Chapter 17

Matt noticed and nudged him. “You hanging in there?”

Vic nodded as he sat up. “I’m here.”

Yet by the third inning, when his chin fell to his chest a second time, he didn’t bother to jolt awake. His muscles ached, his groin throbbed, and the hand that held Matt’s went limp as he dropped into a fitful doze. If he dreamed, he didn’t know it. No time seemed to pass after his eyes shut before Matt was shaking him again. With a start, Vic asked, “What?”

“Don’t snap at me, grumpy bear.” Matt planted a quick peck on his cheek. “Game’s over, babe. They’re about to announce the lineup for tomorrow’s games.”

Vic glanced around, surprised to find the field before him empty, both teams turned in. Lights across the scoreboard lit up all nine innings, with a final score of eight to two. Sitting up straighter in his uncomfortable stadium seat, he muttered, “Who…”

Matt’s hand tightened in his. Barely able to contain his excitement, he asked, “What if the final game is down to just us?”