Claire struck out for the second time at bat this game. Her teammates screamed encouragement from the sidelines, but it didn’t help. She wasn’t focused, and she hadn’t been in days.
“You need to get it together. It’s the finals. This is the only thing standing between us and the championship.” Jamie put his arm around her and walked her to the back of the dugout. He handed her a water and patted her on the shoulder. “We need to keep people on base, even if you have to bunt. It’s all tied up, Claire-Bear. We need to win this.”
Jamie gave her a quick hug and jogged to home plate for his next at bat.
She wanted nothing more than to make her brother proud. Jamie had managed to hit at least one home run in every game this season and they were favored to sweep the playoffs, but this last game was a lot harder than they had expected. It didn’t help that she kept checking her phone to see what time it was. The Expo would be ending any minute now. She couldn’t help but wonder how Shelly did. She tried not to think about it, but it felt hopeless.
Jamie swung the bat and sent the ball flying toward the outfield. It bounced once, then twice, before it was scooped up—a solid hit, but not a home run. As one of their runners crossed home plate with a dramatic slide, the crowd gasped. They scored the run, but their pitcher had been injured in the process. Jamie was stuck on third, holding his head in disbelief as the pitcher limped into the dugout. Their next player walked up to bat, but no one bothered watching. He was notorious for striking out—that’s why he batted after Jamie. Jamie’s home run streak made him a near shoo-in for runs. It didn’t matter if this guy struck out or not. And tonight was no different, strike three. Out.
Jamie jogged into the dugout and grabbed Claire by the shoulders. “Listen, all those times I made fun of you for being the backup pitcher, I take back. We are up by one and you need to close out this game, Claire. You can do this. Mope later, it’s time to get your head in the game.”
“Jamie.” Claire wasn’t ready for this, she hadn’t practiced pitching all season. “I can’t.”
Jamie shook his head. “You can. You have to. I believe in you. Now go out there and win this damn game for us. Three outs, that’s all you need.”
Claire was aware of the eyes of her teammates on her as she gave Jamie a halfhearted nod. “Okay.”
“That doesn’t sound like the okay of a winner, Claire. Try it again.” Jamie nudged her in the side.
“Okay, I can do this.” Claire didn’t believe a word she was saying, but he was looking at her so earnestly that she felt compelled to lie.
“Good. Go get ’em.”
*
Shelly sighed and dropped her head. That was the fifth person to walk by with auburn hair that was not Claire. No matter how many times Shelly reminded herself that Claire had made it abundantly clear that she wouldn’t be at the Expo, she still couldn’t stop feeling let down, over and over. They had worked tirelessly on this project; Claire had even advised Shelly on the colors and spacing of the words on her marketing materials with consideration to the distance from the lights and the path of foot traffic. This entire event was organized and planned by Claire and she was nowhere in sight.
The launch had been flawless. There were multiple local and national news agencies that came by to witness a demonstration of the new products. She had given half a dozen interviews already, doing her best to stay focused, not stutter, and not think about the person who was missing. Shelly’s torture continued when it became very clear that she wouldn’t be able to change the subject of her hologram app in time for the Expo. Shelly had been working herself to the bone to adapt a daytime video for the Expo. She had gotten enough live-action feed from Claire’s softball game to rework the app with both still and moving background images. It had taken a miracle and a prayer, but she had finally finished it the day of her cooking class date with Claire. She had intended to show Claire that she would be the star of the Expo footage: a hologram of her playing softball, hitting a winning run and sliding across home. It would have been a perfect end to their night and their project together. But things didn’t turn out that way.
“Shelly.” Toby gave her a broad smile, his Expo staff lanyard hanging crookedly on his neck. “They want to shoot some pictures and a little video for the Boston Pro App website. Is that cool?”
The idea of being filmed made Shelly wince. It was hard enough for her to openly engage with strangers about her product without Claire here to give her that added bit of support she had grown accustomed to getting from her mere presence. Asking her to do a tutorial on video was crossing a line.
“I don’t know, Toby.” She bit the inside of her cheek when he looked back at her expectantly. She sighed. She was the captain now. This was something she just had to do, like it or not. “Okay. Sure.”
“Great.” Toby forced her into a high five and flagged over the videographer and photographer that Claire had encouraged her to hire for the event. “Shelly is going to answer some questions and do a little demo. It’s gonna be so awesome.” His enthusiasm should have been infectious, but she couldn’t seem to rise to the occasion.
He looked at her and glanced over his shoulder, lowering his voice to add, “Claire’s team is all tied up. They’re still in it.”
She looked at him with wide eyes. He gave her a subtle nod and held up his cell phone. The game was being broadcast live on local television.
“How did you—?” Shelly took his phone to get a better look. Jamie was up at bat.
Toby shrugged. “She told me about it the last time she was by the office. I made a softball shape with the rocks of the Zen garden for the occasion. She seemed bummed that the finals were the same day as the Expo. That’s why she’s not here, right?”
Shelly didn’t have the heart to tell him Claire wasn’t here because she’d royally fucked everything up. She handed him back his phone and tried not to think about it. “Yeah. Hey, keep me posted on the outcome, okay?”
“Sure thing, Boss.” He handed her a cold water and stepped out toward the gathering crowd to get them in some semblance of a line before the filming began. She was grateful he had volunteered to be her assistant today—it was nice to have a friendly and supportive face around.
“Ready, Ms. White?” The photographer smiled at her brightly and she did her best to mirror his expression.
“Shelly, please. And yeah, I guess. Ready as I’ll ever be.” She took a sip of her water and decided it didn’t really matter either way.
*
Jamie and the team cheered as the third round of beers slid across the bar. Jamie raised his glass in a toast. “To Claire, for closing out the game in style—only two opposing players injured by wild pitches before the fourth struck out due to fear alone!”
Claire cringed and shook her head as everyone cheered and drained their glasses. The first batter hit a pop-up that was easily caught by her outfield teammate. It had not been her intention to hit the second girl—she’d limped onto first base and was tagged out when she tried to run for second when Claire’s second pitch narrowly missed the third batter as he attempted to bunt. Two outs. The fourth at bat looked panicked. Claire barely missed her head on the first throw, and Jamie was right—she’d shied away from the other two pitches. Third out. Game over. They’d won. But Claire found no enjoyment in the win.
As the team started to break up into smaller groups and pair off, Claire found herself at the bar next to Jamie, who was snapping selfies with the championship trophy.
“C’mon, Claire. Smile for the camera.” He held up his phone and scooted closer. She smiled and posed, the flash blinding her a little.
He pulled up the picture and frowned. “Claire, you look pained. For the love…We just won the championship. Can you please try to enjoy yourself? You had the winning play.”
This was the only game of the season at which Jamie didn’t hit a home run—but they’d won anyway. And greatly in part to Claire’s unexpected pitching stint. She smiled, unbelieving that was how the night unfolded.
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Jamie gave her a cheesy grin and held the trophy between them, snapping a photo before she could pull away. He spun his phone around and showed her the picture. “See that? That’s the face of a winner.”
“The unstoppable Moseleys.” Claire laughed as a few of her teammates cheered from the dartboard in the corner.
“Hey, rumor has it you’ve got a hell of a wild pitch.” A velvety voice in her ear drew her attention away from her brother.
Barfly Nikki gave her a flirty smile and leaned against the bar, her customary outfit of leather and dark fabric appearing tighter than usual today. She looked as hot as always, maybe hotter. “Can I buy you a drink? You know, to help celebrate.”
Jamie answered for her. “She’d love that.”
Nikki nodded and waved down the bartender as Claire grabbed Jamie by the shirt collar and pulled him closer. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to get you laid. You’ve been in a funk since the middle of last week. Maybe you just need a distraction or two.” Jamie nudged her toward Nikki, her back toward them as she called out the order to the bartender. “Or maybe you should just call Shelly and patch things up.”
“Jamie, I told you, I’m not—”
“I know, I know. You’re not interested in forgiving her even though you are clearly in love with her. Fine, suit yourself. But know, I am completely against that excuse.” Jamie finished his beer and grabbed the trophy, carrying it toward the players chanting his name.
“So, how’ve you been?” Nikki slid a reddish looking cocktail toward Claire with a smile. “You look good.”
“Thanks.” Claire accepted the drink because it felt rude not to. It was sweet with the distinct taste of raspberry.
“I heard you had the play of the game.” Nikki stood closer to Claire, leaning in to speak. The volume in the bar was increasing with every new round Claire’s team ordered. They were chanting the team name over and over while doing the wave. It was hilarious.
Claire laughed as she watched her brother complete a mock home run swing and point toward the ceiling. “Yeah, maybe. I don’t know about that. I think I was lucky.”
Nikki winked at her. “Lucky is good. Maybe you and I can use some of that luck over there.” She pointed behind them toward the darkened back corner of the bar by the stained velvet couch that was a notorious spot for drunken make-out sessions. Not unlike the one they’d shared this time last year when Claire’s team lost.
Claire swallowed her drink awkwardly, coughing and gasping. “The couch?”
Nikki laughed. “At the dartboard, in the corner. Care to play?”
Claire felt herself blush. Of course she wanted to play darts. “Sure.”
“Good. C’mon, champ.” Nikki slid her hand into Claire’s and pulled her toward the dartboard.
*
Claire seemed to be batting a thousand—not once in her entire life had she won a game of darts, and tonight, she’d won twice. Granted, Nikki had also won twice, so they were tied, but Nikki was clearly a dart-winning seduction master, so she was feeling pretty proud of herself for winning at all.
Nikki’s hands were on her hips, holding her from behind. Her fingers squeezed and massaged as she spoke into Claire’s ear. “One more game, to break the tie? Winner takes all?”
Claire had had enough to drink to feel warm and tingly all over, those tingles intensifying as Nikki’s lips ghosted near her ear, her hands staying firmly at Claire’s waist. “One more game, and then I have to go home.”
“Game on.” Nikki chuckled and slid one of her hands down the front of Claire’s thigh, while the other grabbed Claire’s ass possessively. “You go first.”
Claire’s head felt a little foggy and she had to squint to focus on the board in front of them. There was no way she was going to be able to play a whole game. “On second thought, let’s spice things up. First person to hit a bull’s-eye wins.”
Nikki leaned back and gave her a sly smile. “Full bull’s-eye or whoever is closest? And how many throws do we let these shenanigans continue for?”
“Full bull’s-eye. Five throws. If no one wins, we schedule a rematch.”
“Oh, someone will be winning tonight.” Nikki mulled this over. “Okay, deal.”
“Good.” Claire grabbed the nearest dart and stepped up to the line. Her first throw was way off, nearly missing the board. The crowd that had gathered around them booed.
“This is going to be a piece of cake.” Nikki wound back and hit somewhere near the center, but Claire couldn’t quite tell exactly where. She was having a hard time focusing.
“Hey, I’m on a lucky streak, remember? Don’t be so cocky.” She squared her shoulders and closed one eye in hopes of improving her aim. Round two went much better. She nearly matched Nikki’s dart.
“Hmm.” Nikki gave her another playful wink. “Let’s raise the stakes. If I hit a bull’s-eye on this next throw, you have to kiss me in front of all these people.” A few people cheered behind her.
Claire glanced around to see Jamie at the edge of the crowd, watching. He was drinking what looked like a water. She felt suddenly thirsty. She licked her lips at the thought.
“So, deal?” Nikki was close to her again, her eyes on Claire’s lips.
Not one to back down from a challenge, Claire nodded. “Deal.”
Nikki stepped to the line and gave her one last brief glance before staring down the board and sinking a perfect score. Bull’s-eye. The crowd hooted and hollered as Nikki threw her hands up in victory. She took one long stride toward Claire and placed both of her hands on Claire’s jaw, pressing a firm, wet kiss to Claire’s lips. Even though she had been expecting it, Claire still gasped, her open mouth interpreted as an invitation by Nikki, who deepened the kiss and walked Claire back to the high-top table behind them. As Claire’s back pressed against the table, she paused, pressing her hands to Nikki’s shoulders and easing her back.
Nikki gave her a lazy smile. “Just because your luck’s run out doesn’t mean you can’t still get lucky. Why don’t we get out of here and see what trouble we can get into together?”
Nikki’s hands were on Claire’s hips. Her thumb traced the pocket of Claire’s jeans and her dark blue eyes looked hungry. As the alcohol swirled in Claire’s system, making her feel warm all over, she thought about the proposition before her. The idea of getting fucked right now was more than appealing, and if this had been two months ago, she would have jumped at the chance to know what it was like to have Nikki’s hands all over her, not unlike this very moment. But it wasn’t two months ago. It was right now, and right now she was thinking about a different set of eyes altogether, a vibrant green pair.
She leaned forward and pressed a quick, short kiss to Nikki’s lips with a frown. “I think I’ve had enough excitement tonight, but thanks for the offer.”
Nikki ran a hand through her hair and nodded. “Another time, perhaps. Thanks for the game.”
Claire stepped away from Nikki’s embrace and tried to steady herself as she turned toward the door. She looked around for her keys and found Jamie standing nearby with a bottle of water for her. She took it and sighed.
“Ready to head out, Claire-Bear?” Jamie hefted the championship trophy in one hand and held out his other elbow for her.
“Yeah.” Claire nodded and sipped her water, trying to ignore the sad pang that came with the term of endearment. Shelly had been calling her that lately. “I just have to find my keys.”
“I have ’em. I’m driving home tonight.” Jamie jingled her keys in his pocket.
“Sounds good.” The room was spinning a little. She had a feeling she would agree to just about anything right now.
As she slipped into the passenger seat of her car, she looked out the window toward the bar’s front door. Nikki was leaning against the building, talking on the phone. She waved at Claire and gave her another wink. Claire gave her a small wave in return.
“She winks a lot,” Jamie commented as he put the car in reverse and headed toward their family home.
“Maybe she has a tic.” Claire shrugged and kept looking out the window. She thought about complaining that Jamie was taking her back to the house instead of to her own apartment, but she didn’t feel like talking much.
“So, how was the kiss?”
She turned to find him watching her as they idled at the stoplight. “It was fine.” Claire shrugged. She had no desire to think about it anymore.
“Really? Because from where I was sitting it looked like it was lacking—”
“Fireworks.” Claire sighed.
“Right.” Jamie nodded and accelerated as the light changed. He reached out and took Claire’s hand in his as they turned down the familiar streets of her past. “Tomorrow is a new day, Claire.”
She nodded and hoped he was right.