Page 47 of Switch Hitter

Sean

I didn’t say you were.

I can hear his voice in my head, defensive and sharp.

Emiliano

You didn’t have to.

I can feel it in the way you’re panicking.

There’s a long pause before the next message hits.

Sean

I don’t want to ruin your career.

My chest tightens because that’s love. It’s fear and devotion twisted into worry.

Emiliano

You’re not going to ruin anything.

My career is my arm and the number of wins I bring the team.

You are my life outside of that.

I sent it before I could overthink what I just wrote. There’s a pause long enough that I can imagine him staring at the words like they might explode.

Sean

Jesus.

I grin.

Emiliano

Sí. Him too.

Sean

I’m scared my mom’s gonna cry.

Like… the sad kind.

The ache hits my chest again because I’ve never known that feeling. My family has never made me feel bad about who I choose to love.

Emiliano

Maybe she cries because she loves you so much and just wants you to be happy.

And if it is the sad kind… let her cry.

You’re not responsible for her happiness.

Another pause.

Sean