The Sweetest Game (31 page)
Authors: J. Sterling
Once everyone had piped down, Dad announced with a big grin, “Fullton State has had a scout at the last few home games. They like what they see with Chance.”
The whole table erupted into cheers, while my heart beat rapidly in my chest. Fullton State was the only place I wanted to play ball. I might not be a pitcher like my father, but going to the same college where he had started his career, and where he and my mom had met? To say it was my number one choice would be the understatement of the year.
“One of the coaches is retiring soon, which means they’re looking for a new coach. So, if things work out all around, looks like you’ll have to deal with me for another four years, Chance,” he continued, winking at me.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Dad.” I shrugged, elated that my father would be there to continue molding me until I was ready for the major leagues. Some kids might resent their father micromanaging their sports participation, but I knew I was lucky. There was no one better than my dad when it came to baseball.
“Yeah, just stay away from all the, uh …” Uncle Dean paused, glancing around the table at all the young girls before continuing. “… distractions out there. Make sure you get a background check on every slut who tries to seduce you.”
“Dean!” Gran shouted from across the table.
“Oh my God! Don’t listen to him.” Aunt Melissa smacked his arm. “I mean, listen to him, but …” She grunted and stopped short of finishing her sentence.
Uncle Dean smirked. “I’m just trying to warn him. Someone needs to.”
Mom came around the table and patted me on the back. “Chance has his head on straight. He isn’t a Little Jack. Don’t you worry, he’s focused. He’ll be fine.”
“I hope I get to go to Fullton State too,” Coby interjected and my mom audibly sighed.
“I’m not sure I could live through history repeating itself,” her widened eyes met my Aunt’s.
“Two generations of Carter boys? Lord help us all,” Aunt Melissa shook her head.
Before I could say anything, Dad scooted his chair back and pulled on my mom’s hand, causing her to fall straight into his lap.
“I don’t think using me as a bad example is really working here, folks.” My dad frowned at the rest of the family while wrapping his arms around my mom’s waist. “‘Don’t be like Jack,’” he said in a mocking falsetto voice. “‘Focus. Don’t be like your father.’ But as far as I see it, being like me will get you the best wife in the world, the coolest kids, and a great family. Yeah, son …” He glanced at me. “Don’t be like me. Wouldn’t want that.”
My mother practically melted as she gave him another less-than-appropriate kiss, no matter how many times I groaned. I watched, shaking my head, as my dad pulled two quarters from his pocket and tucked them into her hand. “For later,” he whispered, but I heard and he knew it.
Damn it, Dad.
I was ruined forever.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I eventually wanted what my parents had … just not anytime soon.
Later.
WAY later.
First and foremost I have to thank every single one of my readers for their love, support, enthusiasm and encouragement. You all fell in love with Jack F’n Carter and his cast of misfits and I couldn’t be more thankful or more grateful. The passion you have for these characters has overwhelmed me and frankly, you all make my day with your super hot pictures and quotes, casting boards, gifts, paintings, tweets, emails, etc! Thank you so much for your support. The success of this series is because of you- you made this book happen. YOU made this story come to life. THANK YOU. Always. I am eternally grateful for your bad-assness. <3
My family who is forced to support me even as I press ignore on my cell phone (sorry Momster and Brother Jim), or do my best to tune them out while I’m writing. Thank you to Blake and Point for seeing past my moodiness (aka bitchiness) and loving me anyway.
Throughout the last two years a team has formed in my professional life … a team that I couldn’t live without when it comes to publishing my books. Thank you so much for your beautiful designs and creative energy, Michelle of IndieBookCovers. You are brilliant and patient and you always know exactly what I want. Love your talent. Thank you Pam Berehulke of Bulletproof Editing for being with me since the very beginning. We’re one bad ass team and I flip out at the mere thought of ever having to use another editor. Don’t ever leave me. Lol :)
I think in the olden days (ha ha ha) a writer’s journey was often a solitary one filled with days on end of loneliness and the longing that someone, ANYONE, would understand what the experience felt like. I’m so flipping blessed to be surrounded by not only some of the most talented ladies in the business, but those of which I consider friends. They have made this experience anything but lonely and my life is that much fuller because they’re a part of it: Samantha Towle, Tara Sivec, Jillian Dodd, Kyla Linde, Shannon Stephens, Rebecca Donovan, Claire Contreras, Michelle Warren, and Tiffany King- thank you ladies for always being there when I need you.
There are others, who through this incredible age of the internet world, have been brought into my life. I’m so thankful that we have had the ability to interact, meet eachother and become true friends. To everyone I love new and old, thank you for your support in this journey. I appreciate you all so much: Catjacks, Becks, Christina Collie (feedback extraordinaire), Dani Van Z & Penny Mum, Melissa Mosloski, Jenny Aspinall & Gitte (Totally Booked Blog as well), Emily Lalone, Kristie W., Sali, all the girls in The Perfect Game Changer Group, and the real Jack F’n Carter (he knows who he is). I am so blessed.
Jenn Sterling is a Southern California native who loves writing stories from the heart. Every story she tells has pieces of her truth in it, as well as her life experience. She has her bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV/Film and has worked in the entertainment industry the majority of her life.
Jenn loves hearing from her readers and can be found online at:
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http://www.j-sterling.com
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http://www.twitter.com/RealJSterling
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http://www.facebook.com/TheRealJSterling
**If you enjoyed this book, please consider writing a spoiler-free review on the site from which you purchased it. And thank you so much for helping me spread the word about my books and for allowing me to continue telling the stories I love to tell. I appreciate you. **
Other Books by This Author:
The Perfect Game
- Book One
The Game Changer
- Book Two
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