“Okay, so he went a little overboard sometimes,” I admit. “But he’s a tease by nature. He can’t help himself. Besides, if memory serves me right, you gave just as good as you got.”
“That’s true,” Penny chimes in, backing up my claim. “I distinctly recall you decorating his bike at school with pink streamers, a flower basket, and Barbie stickers.”
I remember that too. Harlow’s retaliation for whatever Linc had done to her was both creative and memorable.
She chuckles at the memory, clearly proud of herself. Until she looks over to see my self-satisfied grin. “He started it,” she grumbles.
“He did,” I agree. “But that was a long time ago. People change.”
Harlow scoffs at the remark. “That man will never change. He will always enjoy torturing me.”
“Maybe you’re looking at this wrong,” Hollis interjects, offering another perspective. “Maybe there’s a reason behind it.”
Harlow’s brows furrow in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Well, when I was in elementary school, if a boy teased you like that, it usually meant he liked you.”
Harlow laughs, the sound strained and a bit squeaky. “Trust me, that is not the case with us. Our hate for each other is very mutual.”
“Sometimes there’s a fine line between love and hate,” Hollis counters, holding nothing back. “Just look at Mike and me. I thought we hated each other. If it hadn’t been for your little manipulation at the bar that night all those months ago, I would have continued thinking that way.”
Harlow grimaces, not appreciating the reminder.
I jump in, redirecting the conversation back to its original topic. “Look, I know there is a lot of history with you two, and Linc is to blame for most of it.”
Harlow nods, dignified.
“But,” I add, “I’ve also spent a lot of time with him over the past few years, and I assure you, he’s not as bad as you remember. You should give him a chance to prove it.”
“How about I take your word for it instead?” she suggests, flashing me a cheeky smile.
I shake my head, but can’t hide my amusement. “All right. I give up.”
Chuckling, she wraps her arms around my neck. “Don’t worry. I’ll always tolerate him for you and Gunnar.”
I hug her back, appreciating that she and Penny both do because, despite the friction, I love our friend group and couldn’t imagine it any other way.
The umpire’s whistle pierces the air, calling for everyone to take their place again.
My forgotten nerves heighten once again as Gunnar resumes position.
“Come on,” I whisper. “You can do this.”
The catcher signals for the pitch. I hear the crack of the bat connecting with the ball before it soars through the air and over the fence, securing a home run.
An explosion of victory rings through the park, sending us all to our feet. We whistle and cheer as Gunnar runs the bases, watching the entire team swarm him at home plate.
We descend the bleachers and make our way onto the field to see Bear and Poppy already there.
Bear jumps up on Gunnar, gracing him with slobbery kisses, while Poppy is lifted onto Mike’s shoulders.
Gunnar looks up, his piercing gaze meeting mine, and for a moment, a lifetime of memories floods my mind and heart—from childhood antics to late-night confessions, and all the moments that led us here.
After a final stroke to Bear’s head, he strides forward, meeting me halfway.
I launch myself into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist, giving him a celebratory kiss.
The chaos around us fades into insignificance, leaving only the love between two best friends.
He eventually sets me back on my feet, his grin filling my vision as he pulls me in close. “How was that for a final bat?”
I smile up at him, revealing every bit of my pride. “Amazing, just like you.”
He leans in to grant me another heart-stealing kiss until a disturbance ensues on our left.
Looking over, we see Dawson engaged in a physical altercation with someone from the opposing team, while Penny desperately tries to break it up. “Let it go, Dawson. I’m fine.”
Mike hands Poppy over to Hollis and rushes in to break it up.
We’re just about to follow when the catcher from the other team forcefully knocks into Gunnar, causing us to stumble.
Gunnar quickly steadies me, his gaze blazing with fury as he turns to confront the guy. “What the fuck is your problem?”
The catcher squares his shoulders, clearly looking for a fight. “You were in my way.”
Gunnar starts forward, primed and ready.
I shove him back, fear and adrenaline gripping my chest. “Don’t. It will only make things harder for Mike. They’re clearly trying to provoke you guys. Don’t let them.”
