Summer of Curveballs

Tyler choked on his Gatorade when Mackenzie walked past the baseball dugout. She was new in town, California transplant with that effortless cool vibe, and his friend Leo wasn't helping.

"You should just talk to her," Leo said, tossing a ball in the air. "You're staring like a starving cat at a fish bowl."

Tyler wiped his chin. "Shut up. I'm working up to it."

They were supposed to be practicing for the summer league tournament, but Tyler's head wasn't in the game. Coach Reynolds had been on his case all week about his batting average, and now Mackenzie was sitting in the bleachers, watching like she belonged there.

"She's totally checking you out," Leo whispered. "Go be a fox about it. Slide in smooth."

Tyler rolled his eyes. "Nobody says 'fox' anymore, Leo. We're not in 2004."

"Whatever. You're being such a bull about this. Just charge in there."

Tyler stood up, legs feeling like jelly. He grabbed his bat, walked toward the plate, and locked eyes with Mackenzie. She actually waved. A tiny, casual wave that made his stomach do gymnastics.

Then his bat clipped the water cooler. Hydro flask everywhere. Coach Reynolds whistled sharply.

"Harrington! What was that?"

"Sorry, Coach!"

Mackenzie was laughing—not mean laughing, but genuine laughing. Tyler wanted to disappear into the dugout floorboards. But then she stood up and walked over.

"Smooth," she said, grinning. "I'm Mackenzie."

"Tyler. I'm usually not this... bull-headed." Where did that come from?

"It's cool. My brother plays baseball. He's knocked over like four water coolers this season alone."

They talked for twenty minutes while Leo pretended to stretch, giving him thumbs-ups from the outfield. She liked horror movies and vintage vinyl and had zero interest in the popular crowd. Tyler felt weightless, like he could hit a home run without even swinging.

"So," Mackenzie said, "there's this party Friday at the old mill. You should come. Bring your friend—the one doing those weird stretches."

" Definitely," Tyler said, trying to play it cool. "I'll be there."

As she walked away, Leo sprinted over. "Bro. You got her number yet?"

"Working on it."

"You're welcome. My coaching is absolute fire."

"Yeah, yeah. But don't call me a fox ever again."

"Fair enough. You're more of a cat person anyway."

Tyler laughed. "You're the worst. Best friend ever, but the worst."

That night, he couldn't sleep, replaying every second, wondering what to wear Friday, what to say, what it all meant. Summer wasn't supposed to change this fast, but Tyler had a feeling everything was about to be different. And honestly? He was ready for whatever curveballs came next.