“Eh, that’s easy stuff. Believe me, you are a superstar. I’m proud to know someone as smart and hardworking as you. You make me want to go to college.”

“What would you study?”

He put his finger along his chin and squinted into the distance, the classic thinking-man pose. “I never liked school. I only stayed for the sports. I was drafted right out of high school, so college never even entered my mind. I’m not good at much else other than playing ball.”

“I seriously doubt that is true. What’s something you like to do, other than baseball?”

“Basketball?”

“Ha, you’re hilarious.”

“I guess I like coaching kids. It’s been in the back of my mind that when I retire I’ll probably coach a Little League team or somethin’.”

“I could see you coaching. Jose and his team loved you. I don’t know if you have to go back to school for that.”

“I think I’d like to take a few basic teaching courses, so I would understand more of how their little brains work. Maybe I’d even take a finance class, figure out how to manage a business. My dad has really fucked things up for me.”

“Hi, Angel.”

It was Theresa, her arms loaded with books. “Do you mind if I sit here?” Then she saw Duke’s face under the bill of his hat and her pink lips became an O. She picked up the books she had set down. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize…”

“No, no, stay. He’s helping me study.”

“Aren’t you the—”

“Shh.”

“Oh, right, of course.” Theresa was flustered for a second. She leaned forward and stage-whispered, “I didn’t recognize you the other day, but everyone knew who you were by the time you left! I had no idea you and Angel were dating!” Then she took out a notebook and pen and said normally, “What are you guys working on?”

Angel and Duke exchanged shy smiles. He was adorable when his green eyes crinkled. Are we dating now? For real? Is that what I want?

She said to Theresa, “I was about to make Duke quiz me on drug interactions, but you probably need to go over that, too. Duke, would you mind reading over my essay, instead? Look for obvious typos, or tell me if a sentence doesn’t make sense?”

She handed him the binder with her report. He flipped it open and read for a second. “I’m not sure I’m going to be very helpful. This is intense.”

“I know, it’s academic, but maybe you’ll spot a missing period or something.”

“I’ll give it a shot.”