618 V2 ch90 (1/2)

Noah was just as surprised as I was about not having to run or workout this morning. He hurried to get dress and ran downstairs before I was ready. I hurried to get changed too and joined the pair downstairs.

Zeke headed for the door once he saw that we were both ready. We got into his car and he took us to the same diner we went to the morning of the twins birthday. Noah picked the same things as last time, getting chocolate on chocolate, yet Zeke didn't say anything about it.

I went a different route, choosing some of the sides like bacon, toast, and hasbrowns. Pancakes were just too heavy for me and I really didn't have the same metabolism as Noah.

We enjoyed a peaceful morning, chatting about the A's and how their odds to make the World Series have improved with Maberry's expected return.

”Talking about World Series, who won the College World Series?” Noah asked Zeke. ”I stopped paying attention after Stanford lost.”

”Vanderbilt.” Zeke answered.

Noah made a face. ”That's too bad.”

”Where's that school?” I asked, curious.

Zeke looked to me, looking somewhat surprised by my interest. ”It's a private school in Nashville, Tennessee. They also had an impressive outfielder like Stanford does. He actually got drafted fourth overall.”

”So he's better than you?” I asked.

Noah scoffed. ”No way. I bet this guy wasn't a first round pick coming out of high school.”

”He certainly wasn't.” Zeke told us. ”I'm fact, his freshman year, he only had a .250 average and his fielding wasn't too great. He turned it around his sophomore year and earned a .360 batting average even with an injury. Has stayed over .300 since.”

”Tch.” Noah shook his head. ”I bet you'll be more impressive. You and Rhys will carry Stanford to the championship game next year.” He grinned. ”With a little help from Bradley Thompson of course.”

Zeke chuckled. ”Well, I hope I don't let you down.”

”You won't.” Noah said with confidence. ”I'm honestly more worried about Rhys. Will he be back to full power and speed when spring rolls around?”

Zeke nodded. ”I would believe so. He has finished rehab completely and moved on to training.” He glanced at me. ”You guys could bring your bags and maybe try to get a few hits off him, if you can.”

Noah looked hopeful. ”Yea! I want to see if I've gotten any better! Or...if Rhys got worse.”

Zeke nudged him. ”I'll mention that to him. See if you have any hope touching his pitches.”

Noah made a face. ”Don't do that! Give me a chance!”

I laughed at how quick Noah changed his tune.

”You don't understand, Jake.” Noah complained. ”Rhys is crazy good. Better than the twins. Better than Garret. Better than that university prep pitcher. He can strike out Zeke.”

I looked to Zeke, shocked. ”Really?”

Noah scoffed. ”Why don't I tell Rhys what YOU said?”

Zeke pushed Noah out of the booth and went to pay the bill. We headed back to the house and packed up a few items including our baseball bags and some A's gear to wear to the game tonight. After some thought, Zeke told us we should pack our pajamas and some clothes for tomorrow. We would spend the night with Rhys.

Zeke looked at me. ”That's okay, right?”

I nodded. Rhys was safe. I didn't know much about his parents, but they treated him very well so I didn't feel suspicious of them. Plus, his dad was doing an away game so I doubt he would be back tonight.

”Okay, I'll call to make sure Rhys is okay with that too.” Zeke pulled out his phone and called. After a very brief conversation, we got the thumbs up and went upstairs to pack.

”It's like a small getaway vacation.” Noah grinned as we went to our room. He pulled out a small suitcase and we packed both of our clothes in it. He paused at one point and looked at me. ”Do you think...we need to pack workout clothes..?”

I made a face.

”Good idea! Do it!” Zeke hollered from down the hall.

I glared at Noah.