699 V2 ch171 (1/2)

I nodded along in agreement. I checked my phone one more time before sighing and getting into bed.

”What is it? Did Jeremy never call you back?” Noah asked, picking up on my restlessness.

”He didn't even text back.” I answered, getting under the covers. ”It probably wasn't anything important to begin with, but I-” I stopped.

”But you worry.” Noah finished for me. ”I understand. There's obviously something going on in his life, but he doesn't want to share.” Noah sighed. ”All adults are like this. It's so frustrating. It's like they think we're useless.”

Noah rambled on while turning the light off and getting into his own bed. He was getting off topic, mostly talking about how adults treat us like children even though we would be able to drive soon. I hummed in agreement whenever he asked something, but my mind was still on Jeremy. Something has been going on with him for weeks now, and it gave me an ominous feeling.

I had trouble falling asleep even after Noah had quit talking. My night was filled with a lot of tossing and turning. By the time the sun had risen, I felt like I didn't sleep at all. Just a simple blink and Noah was suddenly asking me if I wanted to go to the cages before we had lunch at Alisha's.

I agreed.

I had assumed we all would be going together, but at the breakfast table, the twins told us differently.

”We're going to Mitchell's.” Dave informed us between bites of his waffle.

”How are you going to get there?” Noah asked. ”Zeke already said he would take us to the cages so we'll have the car.”

Kyle looked to Mom. ”Mom, you and Dad can ride to work together, right?”

Mom squinted. ”We could, but do I trust you with my car? No.”

”You trust Zeke. Loan him your car and we'll take the family car.” Dave suggested. He saw her wavering and continued on. ”Please?? Kyle and I want to work on our pitching with Mitchell. Especially now that we aren't throwing the same. We have to prepare him before the camp starts.”

Mom looked to Zeke. ”And you're just taking the younger two to the cages? For how long?”

”Until lunch.” Noah spoke up for Zeke. ”Then we're going to Alisha's.” He looked to the twins. ”You guys can come too. Mitchell as well if he has time.”

Kyle laughed. ”Why would we go to Alisha's? Wouldn't that be awkward for her? Surrounded by a bunch of dudes?”

Noah rolled his eyes. ”Obviously she invited some girls too.” He smirked. ”Like Marie and Kaylee.”

Kyle rubbed his nose. ”Well, it would be rude to turn down your invite. We'll meet you there after we get some work in with Mitchell. Is there any particular time we have to be there by?”

Noah shrugged. ”She said her dad was gonna grill some hotdogs and burgers at noon.”

Noah shrugged again. ”How am I supposed to know?”

Mom looked at Zeke. ”Before going over, stop at the store and take some fruit platters with you.” She looked at Noah next. ”Make sure to ask her if they need any extra meat when you get to the store.”

”Sure thing.” Noah answered.

”You okay, Jake?” Dad asked me.

I poked at my scrambled eggs. ”I'm okay.”

”He's just worried that Jeremy isn't okay.” Noah added.

”What's going on with Jeremy?” Mom asked before Dad could. She looked as worried as I felt.

”We don't know.” Noah answered. ”That's what's making him worried. Jeremy called yesterday, but we were playing baseball. Jake sent a text saying he had his phone on him, but Jeremy never called back. He's been a little off since he canceled dinner on us. He went into a slump for a week, but he seemed better these last few days.”