Read Center Field for Free Online Page B

himself either.
    And where would he go? They were in his house, in one of the best media rooms in town, an eighty-four-inch pull-down screen in front of them, a high-definition video projector on the ceiling, decks of DVD, CD, and iPod players, speakers angled off the ceiling and walls. Dad had set up the basement rec room as a place to entertain politicians, clients, and suppliers when he opened the first store in better days, but he didn’t use it much now.There was a popcorn machine and a refrigerator stocked with soda, white wine, and beer. The liquor cabinet was locked but Mike knew where Dad hid the key. Could use a belt of Captain Morgan right now, but he didn’t dare open the good booze. Ryan and Andy knew how to soak it up.
    Lori whispered, “Whatcha thinkin’?” She was always trying to get closer. Inside his mind.
    He shook his head, thinking he’d be fine with everyone leaving right now. Andy and the twins wanted to meet up with some other kids in Nearmont, but Ryan wanted to watch some of the cage matches first and Mike said he needed to rest his leg. He really didn’t, but just thinking about a crowded party filled with new people had darkened his mood. He wanted to walk into a room as the center fielder of the Ridgedale Rangers, not just another jock scrambling for a starting spot on the varsity.
    I need sunlight, he thought, a new season. Put me in, Coach. Center field.
    Tori said, “So what did they make you do?”
    â€œMove stuff around,” said Mike. “They went to a senior center.”
    â€œThe Crumblies,” said Lori. When everybody looked at her, she said, “That’s what they call old people in this bookI’m reading about the future where they make everybody pretty and dumb at sixteen.”
    â€œSounds like the present to me,” said Andy.
    Lori giggled, a tinkly sound that once had seemed cute to Mike.
    â€œSo what did you do there?” said Tori.
    â€œThey showed them how to send pictures to their grandkids,” said Mike.
    â€œIt’s a cover to spread left-wing propaganda,” said Andy.
    â€œI’d rather spread left-wingers,” said Ryan.
    â€œThat’s demented.” Tori poured popcorn on his lap.
    Ryan laughed. “Now you gotta eat it, no hands.”
    I wish they would just disappear, thought Mike.
    â€œZack give you a hard time?” said Andy.
    â€œWhy would he do that?” said Lori. “Mike was helping out.”
    â€œGeeks are into payback,” said Andy. “Weak bullies are the worst.”
    â€œTigerbitch there?” asked Tori.
    â€œWho?” said Mike. But somehow he knew. Felt excited.
    â€œKatherine Herold,” said Tori. “The guys on the track team call her Tigerbitch.”
    â€œWhy?” said Mike.
    â€œMood swings,” said Tori. “She can be nice one day, nasty the next. Same day sometimes.”
    â€œSounds like our cat,” said Mike. He wanted to hear more.
    â€œMaybe she’s like bipolar,” said Lori. “I read this…”
    â€œShe just hates men,” said Andy.
    â€œShe just hates you,” said Ryan.
    â€œI thought she was Zack’s girlfriend,” said Mike. Why am I fishing for information? Zack didn’t have girlfriends.
    â€œYou sound interested,” said Lori in her cutesy voice. Must be jealous, Mike thought.
    â€œShe’s too complicated for Mike,” said Andy.
    Lori’s face got soft and hurt while Tori’s tightened up. They were identical twins, short, dark-haired with pretty faces and pert butts and boobs, but they didn’t even look like sisters when Lori got that wounded look and Tori leaped to defend her.
    â€œWhat does that mean, complicated?” snapped Tori.
    â€œShe’s political, she’s smart,” said Andy. “Although misguided in her beliefs. A terrific athlete. You know, she’s also a really good filmmaker?”
    Lori looked like she