“I still feel bad about saying you were
trying to live through me,” Bryce said as Justin
sat down. “I hope this helps a little.”
Justin waved the apology away. “Water
under the bridge. But thanks for putting in a
good word for me.”
“You’re perfect for the job too. I don’t think
I’ve ever met anyone as committed to baseball
as you.”
“Here’s to the new assistant coach,” Katie
said, raising a milk carton.
“To the Lions,” Justin said. And then, out
of habit, he added with a grin, “This could be
the year we win state.”
That night, Katie and Justin watched the
Lions take the field once again. It was a close
game, but in the end, the Lions lost five to four
after two extra innings. When they went up to
the fence to talk to Bryce, he shrugged off the
loss. “At least we played honestly.”
The score didn’t bother Justin either. It was
the last game he’d watch as a mere fan.
94
