When Our Worlds Stand Still (Our Worlds #3)(75)

“What happened to him?”

“Because of his rich parents and their sense of entitlement, he was let out on bail. He attacked again. A girl just like me.”

“If there is one thing you could tell young girls who’ve been through what you’ve been through, what would it be?”

“You can’t walk through life feeling afraid, but you also need to have a sense of awareness. There were small signs right in front of me, and I didn’t pay attention to them. I want every girl out there to know it isn’t their fault, and that they can find a strength within themselves if they dig deep enough.”

“Kennedy, thank you so much for talking to us today, and believe me when we say that you were an inspiration in Time Square, and you’re an inspiration today.” The camera is turned off. “I’ll make sure to send you a copy of the news article and video before we publish. You get the final say.”

We shake hands and I leave the office. There’s an obvious pep in my step as I walk down the steps.

“How’d it go?” Graham leans against the passenger door, ready to open it for me.

“It went well.” I slide onto the leather seat.

He runs around the front of the SUV and slips behind the wheel. The engine roars, and he jerks the gear into reverse, but before pulling out of the space, he steps on the brakes.

“What do you want to do today?” He grins.

“I don’t know. For the first time, I feel free. A weight’s been lifted.”

He leans over the center console. His lips graze against mine and they lift at the corners.

“Then let’s soar,” he whispers between our lips.





Today is the biggest day of my life. I have experience with college scouts watching me pitch. Professional scouts, on the other hand, are a whole different level of intensity. Twice today, I’ve thrown up, as if my body knows it needs to rid itself of my nerves.

My phone vibrates. I flare the screen to life and find pictures from Kennedy. She’s wearing a t-shirt that says ‘The pitcher’s my boyfriend’ on the front, and the back shows my last name and number. The text says, “You’ve got this.”

“You ready for this?” Rico asks. “Big day.”

“Don’t remind me,” I groan.

“You’ve had a near perfect season, man. There’s no reason to stress. Do what you do in every other game, and you’ll be pitching in the pros in no time,” Mark adds, dragging his gear out to make sure everything is in its rightful place.

I scrub my hands down my face, plug my headphones into my ears, and zone out. My teammates scurry around the room bullshitting, while I anticipate in quiet fear of my future. This day could change everything. This day will change everything.

Fifteen minutes and a series of rock songs later, Coach Boone calls me into his office. A middle-aged man with a strong build stands from one of the chairs.

“Graham Black.” The stranger reaches out for my hand, and I shake his. “I’m Steven Miller. Coach Boone here thinks you have a real future in the majors. The buzz around you in high school, and now the season you’re having this year, I can’t blame him for his enthusiasm.”

“This season’s been tough, but our team’s strong.”

“A team player, I see? I like it.” He nods in appreciation. “Threw a no-hitter last week. Batting average is stellar. It seems to me that you were meant for the game, Mr. Black.”

“Thank you, Sir. It’s always been the dream.”

“Your father must be really proud of all your accomplishments.”

At the mention of my father, I remind myself Mr. Miller has no idea of my past. “My mother’s very proud. She came all the way from Tennessee with my girlfriend’s parents. No pressure, right?”

Mr. Miller slaps me on the shoulder. “A little pressure never broke anyone, Graham. I’ll see you out there.” He turns to Coach Boone, shakes his hand, and exits the office.

“You nervous, kid?”

“Yes.” I take a deep breath.

“Well, good luck, and don’t fuck this up for yourself.”

“That’s all you have for me? No wise words?”

“Those were wise words.” He sits down in his chair and shoos me to the door. “Now, go get ready. We warm up in ten.”

When I walk onto the field, I glance up into the stands. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad are beside my mom, and behind them, Kennedy laughs at my mother. I half hoped Violet would make the trip. Things have been rough between the two. Violet’s been spending a lot of time with her mom, who’s moved to the city to get away from Violet’s father.

No divorce is easy, but this one is packed with animosity and hatred. Violet’s only ever known rainbows and sunshine, so now, with her world being torn apart, she doesn’t know how to react. She lashes out at Kennedy, and Kennedy takes it on the chin like a champion. She knows it’s her time to carry the burden on her shoulders.

Kennedy lifts her camera to her eye and grins. I nod at an open space on the fence, knowing she’ll wait there for me. She stops every few steps and snaps a picture. When I finish warming up, she shoves the camera in my face and clicks away, capturing me making faces at her.

“You ready?” she asks.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I lean over the fence and kiss her quick, before Coach can yell at me.