Free Felix (The Ninth Inning #1) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith

from me? You both do that and I hate it,” LA pouts.
    “Leigh Ann, it’s because you tend to react before you think,” Annie says softly.
    “I do not,” LA lies, and I giggle.
    “Abby-bear, what do you want to do? You can’t date them both,” Annie offers her advice.
    “Felix hasn’t asked me out. He just keeps kissing me. I’m not sure if he’s trying to get me in bed or not. I know I can’t date both of them, but Warren and I have only been on one date. It’s not like I’m in some serious relationship.” I shrug.
    “What if Felix did ask you again? Would you go?” LA sounds hopeful and I’m beginning to wonder about her sanity and if baseball is effecting it.
    “Maybe,” I mumble. “But if he forgets about me again, I’m done,” I state more firmly. LA and Annie both laugh at me, and we finish our lunch.
    As we walk out to the parking lot, the main highway seems to be busier than normal and the traffic noise is loud. Annie says she’ll take me home since she needs to run to the store. LA gives me a hug and I turn toward Annie’s car when I hear it: the screech of the tires, the sound of crunching metal, and the banging of the cars.
    The flashback starts. Dad and Mom are laughing because LA is going to be married soon and they can’t believe she’s in love. I’m listening to Britney Spears on the radio, looking at the cars in front of me. Dad keeps saying I’m doing a good job. Mom’s cell phone rings and I look in the rearview mirror at her. Then it happens. I never even saw the semi pulling out.
    My throat is burning from my screams and I can hear LA and Annie telling me I’m okay, but I can’t stop screaming. I’m rocking back and forth and I hear sirens.
    I’ve killed my parents all over again.
     

     
    WHEN I OPEN my eyes, I feel a heavy arm on my stomach. I look over and LA is asleep next to me. Her dyed blonde is fanned out over the pillow. I smile because it reminds me of when we were much younger. She would come into my room if I had a nightmare and sleep in my bed. She’s always been my protector. I hear footsteps in my hallway and Annie comes into my room with a cup of coffee.
    “Hey, you’re awake.” She puts the cup down on the nightstand and sits on the edge of the bed. Annie’s brown hair is in a messy ponytail and her makeup is smudged.
    “I didn’t mean to scare you.” My voice is hoarse and my throat burns.
    “You heard the car crash and lost it in the parking lot. You finally passed out and we got you home.” Annie brushes my hair away from my forehead.
    “It’s been awhile since that’s happened.”
    “Are you okay?” LA sits up and rubs her eyes.
    “Yes, I’m fine.” I look at my alarm clock. “Oh God, you two need to go. It’s almost midnight.”
    “I have sick days I can use.” Annie takes my hand.
    “And Harry knows I’m here.” LA takes my other hand.
    “I’m sorry I’m a burden.”
    “Abigail,” LA grits at me. “Don’t start that shit. You’re not a burden to either of us. We understand how hard this is and we’re here for you.”
    The tears burn my eyes. “I don’t know what I would do without you two,” I sniff.
    “You’ll never have to know because we’re always going to be here for you.” Annie kisses my forehead. LA hugs my neck. I softly cry for the loss of my parents and the love for my sisters.

 
     
    IT’S BEEN A fun week of traveling, playing ball, and relaxing in hotel rooms in between. I’m glad to be home though. Plus, I’m curious if Abigail went on her second date with that guy. I’m still grinning over the fact that she likes kissing me more. It’s one reason why I keep finding excuses to kiss her, like now.
    I knock on her door after having dropped of my bags in my apartment. She’s a sight for my sore, Abigail-deprived eyes. It’s late, so I’m not surprised that she’s in pajama shorts and a t-shirt.
    “Felix, hey,” she says with surprise.
    “Hey. Miss me?” I grin.
    “Did I miss you? I