Third Base (The Boys of Summer, #1)(48)
I take my spot on the track and take off my hat. Everyone is instructed to rise for the playing of our National Anthem. I keep my eyes focused on the flag while I sing the words in my head. The moment the singer has finished, fireworks go off, signaling the start of the game. I turn away from where Daisy usually sits, unwilling to see her seat still empty, and head to the dugout to grab my glove.
We tell each other good luck and then we all pat Hawk Sinclair on the ass as we go by him. He’s in the zone and doesn’t pay us any attention. Once he gets the first batter under his belt, he’ll loosen up.
The moment my cleats touch the warning track, I’m looking left. My feet halt in their tracks and my heart stops. Sitting in the seat next to Daisy is her grandfather, and it’s my grand gesture, as Sarah calls it that put him there. After my calls and texts to her went unanswered, I had to come up with something to let her know that she’s important to me; so I made arrangements to have the Renegades staff do what they could to bring her grandfather to the game, and it looks like they’ve succeeded.
I should walk over to her and say hi, but I don’t. I need to let everything settle and see if she comes to me. I’ve extended the olive branch - hell it’s a f*cking tree - and if she wants to be with me, the ball is in her court now.
After a tough week and a half on the road, the BoRe’s started a five game home stand with a win over the Texas Rangers, besting them by one run.
Tonight’s game was a nail biter; down to the ninth inning when with two outs, short stop, Easton Bennett, hit a solo shot deep into center, putting it out of reach of Delino DeShields.
The bats were decent for the Rangers, who were leading the game from the first inning. However, solid batting from Branch Singleton and Ethan Davenport kept the BoRe’s on the cusp most of the night.
Welcome home, Boys! Boston missed you.
GOSSIP WIRE:
Congratulations to Easton Bennett. Not only did he have the game winner, but his on-and-off again girlfriend gave birth today to a son. No word from the Bennett camp on who the father is and considering Easton was busy playing… well you can fill in the blanks.
The BoRe Blogger
The hot water warms my sore shoulder muscles, allowing me to rotate my arm with ease and prevent injury. There was a slight chill in the air that I didn’t prepare for during tonight’s game and I’m afraid I may end up paying for it tomorrow when I wake up.
All night I watched Daisy’s grandfather observe the game. You could tell by the way he participated between innings that he was in his element. If given the opportunity, I’d like to sit him down and ask if he played when he was younger. Some people enjoy the game, but those who grew up playing ball in streets until the streetlights came on, they love the game. It’s a different kind of love than the kind one has for a family member or friend – it’s hard to explain. For me, the game means everything. As for Daisy’s grandfather – well I’m not sure I’ll ever know.
Bringing Daisy’s grandfather to the game was Sarah’s idea. We stayed up most of the night talking about Daisy and how I feel. I thought it would be weird to discuss the girl I want to be my girlfriend with the girl who used to be my girlfriend, but it actually wasn’t. Sarah said a grand gesture was needed. I thought roses being sent to school would do the trick. That thought earned me a slap on my bare shoulder as Sarah and I lay side-by-side in her bed, fully clothed and not touching, after she had been satisfied by Bob. It was Sarah who suggested that Daisy’s grandfather come to the field and if it weren’t for her, tonight wouldn’t have happened.
During the game, the batboy for the Rangers gave him a ball and the BoRe Squad made sure he “caught” one of the shirts they hand out. The shirts are cheesy and often filled with sponsor promos but it’s the excitement of having one land in your hands that makes it worth it. Each time I checked, I purposely avoided eye contact with Daisy. I didn’t know what to expect, so I thought it best that we not look at each other. I could’ve pissed her off with this stunt. I’m hoping that I haven’t, but at least I was able to help her grandfather see a game - one that she probably wouldn’t be able to get him to. I’m tempted to call her, but I’d really like her to make the first move. I want to hear her voice. I’m not looking for a thank you. I am only looking for the door to open again.
Shutting the water off, I step out of the shower and reach for my towel. The doorbell rings as I run it over my hair, trying to dry it off as much as possible. I curse myself for not drying fully as I leave a trail of water behind me, but I’m more worried about who is at the door over ruining my floors. A quick glance at the clock tells me its half past eleven and I know I didn’t order any food. Kidd was threatening to have a “nurse” stop by and visit me later tonight, and if he actually called for an escort I’m going to string him up by his balls.
Everything moves in slow motion as I pull open the door and stand naked, except for the towel that is cinched around my waist, staring at Daisy. The soft glow from my porch light makes her look angelic and peaceful. She looks at me, opening and closing her mouth as if she’s unsure about what to say. I know what it’s like not being able to find the words that you need to say to someone. It took me far too long to reach out to her and once I started, she ignored me. My hand absentmindedly rubs over my chest, causing her mouth to drop open. I can’t help the smirk that forms as she watches me.