hit."
Carson let out a laugh. Slightly startling me.
Jeremy grinned and reached out to pat me on the shoulder. "You're sounding more and more like Noah. I'm glad his confidence can rub off on you."
Dad laughed. "It's a trait that all baseball players seem to develop." He looked at Jeremy. "Are you returning to Arizona tonight or tomorrow?"
"Tonight." He answered. "Going to take Carson for a quick bite to eat, then drive to the airport. Carson can take my car back home for me so it's easy to deal with."
"You're not in trouble with your team, are you?" I asked in a hurry.
"No trouble." Jeremy reassured me. "Really. Everything is settled. Do me a favor though and check your schedule for me when you get home. Maybe you all can come to opening day? I think it's the first Friday in April."
I started to nod, but Dad made a sound. "Oh. We actually have plans...to be out of state." Dad explained. "The boys don't have any games that weekend and we were thinking about going to Nashville. Sightsee and visit Dave's future college."
Jeremy pursed his lips. "Ah, I see. That's okay. Opening day is hectic anyways. There'll be a lot of other opportunities to come." He looked at me and gave a weak looking smile. "Send me your schedule. Maybe I'll have an occasional off day to come see too."
I nodded. "Sure." I glanced at Carson. "Maybe after our seasons...we can see an A's game together?"
Jeremy brightened up. "Yes! Definitely!" He pulled Carson in, wrapping his arm around his shoulders. "Late May, early June is when high school baseball ends so we could try to plan out a weekend. Either doing something here in the bay or perhaps even on the road." He looked at Dad. "Am I allowed to take Jake out of state?"
"With proper planning, I don't see why not." Dad agreed.
My eyes stayed on Carson, not hearing him voice his opinions.
Carson looked me in the eyes. "Would you really feel okay with that? I don't want you to be uncomfortable. You don't have to force yourself."
I nervously pinched at my pants. "It's fine. I don't have a problem with you in particular. I just...need ample preparation. No surprises. And..." I hesitated. "I don't want to see your dad."
"Jake-" Jeremy started to say.
But Carson cut him off. "Yea, that's understandable." He leaned against the car. "Would you mind if my sisters joined? You've seen them before, at Jeremy's congrats party a couple months ago."
"Gabby and Makenna." I said their names to let him know I remembered. I nodded slowly. "As long as I can bring my brothers too?" At the very least, Noah.
Carson nodded. "Sure. Something to look forward too."
Dad laughed as he looked to Jeremy. "Sounds like you're going to have your hands full. We'll check everyone's schedule in the future. It might be better if we can find a time that Zeke can help you supervise the twins."
Jeremy scratched the back of his head. "I've never had a problem with them. I'm sure you're just worried. It's okay, I understand. I'm not really parent material. I'm more likely to mess up somewhere."
"No, no. Really." Dad emphasized. "The twins might look mature and give off that feeling that they're reach adulthood, but altogether, I barely trust them driving Noah and Jake to and from school."
Jeremy chuckled. "Zeke's maturity does make them look bad. Heck, I feel like he's older than me sometimes. I would have gotten in less trouble if I was half as responsible. He-" Jeremy stopped himself. He seemed to think of something and started to shake his head. "Well, we'll see." He checked his watch. "I've got to hit the road." He looked at me. "Would it be weirder to ask for a hug or just come in for a hug?"
My lips twitched.
"We'll do a side hug." Jeremy decided. He came close and squeezed an arm around my shoulders before letting go. "Good luck this season!"
"Yea, you too." I looked to Carson next. "Good luck, Carson."
Carson smile and nodded. "Thanks. I'm sure you guys will win league again if it's any indication by this tournament result."
I grinned, happy with the endorsement.
