Heart Condition

Chapter Seventeen: American Pastime

Standing outside my door on Saturday, my heart was racing.

            Nerves, I said softly, Just take your medicine at the field, and everything will be fine.

            Sasha said that we’d be there early enough to catch them warm up, so I made sure I brought extra water and money for food.

            I could hear the bike from around the corner, and I tried not to fidget. I was wearing my brother’s Brandon Crawford jersey t-shirt, tucked in to my black skirt, black leggings, my hair in a ponytail and my Chucks; under my jacket, my heart raced. When Sasha pulled up, I adjusted my skirt for the fortieth time.

            He removed his helmet, smiling “Hi.”

            “Hi.” I said, reaching down and grabbing my helmet.

            “Wait.” Sasha said, glancing at my door “Where are your parents?”

            I looked to the door, then back at him “Inside. My brothers came home earlier so they could all watch the game together. It’s something they do.”

            Sasha parked the bike, killing the engine. Stepping off easily, he tucked his helmet under his arm and smiled, “Let’s go.”

            “You don’t have to do this.” I said, shaking my head. He just hopped up the steps, waiting for me to open the door. When I did, Levi shot toward me in eager excitement. He collapsed at my feet, rolling over and wagging his tail. I smiled, “Goofy boy; you just saw me.” I crouched down, scratching his belly, “You remember Sasha, don’t you? He came over to play before. But sh…Don’t tell.”

            “Don’t tell who what?” I looked up, and Liam stared at us with a knowing smile. I stood, and looked over at Sasha, who exuded confidence.

            “Sasha,” I said, and gestured between the two of them “This is my step-brother, Liam. Liam, this is Sasha.” Sasha took a breath, and extended his hand. Liam did the same, and I waited to see who would speak first.

            “Nice to meet you.” Liam said, “We’ve never been formally introduced. I work with your dad at the software company.”

            Sasha nodded, “Oh, okay. What division?”

            “Data management.” He sighed, “Annoying little numbers, they are.”

            “I hear you.” Sasha replied, “Dad’s in the investment end, so it’s all increases and decreases, buy and sell. The company’s on their way to Fortune 500, which might mean trouble for businesses who don’t currently own the software.”

            I stared while they talked bankroll and shares, and when Liam said he’d go get Charlie and my parents; I waited until he left the room before I looked at Sasha.

            “Who are you?” I questioned, trying not to smile.

            He shrugged, “What? It’s all just math with more zeros.”

            “Mr. Malone.” Charlie said, walking in front of my mom and Daniel “Nice to meet you.”

            Sasha shook his hand, “Likewise.”

            “Now, what are your intentions with my sister?” Charlie asked, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward him.

            I rolled my eyes, “Oh, here we go.”