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Ben shook his head, rolling his eyes at the words. “I’m staying local, going to Texas Southern.”

I threw my arms around him and hugged him tight. “What happened to Alabama?” I asked as I pulled back.

He shook his head, smiling. “They didn’t offer me as much, and I wouldn’t get to pitch for the first year or two. I want to play, and sticking around here has its benefits.” He leaned down and captured my mouth with his lips.

“Okay, kids,” my mom said, laughing. “Let’s watch the game.”

I pulled back, biting my bottom lip as my cheeks warmed. I slipped my hand into Ben’s, feeling the calluses of his fingers on the back of my hand.

Who would have thought that a feisty, sarcastic girl like me would end up with one of the sweetest and nicest kids at Rosemont? We weren’t without our arguments, but we knew how important it was to have each other there, cheering no matter the activity. We were the epitome of imperfect people, but somehow we made it work. One day and one game at a time.

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