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We’ve had a co, and yet, the comparison will always be there Everyone, froets about all of that when they compare us They see numbers and stats As they should I set up for another pitch and focus on hty-nine to ninety-then I was a senior in high school My goal has been ninety-four for a while now and even though I can throw it, it’s not consistent enough for ain I stop thinking about Misty and the possibility that’s so close yet so far I stop thinking about the scouts who are watchingto enter after this season is over I stop wondering if they’re going to pay raveit at the tiaames, it’s easy for me to shut it all out When it’s just me and Coach Wallace it’s a little different Maybe it’s the noise I need Maybe it’s the ss Maybe it’s the cheers or the boos or the pressure of closing a perfect game Whatever it is, it doesn’t exist in this mos are happening as I set up this mechanic that’s become second nature to me already

“Ninety-three,” Coach Wallace says “You got this, kid”

I do another one And another one And another one

Ninety-three each time

“Fuck” I take a breath

“We’re out of ti if you’re so dead set on pitching tonight,” he says “You’ll get there”

“Yeah” I pick up the ball and toss it into the bucket beside me

“Are your parents coht?”

“I don’t know They’ll definitely be there this weekend though” I pick up oodbye

As I walk out, I take it all in This is one of ular season gao to Charlotte for the ACC cha and I realize that ive ot away and a part of et her now I can secure her forever My brother Mav would tell me it’s a stupid way to think, let alone talk, about a woree with either of them in this particular instance, but I also don’t want to hear it, so I’ to tell them about any of it

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Misty

“You did not tell lare at my sister

“I thought you were going for sure You’re writing a damn article on them”

“Yes, but I wasn’t planning on going to tonight’s ga out with you”

“Well, Jag got us tickets, so we’re going, and you’re co with”