Play For Keeps - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Three Days Later
Imani sat cross-legged on her bed, phone balanced on one knee as she edited the GRWM she filmed this morning. The familiar hum of sports commentary played in the background, half-watched but comforting.
Her dad knocked once before stepping inside, plopping onto the bed beside her like it was his own.
"What you up to?"
Without looking away, Imani tilted her phone toward him.
"Editing."
Her dad squinted at the screen.
"Why ya chest all out? What's all that?"
Imani laughed, shaking her head as she nudged him playfully. "Oh please."
He grinned but didn't press the issue. Instead, she noticed he was dressed up- jeans, a fresh tee, shoes laced tight.
"Where you goin?"
"Bar with the guys." He grabbed the remote, flipping to to the game. "Houston vs White Sox."
Imani rolled her eyes lightly. She knew her friends were all meeting up to watch Trey and the guys play, but she wasn't going.
Not after what happened.
Not after Pablo posted their challenge on TikTok and Instagram, making it go viral and spiral into yet another exhausting baseball vs softball debate.
Her dad caught the eye roll and smirked. "You still upset about your disagreement with Eezy?"
Imani scrunched up her nose immediately. "Ew. Eezy is for fans."
"I'm a fan."
Imani dramatically covered her mouth and shook her head as he laughed and pulled her into a loose hug.
Then, his voice softened. "I get why you were mad. But you should still go. Trey's always supported you- it's only right you return it."
Imani sighed because he was right- Trey had done more than just show up to games. He defended her when people tried to discredit her, hyped her up every chance he got.
He was like a bonus brother- and she appreciated him more than he probably knew.
Finally, she exhaled. "Fine."
She offered to drag her dad along, but he waved her off with a laugh, letting her go solo.
Lovie picked her up since the other girls were already there. Trey made sure they had good seats- club level seats right on the first baseline.
"Oh this is noiceeeee." Lovie said as she and Imani sat down with the rest of their friends.
"Trey really do love us." Imani said as she fanned away fake tears, causing them all to laugh.
They sat comfortably, ordering appetizers and cocktails, while chatting amongst each other. Ezra stepped on the mound and Imani raised an eyebrow.
"Wait. He pitches?"
Ezra's stance was locked in- focused, unreadable. No smirk, no jokes, nothing. Just pure control.
The catcher set up the target, and Ezra delivered his first pitch. Fast. Precise.
The batter swung through it. Strike one.
Next pitch- even nastier. Strike two.
"Damn." Talia mumbled as their eyes never left the field.
Imani watched as Ezra adjusted his glove, his movements calculated but loose, like he was doing this in his sleep.
Third pitch- clean, effortless. Strike three, Batter out.
The second batter stepped up, but Imani already knew how this was going to go. Ezra's grip tightened, his posture barely shifting. Another strikeout.
Then the third. Three back-to-back.
Imani had to admit it- she was impressed and...he looked good.
The crips Houston jersey stretched over his frame, fitting clean against his shoulders , the fabric slightly clinging from the heat of the game. White pants sat snug, structured, the belt resting against his waist just right. His cap, low enough to shadow his expression, only made him look more locked in.
And when he adjusted his glove- that slow, calculated flex of his fingers before gripping the ball- yeah.
He looked good.
The girls waited in the parking lot, hyping the guys up the second they walked out. Houston took the win: 10 to 5.
Trey grinned big, hugging every single one of them. Malik, Pablo, Jalen, Kori? Same energy. Ezra stepped out, stopping the moment he saw Imani. He headed straight for her.
"Surprised you came."
She looked at him, arms crossed.
"Didn't come for you."
Ezra exhaled, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Look, I was outta line at the field. And every other time I downplayed you and your sport."
Imani watched him for a second, then nodded once.
"Apology accepted. Now, speak to everyone else."
Ezra smirked slightly, turning toward the rest of the girls. "Hey. Preciate y'all for coming out."
They smiled, nodding in approval.
Trey stretched his arms above his head, a small yawn escaping his lips. "Y'all hungry?"
Everyone agreed- except Imani. Ezra glanced back at her, voice lower now. "You going?"
Imani sighed, glancing at her friends, who were practically urging her to say yes. The night was young and they didn't have practice or a game tomorrow.
Finally, she shrugged, smirking lightly. "Yeah."
Ezra's grin deepened. "Bet."
In the car, Lovie eyed her with a knowing smile.
"Imani Lawson...Ezra Carter...I kinda like both."
Imani laughed, horrified.
"Please shut up."
At the restaurant, Imani immediately went to the restroom to wash her hands and look at herself in the mirror.
Imani stepped out of the bathroom, her pace slowing the second she spotted the table. Everyone was settled, sipping their drinks. She scanned the open seats. Correction- seat. Just one left...right next to Ezra.
Imani sighed quietly as she sat next to Ezra, making him laugh- short and amused.
"Damn. You don't wanna sit by me?"
Imani shrugged as she gave him a look that didn't need words. Not really. Ezra laughed under his breath, tapping his fingers on the table as he put his eyes back on the menu.
"That's crazy."
Imani ignored him, reaching for the menu even though she already knew what she wanted.
"Everyone ready to order?" Their waitress asked as she walked to the table. Everyone said yes except for Ezra. His face was in a slight frown as he scanned the options on the menu.
"Whats wrong?" Imani asked with a raised brow.
"Ain't never been here before so I don't know what I should get."
Imani blinked. "All this time you been here and you ain't stepped foot into Taco Dona Lena?" Ezra shook his head and she sighed. "Could you give us 5 more minutes please?" The waitress nodded and walked away. "Let me put you on."
Imani grabbed his menu and laid it flat between them, Ezra scooting a little closer to her as she started talking.
"Okay, so first things- tacos." She tapped the list. "That's what their known for. Street-style, real deal. They have birria tacos too- so good it's crazy. Messy, but worth it."
Ezra nodded, his eyes going to her before looking back at the menu.
"If you want somwthing heavier- which it's too late to eat heavy but that's your business and not mine- the tortas hit. Big sandwich, loaded with meat, avocado, beans, all that."
Ezra laughed and she turned to look at him.
"What's so funny?"
"You caring about me eating heavy at this time of night."
Imani playfully rolled her eyes. "Anyways. Their quesadillas are so good and not the flimsy mess you get at Taco Bell-"
"You eat Taco Bell?" Ezra said with a hint of disgust in his tone. Imani looked at him again.
"And do. Is that a peoblem?" Ezra laughed softly and shook his head.
"Nah, keep going." He nodded towards the menu.
"Lastly, the gorditas are top tier if you ask me." She shrugged, leaning back in her seat.
"You tried all this?"
Imani nodded. "I come here atleast once a week. It used to be three times a week but I started gaining weight so I had to slow down."
Ezra laughed as the waitress walked up again. Now, they were all ready to order. Imani ordered the Enchilada Rojas with beef fajita. Ezra was going to get the same thing but instead decided to get the Birria Street Tacos instead.
"Why you change your mind?" Imani asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Ion know. In the mood for that I guess."
Imani hummed before turning her attention to Riley who was showing her the outfit she ordered before the game.
Conversation moved the table easily, laughter filling the gaps. Ezra was engaging here and there, but Imani caught the way he hesitated at times- like he wasn't sure how to talk to her.
"You wanna try?" Imani asked as she looked at him.
Ezra shook his head. "That's your food."
Imani rolled her eyes and cut one of her enchiladas in half and placed it on his plate anyway. Ezra stared at it for a second before finally giving in, chewing slow. It was good. He knew it would be.
Ezra still hesitated in conversation, but at one point, he glanced up, fingers lazily tapping against his drink.
"How the tournament going?"
Ezra hadn't expected much when he asked about the tournament- just something to fill the space. But the moment Imani started talking, the energy shifted.
At first, her answer was measured, almost hesitant. Then, without realizing it, she leaned in, voice picking up, hands moving slightly as she lost in the details.
Ezra watched, taking in the way she lit up. Softball wasn't just a sport to her- it was somwthing she felt.
And yeah- it was cute. The way she barely noticed her own shift, how easily she caught up in it.
Ezra didn't interrupt, just let her talk.
Ezra walked Imani to Lovie's car, the air between them calmer now- not fully settled, but less rigid than before.
He exhaled lightly. "I know I already said it, but I do mean it. My bad for everything."
Imani shook her head, laughing softly. "It's fine."
Ezra nodded, reaching for her door. "You sure? No more lookin at me like you hate my being?"
Imani laughed, climbing in as he smirked.
"Goodnight, Ezra."
Ezra smirked, waving slightly at her and Lovie. "Goodnight yall. Drive safe." He closed the door and walked away.
Lovie waited until Imani was settled into the car before turning to her, lips twitching into a familiar smirk.
"I don't know...it's giving Ezra Carter."
Imani laughed, shaking her head as she pulled out her phone.
"Delusionalllll."
Lovie hummed with a shrug before pulling off.