Page 56 of Switch Hitter

“It’s a game,” I say, trying to make it seem like it’s nothing. “Strategy. Trying to take notes on two opposing teams’ weaknesses.”

“Sí,” Maribel agrees sweetly. “Pero tú no ves los juegos así.”

Sofía tilts her head. “¿Cómo se llama?”

I pause because his name in my mouth feels intimate now. It’s not just a player. It’s not just a rival. It’s… him.

My boyfriend.

“Sean,” I answer finally.

My mom’s gaze flicks up, but she doesn’t tease me. She never teases.

Maribel immediately starts talking faster. “¿Y ya viene? ¿Cuándo lo vas a traer? ¿Es cierto que es tu… novio?”

The word makes my stomach flip, and I flip her off when my mother isn’t looking.

Sofía squeals like she’s watching a proposal. “¡Dios mío!”

“Bájale,” I mutter.

My mom finally speaks, calm as a priest and twice as powerful. “¿Es el muchacho?”

Well, there goes me telling her with Sean here.

My throat tightens. “Sí, mamá.”

She nods once, like she already knew the shape of it. “Bueno.”

Sofía blinks. “¿Eso es todo?”

My mom gives her a look. “¿Qué quieres? ¿Qué grite?”

“I just thought there’d be more drama.” Sofía pouts.

My mom snorts. “La vida ya tiene suficiente drama.”

“¿Y él está bien?” My mother looks at me with warm eyes.

I shrug nonchalantly. “Está… nervioso.”

My mom hums. “Natural.”

Maribel leans closer, eyes sharp. “¿Nervioso por qué?”

That, I don’t answer. I’m not going to explain Sean’s fear to people who will treat it like a problem to solve without understanding the weight of it. Because even though my family is safe, Sean’s brain doesn’t know that yet.

I watch the screen instead.

The Yankees batter pops a ball into shallow left, and Sean moves, smooth and sure, catching it like it’s nothing. My sisters clap like he can hear them through the TV.

Sofía laughs. “Mira, Mamá. Tu yerno.”

I choke on my drink. “¡Sofía!” I snap.

She grins unrepentantly, and my mom just smiles like she’s entertained. I try to keep my face neutral, but my chest is too full. I can’t wait to have him here. To be able to hold his hand where the people around us love us.

After the game, my phone buzzes in my pocket like it’s been waiting all night to be acknowledged. A message from Sean.