I keep track of the time and get situated behind the home dugout before its time for batting practice to start. It feels good being back in the stadium after missing a week. It’s my happy place, especially on a sunny day like today with a clear blue sky and a high of 75 degrees. I take my jersey off, put my cap on and slather myself in sunscreen. The coconut scent makes me happier. A cool breeze blows through and I realize I should’ve put my panties back on, but there’s no time for that right now. The team is starting to wander out onto the field and the field is set up for practice. The seating bowl isn’t open yet, so I’m the only one sitting in the stands. I see the new catcher, Stray, as well as Mason, Lucky, Kris, Rock and Chase with bats in their hands. Cross looks up, noticing me in the stands as he swings a bat and heads my direction.
Cross walks up to me in the stands in his happy-go-lucky way, “What did you do to Seno?”
“What do you mean? Is he okay?” Elevator injury?
“He’s not hurt. He was happy to be back this morning. Then he was pissed when he found out Stray is catching today, and I was avoiding him because he was being so pissy. Now he’s walking around with his chest puffed out, like he’s the king again and he won’t leave Skip alone. He says he needs to play today.”
Yes! I look straight at Chase, “He’s going to put on a hitting display during BP, too.”
“I believe it because you said it. Those cookie bars were still warm, and delicious by the way.”
“They should be. I made them fresh this morning. Did you like the stuff I gave you this morning?”
“The baseball cookies were cute and good. The banana bread was yummy, you should add nuts.”
“I’ll remember that for next time. So, where is Seno?”
“He’s probably still working Skip.”
He needs to get his ass out here and show off his bat. “Seno!” I yell out, thinking I might get a response. I know, not only did I give him instructions, I want it done my way. Damn! I’m bossy today. Maybe he just needs it today to get through.
“You still didn’t tell me what you did to him.” Cross stares directly at me.
“Let’s just say it was the cookies,” I smile innocently.
My Rick comes walking out of the dugout, he looks up at me in the stands and smiles. He quickly makes his way to me. He glares at Cross, “My woman, go.”
Chase mutters as he walks back to the field, “Shit dude, you’ve got it bad. I’m the one who found her.”
Rick pulls me out of my seat, puts his arms around me and dips me while he kisses me, getting catcalls from the team. He’s in a much better mood. He brings me back up and makes close eye contact with me. “You give me strength and point me in the right direction when I’ve lost my focus. That’s proof we’re more than physical.” He gets a big smile, “I’m not starting, but Skip says he’ll put me in.”
I clap loudly, “Go show me your bat, big boy!” I swat him on the ass as he turns back to the field. Both of us laughing as he gets to work.
The team as a whole is hitting well today. My Rick gets his first turn to hit and sends the second ball to the Right Field Upper Deck, home run. The third ball straight out and over the wall in Center Field. He broke his bat on the fourth ball, sending a grounder up the first base line. He walks to the dugout for a new bat and looks at me for affirmation. I blow him a kiss and yell, “Perfect, baby!” He continues to hit them out of the park on each turn at batting practice.
Text to Rick - You have an awesome bat.
Text to Rick - Yes, I’m referring to both kinds of wood ;)
Text to Rick - Since I’m already here, should I scout the other team for you?
Text from Rick - I’m glad you like my wood. I’ll give you a demonstration with it later.
Text from Rick - Stay behind the home dugout while you’re scouting and be quiet. Very interested in what you see.
Text to Rick - Yes, sir!
Text from Rick - You are the baseball queen.
Wow! There’s no way he values my baseball opinion. He does this for a living and I’m merely a spectator. Though he didn’t argue with me when I gave him my views during the games. His suspension was a gift. When would we ever have been able to sit and watch a game together? Baseball is something we have in common. Rick has obviously been thinking about that, trying to find proof we’re solid together and not just sex. It was a glimpse into spending the off-season together.
The visiting team comes out for batting practice and I don’t even pay attention to who we’re playing. We’re playing LA and that means the stadium is going to get rowdy. LA is a rival team and the fans flood the stadium whenever they play here. They aren’t obnoxious like the Sissy’s and their fans though. I check their website to see who they have on their current roster and who is on the lineup for tonight’s game. I figure out who is in the outfield catching balls, and who is hitting. I watch for anomalies, unsure footing, bad hitting, anything odd and see if it repeats.
Text to Rick - Their lead off hitter can’t connect with the ball to save his life
Text to Rick - Check out Kragen when you come out. Lineup says he’s hitting fourth and playing Left Field. I think he’s favoring his right leg. See what you think.
Text from Rick - Are you serious?
Text to Rick - Yes! This is baseball!
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