The next softball practice went a little better. TJ was talking to me now after the whole Flip adventure, and we were all starting to adjust to my role as a floater instead of shortstop. Rusty was doing great in the field — now that she had some food in her stomach.
“I guess I really am climbing up to the top of Half Dome after school lets out.”
Mr. Thompson’s eyes bugged out of his head.
“Holy smokes, girl. You better be careful.”
“Don’t get hurt — you’re playing in the tournament the next day, remember?” TJ has a one-track mind.
“Is that the only reason you don’t want me to get hurt? Thanks a lot.”
“No, but it’s the best reason.”
“You’re so mean.”
“Yep, I am.” She threw her glove at me and started running laps around the bases. I didn’t want to run at all, so I just sat down on the ground.
Rusty came and sat down next to me.
“Guess what? Your shoe company gave my dad a job.”
“Really? That’s so awesome!”
“Yeah, he’s going to work in the manufacturing plant, and a little in shipping. He’ll probably be sending out Riley Mae shoes every day.”
“I hope so! Did he already start working?”
She shook her head. “Not until after Easter break. He had to get a background check and fingerprints first.”
“Really? To ship shoes? Wow.”
“It’s okay. They’re paying him pretty good money.”
“They should, with what they charge for shoes. Hey, maybe you’ll get to ride in the private jet sometime. It would be nice to have someone my age come with me on a trip.”
“That would be great. Hey, Riley, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Well, I’ve been reading The Young Reader’s Beginner Bible.” We both laughed.
“Anyway, I was reading about Jesus dying on the cross.”
“Oh.”
“And I was wondering — why did he do that? I mean, it seems like he could have gotten away since he did all those other miracles. I don’t get it. What happened? That’s not a good ending — him dying and all.”
“Did you read any more after that?”
“No, I had homework.”
“Girls — why are we sitting when we should be running?” Mr. Thompson nudged me in the back with a bat.
“Tired,” I said.
“Too bad. Do it anyway.”
So we got up and ran our ten laps. We didn’t have a chance to finish our conversation, but I did yell something to Rusty as I was getting in the car.
“Keep reading!”
“Okay,” she yelled back.