Chapter 779 - V3 ch14 (1/2)

Noah stood 90% of the time. Thankfully he wasn't as tall as Zeke or Dad yet, so he didn't obstruct anyone's view behind us. I only stood during the big moments, and there turned out to be a lot. The A's beat the Rays pitcher down early, while not giving up too many hits themselves. The A's won 6-1, looking good all around.

After the game, a postgame interview with Jeremy was held on the big screen in the stadium. We watched that as the stadium slowly cleared out for those who wanted to beat the traffic.

”Jeremy, thanks for joining me.” A lady with the microphone said, standing beside him. ”This is your first appearance in the postseason and you did amazing! Two hits, two runs scored, one homerun, and three RBI's. How does it feel to have this kind of success early on?” She held the microphone under his chin.

Jeremy chuckled. ”Feels pretty darn good. I had some friends and family in the crowd tonight and they had really put some pressure on me to come out hot.” He waved in our general direction.

”Moments like these make me feel like I'm living in a dream.” Noah sighed.

I laughed. Jeremy seemed to like Noah, constantly calling him out in interviews. I'm glad. I hoped that Noah didn't affect his play, and it seems like it was only for the best.

We waited for most of the crowd to clear out before leaving too. I sent Jeremy a text on the ride home, congratulating him on a good game. He sent me a reply before we even got back to the Johnson's house, asking if he could treat us to brunch. I showed Dad, and he talked it over with Mom and Rhys's parents before agreeing. For the most part.

”Tell him to meet us here, but we'll be the ones to treat him.” Dad instructed. ”Also ask him to bring Rose if he wants.”

I nodded and sent the message.

Jeremy agreed.

Saturday, he and Rose showed up and met everyone again. Taking such a big group to brunch, Mom called ahead to make reservations and then we headed over.

”You look much more relaxed today.” Rose told Noah as we all sat down.

Noah laughed. ”Yea, a win does that for me.” He looked to Jeremy. ”If Patterson was a little bit more reliable then I wouldn't be so stressed.”

”Hey, I'm only a second year player.” Jeremy defended himself. ”I should give you Maberry's number.”

”Maberry isn't going to be MVP.” Noah shot back.

I looked up at Jeremy. ”Do you think you'll really be MVP?”

”Of course!” Noah slapped the table in his excitement.

”Noah James.” Mom scolded.

Noah simmered down. ”Sorry, Mom.” He turned back to us. ”But really. There's no question Jeremy is the American League MVP. He killed it.”

”Now you have confidence in me?!” Jeremy joked.

Noah shrugged. ”When it comes to this? Yea. The MVP and regular season is a marathon. The postseason is practically a sprint. There's no time to be in a slump because it'll cost you the series.”

Dave laughed. ”Can you stop putting so much pressure on him?”

”Yea.” Kyle agreed. ”There's eight other starters on the team and a whole lot more players that could be a game changer.”

”Zeke never shied away from the pressure.” Noah pointed out.

Rhys laughed. ”Yea, there are some players who thrive on it. Zeke is the type that can come out stronger.” He glanced at me. ”Jake probably prefers no pressure.”

I nodded.