Beyond the Team (Out of Reach 4)

“It’s good not to let your guard down until you know what the situation is. There is no harm in that,” she assures me.

“Yes, Griffin and I are dating.”

“Long distance is hard.”

“Sounds like you’ve done your homework.”

“I have.” She chuckles. “I’ve also seen you play. I was at your game on Friday.”

“What?” I turn to look at her this time, giving her more of my attention. “Me and my assistant coach, Tom Wilson, as well as Griffin’s coach, Fred Hopkins, we travel at times to scout players.”

“From other colleges?” I ask. I remember Coach Hopkins telling us that the softball coach was there as well, but I didn’t think anything of it.

“Sometimes, mostly high school, but we’ve been known to pick up a college game here and there. We saw Griffin in the stands cheering you on, and now here you are.”

“I haven’t been able to make it to one of his games all season, so I’m playing hooky for a few days to make this happen.”

“Nothing wrong with a few mental health days now that the season is over.” She winks.

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Peyton, we’re going to grab a drink. Would you like anything?” Anna asks.

“A bottle of water, please,” I reach into my purse for money, and Gary waves me off.

“Your money is no good here.” He laughs, taking his wife by the hand and leading her down the steps.

“Hanging out with the parents, I see.”

This woman knows way more than I would expect her to know. “Yep.”

“He looks good out there. Almost pitched a no-hitter.”

“I know. But let’s not talk about it. We have two more innings, and I don’t want to jinx him.”

“Got it. Look over to your right. There are two men in Ohio gear. They’re from the majors. Rumor has it they’re here to watch Griffin.”

“Wow. Are you serious?” I casually look over and scan the crowd until I see the men she’s referring to.

“Griffin has incredible talent on the field, and he’s getting a lot of attention.”

My heart swells. “I’m so excited for him.”

“Are you?” she asks.

“Yes. Of course, I am. He’s worked his ass off to be where he is. He gives everything to this sport he loves.”

“He’s lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one.” I turn my attention back to the game. One more inning, and he’s done it. Pitched a no-hitter.

“He’s on fire tonight,” Gary says, handing me a bottle of water.

“Thank you. He really is.”

“He’s showing off for you,” Anna jokes.

“Nah, he’s always this good.”

“True,” Gary agrees. “However, I do think that you give him some extra motivation.” I can feel the flush of my cheeks as I imagine the extra motivation we’ve been giving each other.“I’m just here to support him.”

“And he knows that. He knows you’re here for him. Not what he can do on that field. That’s pretty damn good motivation if you ask me,” Gary states.

I smile at him and turn my attention back to the field. My leg bounces as I peel the label from my bottle of water. Two outs and another batter strolls up to the plate. I hold my breath as Griffin winds up the pitch and lets it fly. I watch as the ball reaches the plate and the batter swings.

“Strike!” the umpire calls out.

I stand, as do his parents, and even Coach Stone climbs to her feet. The anticipation of what’s about to happen propels her to do so. Griffin winds up his second pitch, and I hold my breath until I hear, “Strike two!”

“Come on, baby,” I say under my breath. I know he can’t hear me, but maybe he will telepathically get the message that I’m standing here cheering him on.

Griffin glances into the stands, and I swear he’s looking right at me. I mouth, “I love you,” even though I know he can’t see me, and hold my breath as he winds up the pitch and lets the ball fly.

“Sttrriiikkee three! You’re out!” the umpire calls.

I jump up and down and hug his parents and even Coach Stone. “He did it. He did it.” I clap and scream and cheer for my man, who has pitched his first no-hitter of his college career. The crowd roars around me, most of them chanting Griffin’s name and calling out for him. I hear my name being called, but I don’t know where it’s from. I look all around, and it’s Gary who points it out. Sam, Daniel, and Oliver are all in the dugout calling out to me. Once they see that they have my attention, they wave for me to come closer. I’m not sure why, but I do it anyway, taking the steps slowly until I reach them. “Hey, guys. Great game.”

“Get over here,” Sam says. Before I know what’s happening, he has his hands on my waist, and he’s lifting me over the wall.