Free Trent (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #4) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith Page B

guys?”
    “I’m David, and this is my
best friend. Miss Knowles is our social worker.”
    “I’m Joey. Is Colby Wilson
coming out soon?”
    I push on Joey’s shoulder to
silently tell him it’s rude, but he looks confused.
    Trent laughs. “He’ll be out
in a moment.” Trent takes their markers and signs the poster. Then
he opens his glove and signs the baseball he had tucked inside.
“Here, Scarlett.” He reaches over and hands it to me. “Your first
souvenir.”
    “Thank you.” I take it from
him and smile.
    “Enjoy the game, guys, and
make sure Miss Knowles has fun, too,” he tells them.
    The boys wave to Trent and he
makes his way down the rest of the line as I continue to stand with
the boys as the rest of the team to come through. I grip the ball
tightly in my hand and see Trent’s name scribbled in black. My
heart beats faster thinking of my first baseball memorabilia.
    When the team heads back to
the dugout, I get the boys to their seats. We can see the entire
field from our location. The bright green lush grass is highlighted
as the sun begins to descend in front of us. I’m able to wave down
a food server and get each of them a hotdog and drink. I don’t get
anything for myself because I want to make sure I have enough money
to get them something sweet at the end of the game.
    The game begins and the boys
are intently watching every movement. I giggle as they lean in
every time it's a full count pitch. My eyes keep wandering to Trent
as he stands by second base. His dark glasses cover his brown eyes,
but he is watching every move in front of him.
    During the sixth inning,
Trent comes up to the plate to bat again. The Angels are down by
three. Even though David and Joey think they can come back, I’m not
so sure. I glance at Colby on third, and Roman on second. Trent
swings twice and misses each time. The next pitch is a ball, but
it’s the next swing that counts the most.
    As the pitcher rears back to
throw the ball, I hold my breath and watch Trent take his stance,
digging his feet deeper into the dirt. At the release, the white
ball come toward Trent, I exhale, and he swings, causing a loud
crack of the bat. The entire stadium stands as we all watch the
ball sail high over the left field wall for a home run. The crowd
erupts with me as Trent jogs around the base to his awaiting team
by home plate.
    It’s his first home run of
the season. There are tears in my eyes because I know he’s becoming
stronger for himself and his daughter. I’m proud of him and this
accomplishment. Nonetheless, it’ll still hurt when I finally tell
him who I really am and I know I need to do that soon.
    ***

 
     
    KAELYN BEGGED ME all
week to let her spend the night with one of her friends. I wasn’t
going to let her, but she wore me down until I agreed. Granny is
out playing BINGO with her friends and somehow, I’m the one sitting
at home on a Friday night without any plans. My five-year-old
daughter and seventy-five-year-old grandmother have plans, but not
me.
    I thought about going to the
grand opening of a winery since they sent me a pair of tickets, but
going alone doesn’t sound like much fun. Asking any of the guys is
out of the question. I doubt any of them would want to go. When
we’ve gone out, they order beer or whiskey.
    Maybe I could ask
Scarlett.
    She’s a friend, and I need a
friend to go with me. Perfect reason to ask her. Before I can
chicken out, I text her.
     
    Me: I have an extra ticket
to a tasting for the grand opening of a winery tonight. Any chance
you’re free and would like to come with me?
    Scarlett: What time? I’m not
dressed fancy.
    Me: I could pick you up in
30-45 minutes? Doesn’t have to be fancy. Just not too casual.
    Scarlett: I can be ready in
45. Do you want to pick me up or give me the address?
    Me: I can pick you up,
unless you prefer me not to?
     
    There’s a three-minute wait
until she replies.
     
    Scarlett: You can pick me
up. I’ll be ready in 45. Here’s