Free Just a Little Hope by Amy J. Norris

“No, it’s fine. I like mine a little soupy. How ‘bout you?”
    â€œMe too! Thanks again for the autograph and the picture.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Come to batting practice sometime, and yell for me. I’ll bring you a ball, if I can.”
    â€œReally? Did you hear, Dad? Carter’s going to try and get me a ball? Wouldn’t that be cool?”
    Sam’s exclamations continued as he and his Dad walked toward the parking lot.

Chapter Twelve

    â€œWell, Carter. How’d it go last night?”
    Carter spun around in surprise. “Hey, man. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
    Seb sat down on the bench in front of Carter’s locker and stretched out his knee. “I needed to run a couple of errands and thought I’d pop in before the team left for the airport.”
    Carter zipped his duffle bag closed and sat down beside Seb.
    â€œI think it went well. Quite well, the more I think about it. Tori’s a pretty funny girl, and she’s easy to look at, too.”
    â€œI can understand where you’re coming from. Glad to hear you had a good evening.”
    Seb shifted positions on the bench to face Carter more directly.
    â€œLook, I didn’t just come by to ask about your date with Tori. I’m thinking about flying out for the last part of the road trip when you play the Dodgers. I haven’t been back to California since… well, in a while. And if Pax is up to it, I want to bring her with me. She’s gonna need some help. I thought I’d see if Tori wanted to come, too. That is, if Michael would okay her taking off for a couple of days. I just wanted to give you a heads up.”
    The thought of seeing Tori in California… Carter liked the idea of it. “Sure, man. Sounds great. Maybe we can all go out to dinner after a game.”
    â€œYou bet. I’ll see if I can’t line something up. Even if we just meet at my house, it’ll be good to all get together.”
    Carter studied his friend, noting a hint of shadow in his eyes. “I know it won’t be an easy trip for you.” The last time Seb had been to California was to attend the funeral of his two young daughters and ex-wife who’d been killed by a juvenile drunk driver.
    Carter watched a series of emotions cross Seb’s face.
    â€œYeah. It’s gonna be tough, but it’s time to go back. I need to see my folks, and I want Pax to get away for a while. By the time you all are in L.A., she’ll have been out of the hospital for almost three weeks. So hopefully…”
    â€œI’ll be praying for everything to go well. I won’t complain if Tori comes along either.”
    â€œI didn’t think you would, buddy.”
    Seb stood and put an arm around Carter. “Hey, have fun. And don’t over think the hitting so much. Just relax. It’ll come back to you. I know it.”
    Carter slapped Seb on the back and grinned. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it. It’ll be good to have you in the dugout with us.”
    â€œI’m looking forward to it. Hopefully after this trip, and if Pax keeps getting better, I’ll start coming to more games. I miss it and everyone else.”
    â€œWe miss you too, Seb. Rangy and Linc more than anybody, I think.”
    â€œThat’s just because they don’t have anyone to help pull off their practical jokes. Beware, Carter. When I get back, all bets are off on who might be next.”
    Carter laughed. “I’ll keep an eye out for sure then. We’ll see you in L.A. if all goes well.”
    â€œSee ya’, bud.”
    Carter picked up his duffle bag and made his way out into the parking lot. California with Tori. Rodeo Drive won’t know what hit ‘em.
    ****
    â€œSpill it, girlie!”
    Tori laughed as Pax greeted her in the foyer of Seb’s home. “Now this is a sudden reversal of things. I seem to remember when you went out with Seb the first