581 V2 ch53 (1/2)

Kaylee ignored Noah's protest and turned to Alisha. ”Want to give it a go?”

Alisha blushed. ”I don't think so. I'm not that good. I just know the basics. I doubt I could get a hit off someone who really plays softball.”

”I'll go easy on you.” KJ offered.

”Like other teams would?” Andy scoffed. He put on his batting gloves. ”Let's go. The others can decide later if they want to bat or not.” He grabbed his bat and helmet and headed for home plate.

”Don't mind him.” Julian said. ”He's very...inarticulate. He doesn't mean any harm.”

”I understand.” Alisha put her head down in embarrassment.

Noah rested his hand on her shoulder. ”Who cares what he says? KJ said she wouldn't mind going easy so it's not like you're hurting anyone. Use this opportunity to practice swinging. Some teams might be good, but some should just be underhanded pitching. Besides, this is for fun remember?”

Alisha perked up. She grinned at Noah. ”You're right. I'm not here to become a star player. I'm here to have fun.”

I scrunched up my nose. I don't know how truthful that is...I thought she was more here for Noah than anything.

”You can pitch a bucket of balls to everyone that wants to hit.” Zeke told KJ. ”It's up to your discretion on what kind of pitching to throw.” He looked at me and then tilted his head to the outfield. ”Let's go, Jake.”

I grabbed my glove and went to follow. Julian also came along.

”Wait for me!” Noah called out.

I glanced back in time to see Alisha holding him back. ”Just pick up your bat instead.”

I laughed to myself and jogged to catch up to Julian and Zeke. Mr. Miller and Stu chose to practice batting too, and probably had the idea to help Alisha with the mechanics.

”I thought you would be more upset not getting to hit.” Julian laughed as I joined them.

I shrugged. ”It's not a big deal. Zeke let's us play at The Cages a lot.” So I'm not really missing out.

Julian looked at Zeke with a thoughtful expression. ”Do you think Andy would listen to me more if I took him to there a few times?”

Zeke replied. ”I can let you know when we go so you can join us.”

”Yea, please do.” Julian nodded. ”Our relationship was fine before, but now that we're spending more time together, I'm unsure of what to do or say.”

”I know the feeling.” I spoke up.