Third Base (The Boys of Summer, #1)(26)
I’ve also yet to wish her a happy birthday. That fact alone makes me feel like a complete ass. I had a plan when we walked in, I was going to lead her to the bar and buy her first legal drink. I was going to give a toast and then wish her happy birthday.
When dinner is about to be served, I place my hand on her waist and nudge her in my direction. She understands my hint and excuses herself from the conversation. I lead us over to the bar and while we wait, I look down to find a smiling, radiant Daisy.
“Are you having fun?”
“Yes and no,” she says, causing confusion. She stands closer to me, pulling me down slightly to speak into my ear. “I’m having fun because I’m with you, but those women are talking about things I don’t have any clue about and it’s hard to play along.”
“High society women are like that,” I tell her. “They all have an agenda and you’re a fresh face in their pond of groupies.”
Daisy looks at me with bemusement and I shrug. It’s something I’ve come to learn about the people who have too much money to throw around. We step up to the bar when it’s our turn. My hand is on her back, refusing to move.
“What would you like to drink?”
“Um… a whiskey and Coke?” By the face she makes I know for certain she hasn’t had a drink like this before. I find that odd, since she’s in college, but it also makes sense since she’s been taking care of her grandfather. The last thing I want is for her to be puking on her birthday, especially tonight. Maybe on my next off day we can tie one on.
“The lady will have a Seabreeze and I’ll have a Sam Adams,” I tell the bartender who looks at Daisy for a brief moment. I’m guessing he’s trying to figure if she’s legal or not, or he could be eyeing her like every other dude in this place.
“What’s a Seabreeze?” she asks, leaning into me. I find this na?ve part of her cute. My sister likes this drink, so I figure it’s a safe bet.
“It’s Vodka, Cranberry and grapefruit juice. I’m hoping you like those types of juices?” She shrugs in a sort of non-committal way.
The bartender places her drink and my bottle of beer on the bar. We thank him and take our drinks. With my hand on her back, I guide her in the direction of our table, only stopping twice for people to talk to her. I like that they’re interested in her and not me. When we finally get to our table, I set my beer down so I can pull her chair out.
When she sits, her dress poofs out around her and I try not to laugh as she attempts to tuck it under her legs. I help her pull her chair in before sitting down and once I’m seated, I’m holding her hand.
“In case I haven’t told you, you look stunning.”
Her cheeks darken as she bows her head, turning ever so slightly to look at me. “I do believe I remember the words you said when I opened the door.”
I lean in, taking a deep whiff of her perfume. “Care to repeat them?”
Daisy shakes her head, but can’t hold back the grin forming on her lips.
“Happy Birthday, Beautiful,” I say as I kiss her just below her ear. “We can celebrate later.” I’m unable to gauge her reaction because my name is being called from the podium. I have to give a speech tonight and it’s on the top of the list of things I didn’t want to be doing this evening. I leave Daisy seated at our table as I make my way to the front of the room. Once in place, I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and control the inevitable twitch that starts in my hand.
“Good evening.” The applause is loud and continues on for a moment. Once it dies down, I look down at the typed words on the cards in front of me and clear my throat. I should’ve read this before I arrived, but I was too preoccupied with thoughts of seeing Daisy. For someone who hasn’t had any media training, they definitely sent the wrong guy. As I read over the speech, I realize I can’t say any of this stuff.
“I want to say thank you for having Daisy and I tonight as your guests. I think this is the first time I’ve been in a room where no one wants to talk about baseball. I know she’s beautiful, but she’s going home with me.”
Everyone laughs and I half expect Daisy to turn away, but she’s focused on me.
“Steve wanted me to let everyone know that he’s sorry he couldn’t be here, and was kind enough to write my speech. Thing is, I didn’t read it beforehand and I’m not sure it works for tonight.
“We’ve all come together for one reason – to raise money for the community. I’m not going to ask you to open your checkbooks and start scribbling your name. Instead, I’m going to ask that you think about what it means to give back, because sometimes it’s not always about the money. When I’m not playing, I’m walking the children’s wing of the hospital or I’m down at the community center helping to repair a swing set or painting over the graffiti’d walls. I could just give them money, but without volunteers to actually do the work, that money is being spent on contractors when it could be spent directly on the children. My mom always used to say ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for life.’ Even though I know we’re not teaching these kids to make their own meals, I’d like to think that the same applies here.
“So tonight, when you’re asked to open your checkbooks, please consider volunteering your time as well. One is good but without the other, neither one will go nearly as far.”