627 V2 ch99 (1/2)

Zeke explained to Jeremy everything that Dr. Shanfield told us.

After knowing that everything was really okay, Jeremy sighed with relief. ”Thank goodness. If you had fractured your leg, who knows what would have happened to your baseball career.”

Maberry chuckled. ”Breaks are easy to deal with.” He grinned. ”I could go out there tonight and hit a few bombs to prove how good I'm feeling.”

”Who cares about you?” Jeremy rolled his eyes. ”You're an adult. Jake is still a kid that just started playing baseball. I don't want him to have any setbacks so soon.”

I looked up at Jeremy, amazed that he cared so much about my wellbeing.

Jeremy gave me a pat on the shoulder. ”Come on. Let me show you guys the club room.” He motioned for Noah to follow.

”You're just bitter because you won't be playing center field anymore after the all-star break.” Maberry followed us through the doors.

Zeke and Rhys came in last.

The club room was nothing like ours. Their lockers were huge, filled with clothes, gear, and miscellaneous items.

”Ignore him.” Jeremy told me and Noah. ”Maberry is just eager to play, but the manager said no.” He smirked and looked back at the man. ”Because we're doing just fine without him.”

”Ugh.” Maberry split away from our group. ”So childish. I'm going to talk to the adults. You stick with the children.” He went over to a group of men in uniform.

Jeremy shook his head. ”He's just as childish, if not more.” He stopped in front of a locker and patted the  black leather, rolling chair. ”Jake, take a seat. Rest your leg.”

I happily sat down, eager to give my leg a rest. It's been a busy day.

Jeremy made some small talk with the other three, getting to know Rhys, asking Zeke about his classes, and listened to Noah talk about the softball team.

Noah looked at me with a sad expression. ”I guess this is the end of your softball days now.”

”I should be fine in a week.” I told him. ”We have three weeks left.”

Zeke shook his head. ”Dr. Shanfield said to visit him next week, not that you can play next week.” He thought about it. ”You could probably play in the last week. We'll make you the designated homerun hitter so you don't have to run around.”

”Are you abled to hit homeruns?” Jeremy asked me. He knew my one and only, official homerun came in the championship game.

”The softball field is smaller.” I told him. Then stretched out my arms. ”And...I'm stronger now.”

”Jake and I have been working out everyday!” Noah chimed in. ”Zeke is helping us prepare for a season without him.”

Jeremy's smile looked a little off. ”Oh. That's good. I'm sure you'll have another successful season.”

Noah squinted at him. Then started to look around the club room. There were a few players scattered around, talking to one another, preparing for the game, or just relaxing.

Zeke put a hand on Noah's head, pushing his hat down. ”This is a relaxed atmosphere. That's fine. You are relaxed before games too.”

Noah fixed his hat. ”Yea, but you don't let me play with my phone before a game.”