Page 91 of Leave It On The Field (Grand Slam 3)
ChapterTwenty-Eight
SEB
November 5, 2022
We won last night 9-2. I had three RBIs and even more important to me, I didn’t make an error. I felt completely like myself for the first time in weeks. We only need to win one more game to clinch the championship.
After the game, I saw Sophie for a few minutes before she headed back to Miami with our families. She said that for the most part, the fans at the game were pretty chill. I think my tweets might have helped.
With our postgame obligations, the team didn’t get in the air for about three hours after Sophie left. It’s eight in the morning when I finally pull into our driveway in Miami.
Deb’s sitting on a bench underneath our portico. She glances up from her book when I pull in. I take a deep breath as I see her headed my way.
“Seb,” she says before I can even get my door fully open, “I owe you an apology.”
I shake my head as I crawl out. “No you don’t, Deb. If anything, I owe you an apology—you and Bob both.”
“You don’t owe us anything,” she says, blocking her eyes from the sun with the book. “Thank you for taking such good care of our daughter. I’m sorry I interfered.”
“Deb, seriously,” I say, putting my arm around her shoulders, “don’t apologize. You were just being a protective mother. I’m not mad at that.”
“I was being too much of a mother, especially where you’re concerned. Tell me you forgive me. It will make me feel better.”
“I forgive you,” I say, squeezing her shoulders. “Really. It’s not a big deal.”
“Thank you,” she says, nodding toward the house as Bob walks out carrying suitcases. “We’re headed down to Roman’s hotel with your parents. We thought you and Sophie could use some alone time.”
“You don’t have to do that. There’s plenty of room here for our family.”
“We kind of want to,” Bob says as my parents follow him out with their luggage. “We thought we would party it up for a few nights.”
“Watch out, South Beach!” Mom says, throwing her arms in the air. “The Bob, Deb, Jack, and Adie Show is coming at you!”
“No one’s ready for that,” I say, rubbing my temples. “Just try to stay out of jail, okay?”
“No promises,” Mom says as she puts her arm through Deb’s. “Are you two good? Or are you going to force me to choose sides between my son and my best friend?”
“We’re fine,” I say. “No choosing. We’re going to need all grandparents on deck when we start having kids.”
“And just when can we expect that?” Deb asks, smiling up at me.
“There she is,” Mom says, pulling her toward the car. “Team Grandchild is reunited.”
Deb pats my arm as they walk by. “Sophie’s sleeping. She’s up in her dressing room. I tried to get her to move to the bedroom, but she clinging to that crazy pink couch like it’s Rose’s door from Titanic.”
“Yeah.” I laugh. “We both like sleeping on that couch.”
“Seb.” Dad lingers behind as the others get into the car. “Is everything good between you and Sophie?”
“Yeah, Dad. It’s perfect.”
“Glad to hear it.” He nods. “That will help you focus over the next two games.”
“Two? There’s just one more game. We’re ending this thing tomorrow night.”
He pats my shoulder as he starts walking away. “That’s my son. Get it done, Seb.”
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