Page 52 of Switch Hitter

Kai grins. “Who’s the bigger asshole: umpires or pitchers?”

“You came to my apartment for that?”

“Yes,” Kai says with complete sincerity. “This is important.”

Gael mutters, “It’s not important.”

Kai ignores him. “And before you say ‘pitchers,’ remember Brooks and Jake are pitchers, and we love them.”

Jackson snorts. “Do we?”

Andres’ mouth twitches. “We love Jake and tolerate Brooks.”

I should laugh, and I do laugh a little, because it’s impossible not to. But the sound fades fast because my phone is still on the counter, and my whole body feels like it’s buzzing.

Kai flops onto my couch, and Gael takes the chair like he’s the only adult here. Jackson and Andres sit close, knees brushing like magnets.

I look away too quickly.

“You okay?” he asks, his voice gentle.

“I’m fine,” I say automatically.

Andres tilts his head. “You look like you’re about to throw up.”

“Love that for me,” I snort.

Kai points at me. “See? That’s what I mean. Umpires don’t make you look like that.”

Gael leans back, arms crossed. “Sean,” he says, and the way he says my name makes me freeze. Not because it’s harsh, but because it’s calm.

Gael doesn’t do drama. Which means when he’s serious, it lands.

“What?” I snap too quickly.

“You wanna share what the fuck’s up your ass, or should we start guessing?”

“Oh… I know what’s up his ass.” Kai interjects. “Pick me.”

Everyone ignores him, but all eyes are on me. I hate that my throat tightens. Hate that my first instinct is to argue with them and deflect, to turn it into a joke.

Jackson’s voice goes soft. “Have you eaten today?”

“I had a protein shake,” I mutter.

Andres makes a sound like he’s personally offended. “That’s not food.”

Kai sits up straighter, eyes narrowing. “Are we having a secret intervention right now?” He shoots up from the couch and starts. “Sean, we’re all here because we love you…”

“No,” Gael says. “We’re having a ‘Sean is being a dumbass’ moment.”

“Oh, those are my favorite.” Kai flops back down.

I flip him off.

Jackson’s eyes stay on mine. “Is this about him?”

My chest goes tight. My mouth opens. Nothing comes out.