"I'm so nervous," Riley chewed on her lip. Lucas had hit a single in the ninth inning as the Patriots rallied to tie the game. Now they were in extra innings with the other team up at bat.

Smackle looked up from her phone, "Jones has never made it past first base in extra innings against a right handed pitcher."

"Wow, that's impressive you have that all on your phone," Josh commented.

Winnie laughed, "Ask her who her favorite player is and what she did after the last Metts game."

Riley and Maya laughed. "What did you do?" Josh asked.

"We were sitting on the first base line," Maya started. "The best seats in the ballpark," Riley interjected while looking down at Lucas crouched from his position on first base.

"Okay, I don't need to know those details about why you enjoy these seats, Riley," Josh shuddered. He didn't need pictures in his head of his niece and her boyfriend.

Maya continued, "Riley's not the only one who likes those seats. The Reds were the opponents, and Smackle was enjoying watching Joey Votto play. She read the program about how into some measurements he likes."

"Saber metrics, yeah," Josh had grown up with Alan and Corey Matthews. He knew baseball.

"Anyway, Smackle decided to email him her analysis of his statistics from the game"

"He's hot, and he replied back thanking me for them," Smackle defended herself, "Besides, Farkle and I have a list, and he's one of mine."

As the laugher died down, the group refocused on the field to see Charlie strike out the third batter of the inning. Maya stood up and cheered. Charlie put in a lot of work to be the number one pitcher on the team.

As the teams switched sides, the girls began to talk about their plans for the Prom the next day. Josh couldn't believe that getting ready was an all day task.

Zay was first up to bat. He jumped out of the way as the first pitch was called inside. Adjusting his gear, he took his stance in the batter's box again. This time, they all heard the clean crack of the bat. With bated breath, they waited until the ball cleared the fence to start cheering and whooping.

Once they settle down, Riley turned to Josh, "We are having a small celebration at the café for dinner. You are welcome to come. Augie will be excited to see you."

Josh agreed – what college student turns down a free meal?

They continued to chat for a few minutes before moving down to wait outside the locker room.

Farkle had handed off his numbers to the Coach before making his way over to sit by the lockers Lucas and Zay had claimed. Spirits in the locker room were high as everyone looked forward to the divisional game next week. The boys were looking forward to Prom, as well, though the whole process didn't excite them in the same way it did the girls.

Lucas looked at his phone, "Riley says they and Josh are waiting outside."

"Cool, I want to get his advice on a backpack to get Winnie for Europe," Zay said as he threw his sweaty uniform into his duffel.

Whatever response was lost by the hoots on the other side of aisle, the guys looked over to see Charlie Gardner holding court. Lucas rolled his eyes. He never quite trusted the guy after he had asked Riley out.

"Gentleman, tomorrow night will be the most memorable night. Here it is - my confirmation for a room at the Times Square Holiday Inn." Charlie held out his cell phone for everyone to see, "Maya will appreciate what a man I am."

Zay, Lucas, and Farkle all looked at each other. They knew that Maya had planned to go the After Prom with the rest of the group. Lucas nodded. Shoulder to shoulder, they approached the crowing boy. "What did you just say?" Lucas's voice was quiet and controlled. Several boys shifted away not liking the look of things.

Charlie laughed, "Like you and Riley aren't planning on sneaking off tomorrow night. I plan to make it a night Maya will never forget."

"When did Maya agree to this?" Zay and Maya had experimented quite a bit together and still talked things over. As far as he knew, sleeping with Charlie wasn't on Maya's radar.

"When she said she was sick of boys and wanted to try a real man," Charlie sneered.

Before anyone could say anything, Josh walked into the locker room. "Are you about ready? The girls are getting restless." His voice trailed off as he noticed the tension. "What's going on here?"

Charlie rolled up his sleeves, "The boys here are objecting to me taking the same ride on Maya that you and Babineaux have taken."

Zay moved forward and grabbed Charlie's shirt. Before he could take a swing, he found Maya in between them. Pure fury was spitting out her eyes. She had heard Charlie's last comment when one of the sophomore boys had opened the door.

"Here's a word of advice. Make sure the door is closed before you start making up stories. You are slime, and I never want to see your face again." Maya drew her foot back and kicked him in the shins as hard as she could. "Here's a baseball metaphor for you. You're out, and to make it clear to anyone who is still her, you never could figure out how to make it past first base." Maya turned on her heel and walked out.

For all my reviewers, are you happy about Charlie now? g He was the only reoccurring character that I thought this would be believable. And thank you so much, I think nine reviews in one day is a record for me. I greatly appreciate it.