The Perfect Game

I made the public relations girl at the field show me exactly where the seats were that I’d left for Cassie. When she pointed them out, I shook my head. “Those aren’t gonna work. They’re fine for my family, but I need two seats right here.”

I pointed to the row of seats directly in line with the dugout. “I don’t care if I have to buy them, I’ll buy them. Just get me two seats right here.”

I wanted to be able to see Cassie. I needed to see her.

“I can do that for you. I’ll just check and make sure the seats are available. I’ll be right back.” She flipped her hair with a smile before walking away.

I looked around at the stadium I’d been to so many times as a kid, my pride swelling. I hopped over the short wall and onto the field, turning around to view the seats I’d chosen. I walked to the mound, glancing at the seat choice, before settling into the dugout. The seats were perfect.

“Jack? Jack?” The PR girl’s voice reverberated.

“I’m here,” I said, climbing out of the dugout and onto the field.

“You’re in luck. The seats are available. What name should I put them under?”

“Please put them under Cassie Andrews and Melissa Williams. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.”

“No problem. That’s what I’m here for.” She batted her lashes before spinning on her heel and walking off.

*****

Ever since my coach in high school reinforced the message of “Keep your head in the game and your eyes outta the stands if you want to get drafted,” I’ve never looked. But tonight, I couldn’t help myself. I glanced at the empty seats to my left at least a hundred times, waiting for her to be there.

Focus, Carter. You’re being ridiculous.

I breathed deeply, looking up at the bright lights of the major league stadium before releasing the breath slowly. I glanced to the left again.

Feet! Black tall girly-shoes!

Noticing the pair of heels, I hustled to the side of the dugout nearest the seats. I glanced to my left, spotted Melissa, and smiled as she turned toward me and waved. I gave her a quick wave back before pointing to the seat next to her with a shrug. She shook her head and my smile dropped, along with my heart. I tried to mouth, “She’s not coming?” Apparently she couldn’t read my lips.

“Carter! Get over here,” the manager yelled and I jerked my head behind me. “Go get warmed up.”

I grabbed a pen and a program, and scribbled out Where is she? before walking up to our teenaged bat boy. “Hey, Cody, do me a favor. See that girl over there with the curly brown hair and the giant pink purse?”

Cody craned his neck. “The one in the Diamondbacks shirt?”

“Yeah. Can you give her this?”

“Sure, Jack.” His face lit up and I only imagined what he thought I was trying to do.

“Make sure you wait for her response and then hold on to it for me, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Thanks, Cody,” I said, before grabbing my glove and running toward the outfield.

I failed to realize that I’d be spending the majority of the game in the bullpen, which couldn’t be further away from the seats I’d reserved if I tried.

I sprinted into the dugout, looking around for Cody like a madman. “Cody?” I yelled.

“Here, Jack.” He held out the folded program.

She couldn’t come. She said it’s too hard. Jack, she’s leaving tonight for New York! She’s moving there!!

I ran to the far end of the dugout, my face frantic as I caught sight of Dean sitting in the seat I’d bought for Cassie. I whisper-shouted his name and he turned, his eyes wide at the sight of me.

“What time’s her flight?” I shouted, not caring who heard.

Dean turned his head toward Melissa before turning back to mine. “She’s leaving the apartment at ten thirty.”

I glanced around frantically looking for a fucking clock, knowing full well there wasn’t one in the visitor dugout. I leaned over the cold railing and craned my neck toward the scoreboard. The numbers 9:03 splashed across the black board in yellow lights. I released a breath. I still had time.

*****

The sound of my tires squealing into the parking lot caused Cassie to turn in my direction. A cab driver tossed the last of her suitcases into the trunk before slamming it shut.

I hopped out of my car and rushed toward her. “Cassie!” I shouted, not stopping as my hat flew off.

“Jack, what are you doing here? Don’t you have a game?” Her eyes widened.

“It’s done and I drove straight here.” I reached her and grabbed her shoulders with both hands, as if my touch alone would stop her. “So it’s true? You’re really leaving?”

“It’s an incredible opportunity, Jack,” she responded, her voice cold.

“But you’re not even finished with school yet.” I could hear a little whine in my own voice, but hell, I was desperate.

“You weren’t either when you left to pursue your dreams. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come back and finish. But I don’t have to get my bachelor’s degree to do what I want to do.” Cassie looked so resolute, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Don’t go.”

“What?”

“Don’t go, Kitten. Don’t move across the country,” I pleaded, this scene all too familiar in my head. “I know things are different and maybe I fucked them up so badly that they’re beyond repair. But I want to try. I need to try. I can’t let you walk out of my life without knowing that I did everything in my power to keep you in it.”

“What are you saying, Jack?” Her eyes welled up as she blinked back tears.

“I’m saying that I love you. Nothing in my life is right if you’re not with me. You’re a part of me. And I can’t let that part go. I want to be with you. I know I messed up, and I know you don’t trust me, but I’ll prove to you that you can. I promise I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you’ll let me.”

I held my breath as I waited for her to respond.

Her brows drew together as she looked away from me. “I can’t stay here , Jack . I already accepted the job. And I want to go.”

“Then say we’ll work it out. Say we’re back together while we figure things out,” I begged, willing to say anything to not lose her again.

“Long distance doesn’t really work for us,” she admitted, and I cringed.

“It will be different this time. I’ve learned my lesson. I know what’s at stake. I know how much I have to lose. I promise you I’ll never fuck up again.” I reached for her hands, squeezing them as I pleaded. “I know my promises mean nothing to you right now, but I’ll make them mean something again. I’ll give the words meaning.”

I caressed her hands with mine, not wanting to let go.

“Prove it,” she said with a shrug, before sliding She slid into the cab and , locked the door and rolled down the window. “Prove it.” locking the door.

My heart thumped as it battered against my chest. The cab sped away and Cassie’s image in the rear window faded from view.