537 V2 ch9 (1/2)

”Where'd you go?” Noah asked as soon as I got to the table. ”And don't lie to me again. I asked the twins about your supposed math worksheet and they said they already have your homework to copy.”

Embarrassed, I sat down and avoided eye contact. ”I wanted to talk to Kaylee for you.”

Noah relaxed. ”You didn't have to lie about that. She didn't give you a hard time, did she?”

I shook my head. ”She said she would think about it.” I added. ”Alisha was there so she helped me. She said if we can't come up with ten players, she wouldn't mind being an honorary member.”

”Awesome!” Noah shouted.

We ate our lunch in a much happier mood.

”Did Jeremy ever text you back?” Noah asked, while munching on chips.

I frowned. I didn't get a reply last night or this morning. I sighed and pulled out my phone, checking for messages. I froze. I had one. From him! ”He did.”

”What did he say?” Noah asked, leaning over the table.

I placed the phone down so we could read it together.

Jeremy: Got your message, Jake. Can't wait to see you and meet your teammates. Let me know if you and the Atkins want to show up early again to watch batting practice.

”Wow.” Noah blinked. ”I'll never get over the fact that your brother is Jeremy Patterson.”

I looked up at him, not understanding.

”Don't get me wrong. I'm Team Jake, all the way.” He grinned. ”But it's just so surreal to see you texting a professional baseball player like it's nothing.”

I didn't know what to say. Not to Noah and not to Jeremy. I stared at my phone. ”Should I tell him it'll be just us?”

”Yea, why not?” Noah said. ”We have to show up early before traffic so it'll be cool if we can wait inside the ballpark instead of sitting in the car.”

True. I started to type.

Me: Mr. and Mrs. Atkins are busy. Zeke is going to drive us after school so we'll be early again.

I pushed send.

A reply was sent back to me in a minute.

Jeremy: Just go to the Will Call window when you show up. Someone from PR will get you guys to the field. Will any of your teammates show up early? It's okay if you want to invite them all.

I showed Noah his reply. ”Should we ask the team..?”

”Of course!” He whipped out his own phone. ”I'll tell Zeke to send out a mass text to the team to find out how many will be there early with us.” He started to type.

I replied to Jeremy.

Me: I'll ask. Thanks.

Jeremy: No problem. Just send me a text with how many will be there.

Jeremy: Will you wear the jersey I got you?

Jeremy: You don't have to if you don't want to.

Me: I will.

”What were you texting?” Noah asked, looking right at me.

”Nothing.” I put my phone away.

”It can't be nothing if it made you smile.”

”And?”

”I will.” I repeated to Noah what I had sent to Jeremy.

Noah looked at me thoughtfully. ”Looks like it's going well.”