Third Base (The Boys of Summer, #1)(8)
“He’s in the Army. Right now he’s deployed, which is why my sister and niece live with my parents. My mom can help out while my sister works.”
“I bet you’re excited to go home?”
I nod and pull out my phone - not only to show her a picture, but also to count the days until we’re in Seattle to play. My notifications are crazy. I have a few texts from my dad and even more from Jasper Jacobson, our catcher and my closest friend on the team. I also have message from Cooper Bailey, who plays for our Triple A club, and Sarah. I clear the screen and bring up my photos, handing my phone over to Daisy. My hand starts to shake and before I can pull my phone away, Daisy is holding it still so she can see my blonde hair, blue-eyed niece with a dirty face, grinning from ear to ear.
“What’s her name?”
“Shea.” I cock my eyebrow as her expression changes and there’s a hint of recognition. I like that the name means something to her, which reminds me that she’s dodged my question about being a fan.
“As in the ballpark?”
I nod and pull my phone toward me. “We’re a huge baseball family. I was happy she was a girl because my brother-in-law wanted to name her Catfish and I think my sister would’ve killed him.”
“Shea’s a pretty name for a pretty baby.”
“Yep, twenty-five days and I’ll get to see her.” I try not to sound nostalgic. I miss my family and it can be lonely out here without them. I think that is what gets most of us in trouble. The nights like tonight when we’ve lost and we’re wallowing. If I hadn’t asked the usher to get Daisy, I’d be either at the bar drinking away my sorrows, or picking up some chick for a night of fun.
“So back to my question – how long have you been a baseball fan?”
“Hmm… all my life I guess. My grandpa loves the game and loves the Renegades. I grew up watching every game either on TV or in the park.”
“You have amazing seats even if they are behind the enemy.”
Daisy laughs. “Well, my grandfather is very vocal and always felt he could scare the other team back into the clubhouse with his mouth.” She speaks about her grandfather with pride and a lot of admiration. I know I just met her tonight, but I can tell that she’s definitely a grandpa’s girl. It hasn’t escaped my attention that she hasn’t mentioned her parents or any siblings.
“How come he doesn’t come with you?” I lay the question out there and am met with silence. She looks at her wrist, which I notice is void of a watch or bracelet, before reaching for her bag.
“I should go. It’s late.” She stands, avoiding my question, and slips her bag over her shoulder. I want to kick myself for seemingly crossing the line when all I was trying to do was get to know her a bit better.
“Wait,” I say as I stand and reach for her. There’s an awkward silence and stare down, until I drop my hand to my side. “I know it’s late, so let me walk you.” Even though the station is right outside the door, I’d feel better walking her to the train and making sure she gets on. Honestly, I really want to drive her home or just take her back to my place since we’re supposed to have breakfast.
“You don’t have to.”
“I know I don’t. I want to.” I come to her side and set my hand gently on her back. My touch is feather light for fear that I’ll scare her.
The cold wind is brutal against my bare arms and I’m thankful I’m close to the stadium so that I can run back in and grab my stuff. Daisy shivers, folding her arms over one another and rubbing her hands up and down to create fiction.
“I can’t let you freeze.” I grab her hand and pull her down the street. Just holding her hand is warming me, and it’s starting to freak me out. I’m not into that weird voodoo shit, but I’m starting to think she’s a witch or something with the way my body reacts when I touch her.
“I’ll be fine.” Her protests fall on deaf ears as I reach the players’ door and enter my code. We’re technically allowed to come and go as we please, but they really prefer us not to return after a game. Luckily for me, or for us, the cleaning and grounds crew are still here.
I take Daisy down the hall and into the clubhouse. The lights are still on, and it stinks like sweat and other shit. I walk to my locker and grab the stuff I need. When I turn around, Daisy is lost in her own world. She’s running her fingers along the lockers, our nameplates, and over the plaques we have hanging up. Some of the greats have their names engraved there; reminding us of everything they’d accomplished and built before we were even a thought in our parents’ minds.
“When the usher came and got me, I thought I was in trouble. He told me that you wanted to meet me, and I didn’t believe him at first, but when you showed up, I thought ‘wow, he’s true to his word’. Then you asked me to dinner, which I had to pay for,” she pauses and winks at me, “and I had a good time, but being in here… I’ve always dreamed of walking into the clubhouse on game day and wondered what it was like.”
“Well, it doesn’t smell like this, that’s for sure.” I run my hand through my hair and grimace because it stinks like something died in here. She laughs and shakes her head. Daisy walks over and stands in front of me. I’ve never really been attracted to girls who are much shorter than me because of the whole having to bend down to kiss them thing, but there’s something special about Daisy. I’m not sure what that something is yet, but I’m hoping to find out.