Free The Game Changer by L. M. Trio

if he’s a high draft pick. Then, he’ll sign with a MLB team. Mikey’s facing the same decisions. An advisor helps them with this whole process to help them make the best decision. Up until I had learned all of this, I didn’t realize how much they actually have riding on this game. He’s usually so serious when we talk about baseball in the morning, not his usual goofy self. He loves it so much and talks about it so passionately. I tell him how I can’t wait to watch them play in the spring.
    “I’m going to hold you to it, you better be at every game,” he says as he leans in to me.
    “I will. I can’t wait. I need to see for myself if you’re as good as you think you are ,” I tease, leaning back into him.
    “Great, one more person to judge me... just what I need,” he says sarcastically. “It gets crazy, you’ll see. Tons of scouts will be at every game watching us, waiting to see if we screw up.” I laugh along with him, knowing he is partly joking.
    He then switches subjects and brings up a topic we usually never discuss. “So what are your plans for the rest of the summer? Are you seeing Billy Lidell or what?”
    I’m not prepared for this change of topic. We never talk about boyfriend-girlfriend stuff, not that I have anything to talk about, but I never ask questions about Alexa or any other girl I’ve seen him with. “No, we’re just friends... for now ,” I add.
    “Oh… for now? What does that mean? Things may change soon?” he asks curiously.
    “I don’t know... we’ll see. He’s nice. What do you think?” I might as well get his opinion. Besides, he’s always dropping his little comments about Billy. He might as well spit out whatever is on his mind.
    He shifts uneasily in his seat at the question then he arrogantly shrugs it off. “I’m just kiddin’ with you. Do what you want; he’s a nice kid... doesn’t matter to me.” He acts as if he doesn’t care one way or the other what I do.
    “All right, Luke; whatever. I have to go. You’re the one that asked.” I get up to leave and turn to walk away. “I don’t get this game you play.” I mumble under my breath, annoyed at his split personality lately.
    “Wait… come back. I’m playin’ around. Don’t leave mad. I’m not goin’ to see ya for a while,” he pleads, trying to make me feel bad, but, this time, I’m not giving in.
    “I’m not mad. You just confuse me. You brought it up so I asked your opinion,” I say as I continue to walk away.

Chapter 12
    (Jesse)
    Deanna and I want to get in a day of tanning before heading to the inlet. She’s looking forward to her date with Timmy and I’m excited about tonight, too. They’ve been building up this party all week and this will be my first time at the inlet.
    “JJ, what are you going to do about Billy tonight? I have to warn you, he’s going to try to make his move.  It’s a night where you see a lot of people coupling off to watch the fireworks.”
    Once again, panic sets in. “I’m not sure; don’t make me nervous about it. I was just thinking, how I was excited to go out tonight. Now, I’m having second thoughts.”
    She laughs. “JJ, don’t get nervous; that’s silly. I’m sorry. Not everyone pairs off, but a lot do and I’m just saying... I know what’s going to be going through his mind. He likes you.”
    “I know. I’m just nervous. I’ll see how it goes. Thanks for the warning, at least I won’t be blindsided.”
    “That’s why I mentioned it. I just want you to have fun tonight. You’re doing great... everybody likes you.”
    “Thanks. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be, but there are times when I look around at how everyone is so comfortable with each other; it looks so easy for them. I feel so different. I feel like I have to try so hard to fit in. I’ve missed so much.”
    My dad calls out from the house. “I have to leave for work! I made you girls lunch, it’s in the fridge! Have fun tonight and be careful. Call