Read Online Pinch Hit by Tim Green - Free Book Online Page A

at the sky?”
    â€œMost of the time where I live it’s pretty brown.” Sam slipped into the tub and tilted his head back too, surprised at how pretty it really was, the high horse-tail wisps of white cloud turning yellow, and the blue like a robin’s egg.
    After a couple minutes, Sam asked, “When do I go home? To Trevor’s house, I mean?”
    McKenna rolled her head over to look at him. “Bet you can’t wait to see it.”
    â€œI guess. I’m more worried about his mom than I am excited about seeing the house. I don’t know if I’m going to be having too much fun.”
    â€œOh no.” McKenna sat up. “You’ve got to have fun. That’s what this whole thing is. It’s about fun. It’s a story. I said that. It’s a real story. Sam’s mom won’t notice. She’ll be on her phone, that you can bet on.”
    â€œHer phone?”
    â€œThe woman is either texting or talking twenty-four seven. Except when she sleeps. I’ve seen her texting in the bathroom. Yeah, don’t shake your head.”
    â€œI’m sure she looks at him.”
    â€œMaybe a glance here and there,” McKenna said. “I don’t think she listens much, even if she looks. You’ll be fine.”
    â€œThat sounds lonely,” Sam said.
    â€œIt’s just his mom. She’s a workaholic.”
    â€œHe said he doesn’t even go to school.”
    â€œTrevor has people around him all the time. Everyone loves him. Everyone wants him. It’s fun.”
    Sam shifted in his seat, the bathing suit suddenly feeling wound up and tight from the bubbles. He tugged the legs back down to his knees. “I think I’m getting waterlogged.”
    â€œLet’s get out. We can play Xbox until she gets here.”
    â€œSounds good.”
    Sam dried off and changed into Trevor’s clothes in the pool house. When he came out, McKenna had on a robe. She led him inside to a small TV room with a leather couch and bookshelves on either side of the TV. McKenna opened a wood panel beneath the screen and took out two controllers.
    â€œMost girls don’t play Xbox,” Sam said, feeling silly at the sound of his own words.
    â€œI’m not most girls, right?” McKenna winked at him.
    Sam’s face burned again.
    â€œNazi Zombies?”
    â€œHalo?”
    â€œHow about something in between?” She laughed and sat down, and they logged into a game of Left4Dead2. They fought side by side, reviving each other, sharing health packs, and laughing out loud.
    Sam was surprised when his phone buzzed and the text was from Trevor’s mom.
    I’m here:)
    Sam looked at McKenna. “She’s here.”
    McKenna put down her controller and stood up. “You okay?”
    â€œNo. I’m not a great actor. I’m not even an actor. I’m a baseball player.”
    McKenna led Sam to the front door. “I think you should pretend you don’t feel well. That’s even if she notices you.”
    â€œIs she really that bad?”
    â€œShe’s not bad. She’s a movie star. You’ll like her. I do. But she’s got a lot going on.”
    Sam looked at the doorknob. He reached for it, but his hand trembled. There was a mirror on the wall beside a grandfather clock. Sam peered into it.
    â€œYou’re sure this can work?”
    â€œI’m not sure of anything.” McKenna’s eyes seemed to sparkle. “That’s what makes it fun. Don’t worry. Nothing bad can happen.”
    Sam nodded, and McKenna swung the door open for him. She kissed Sam on the cheek, and he seemed to float down the steps and across the walkway to the big rumbling blue car. He opened the car door and smelled leather. He slid into the seat, clutching Trevor’s phone.
    Trevor’s mom put her own phone down and looked over at him. “Oh, angel, look at you. Don’t you feel well?”

20
SAM
    Too afraid to