Pitchout by David-Matthew Barnes

Author:David-Matthew Barnes [David-Matthew Barnes]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cayelle Publishing LLC
Published: 2022-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

Rooting for the Rival Team

As soon as they arrived and found their complimentary seats, Drew noticed that the Harmonville Hawks hometown stadium was more crowded than the one in Tanglewood. Clearly, Harmonville’s fan base was larger and maybe even more devoted. He found this odd, considering Tanglewood was the better of the two teams, as proven by their current undefeated status in their league.

“Remind me again what we’re doing here?” Julie said. As if she were worried someone might recognize her, she’d opted to wear a large sunhat and dark sunglasses. The comedic attempt to be nondescript was having the opposite effect. They were dressed in dull, drab colors compared to the sea of royal blue and white that surrounded them, a visual testament to the diehard devotion of the Hawks’ fans.

“I want to see Jordan play,” Drew reminded her. “I owe him that much.”

“Yes, I understand. I love watching Ted play, so I get it. By the way, it was nice of Jordan to get tickets for us.”

Drew watched as Julie shifted in her seat, fidgeting. “Why are you so nervous?”

“I’m not nervous.”

“Yes, you are. You’re acting like you’re hiding from the mafia.”

“Okay, fine. I am a little nervous. It’s true. But only because I’m afraid of social consequences. Do you know what could happen to us if someone from Tanglewood sees us? What if we show up on social media sitting here watching the Harmonville Hawks? No one would ever speak to us again…not that they really do anyway.”

“Honestly, I don’t think anyone would care,” Drew said with a laugh. “It’s just a game.”

“Just a game?” she repeated. “Have you lost your mind? We’re rooting for our rival team. We’re traitors of the worst kind.”

“That’s temporary.”

Julie lowered her sunglasses and peered at Drew with curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“I have a feeling Jordan’s baseball playing days are numbered.”

Julie let out a melodramatic gasp. “He told you that?”

“In so many words.”

“You mean because he’ll be playing for the majors soon, right?”

“No, because he’s decided to lease a bakery and take his life in a different direction. Do you remember the place in the town square where we used to get hot chocolate during the holidays?”

“The one the Engels own?”

“Yes. That’s the one.”

“The Engels are selling Jordan their bakery? Are they retiring?”

“Sort of. Well, I think Mr. Engel is. His wife died.”

“Wow, I had no idea. That’s so sad. She used to always put extra marshmallows in my hot chocolate. She knew my mother, so maybe that’s why. Maybe she felt bad for me.”

“Well, the bakery is available to lease and Jordan wants it. It’s a dream of his. He used to be an apprentice pastry chef back in New York.”

“Listen,” Julie said. “You know I love a good cupcake as much as any other single girl. However, I hope you talked some sense into him. I mean, seriously, he’s really good at what he does. There’s so much power and speed in his pitch. The guy could be a huge star.

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