“Perfect. Then you can take my car and park in my spot when you get to the stadium,” Rick says nonchalantly.
“What? I can’t park in the players lot,” minor freak-out.
“It’s fine. It’ll impress your Mom and you might as well get used to it because I’m moving in, so you get a stadium access pass,” he continues like it’s everyday business.
I repeat, “What? You’re killing me with all this.”
“Get used to it, babe. Life of the baseball player. Not part of what you imagined? I wondered about your fantasy. Maybe add that to date night tonight?” he says laughing. He plants one of his no-way-you-can-forget-me kisses on me and says, “I love you, Sherry. I’ll be home later.”
What did I get myself into? I’m in it and I’m not giving it up. Baseball player craziness is better than being without him. I never want to be without him.
I take a quick drive to the public market to pick up a couple of dry aged steaks from the butcher, some baby potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower from the produce girl, a wedge of parmesan from the cheese guy and a quart of Kahlua ice cream from the creamery. The ice cream is for me, not for dinner.
I get home and unload my groceries. I mix up some brownie batter adding the coffee I didn’t drink this morning instead of other liquid and let the batter rest while I preheat the oven.
I have a couple of hours to get some work done, book a room for Mom, book spa time for Sunday and get the brownies baked, then I need to clean up, set the table, and cook dinner. Date night needs to be perfect.
I drop chocolate and peanut butter bits on top of my brownie batter as I place the pan of chocolate deliciousness in the oven to bake and set the timer for 30 minutes.
I book a room for Mom and spa time for both of us at the Brighton. I know she’s always wanted to go to the spa there. The spa is on the roof, it features a covered pool and a tasty spa menu. Plus, it’s not too far from the stadium and it’ll be easy to take her there after the game.
I hear my door open, no knock or anything, “Hey babe, Chase is with me. Unloading my stuff from his truck.” He walks over and gives me a quick kiss.
Total girl moment. Rick came in like he lives here, because he does. No knock. No hesitation. It’s his home.
Chase adds on, “Hey babe, you baking something for me? Smells good.” He walks over and gives me a peck on the cheek.
(Note to self: Need to be prepared for multiple baseball players at all times.)
Rick gives Cross the evil eye. “My woman.”
“I know, but I’m being nice if she bakes,” Chase says.
“Chase sweetie, I’m baking brownies and they’re almost done,” adding to Rick’s torment.
The guys make a few trips up unloading while I take the brownies out to cool and finish up my last few work items for the day. I look at his clothes and boxes of stuff in my place, correction—our place, and consider how I can clear some space for him in the closet.
They take off to handle a few things and I shower before I start dinner preparations. I put on a short tropical print sundress with ties over each shoulder, made of a silky material and one of my favorites I bought in Hawaii. I work my way into the kitchen to start prep for dinner. I find my apron and pull the ties around to the front. I set the steaks out to get to room temperature and gather my veggies, cheese, herbs and spices. I wash all the veggies, toss the baby potatoes in olive oil, black pepper, garlic salt, marjoram and thyme, and set them aside on a baking sheet. I chop the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-size pieces, bagging up the stems to make a broth later. I grate up some of the parmesan and preheat the oven. It’s date night and I want it to be special. I set the table simply with a candle and the frame I bought in Colorado with my favorite selfie of us together. It puts me in a romantic mood and I consider which playlist to go with. I need to make a new one that includes “Thinking Out Loud,” “Come Home,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “All Right Now.” I want to invoke memories of everything good. I place the potatoes in the oven to start baking and watch for when they start to soften, and cut out a few brownies about three inches square. It’s warm in the kitchen, so I tie my hair up on the top of my head leaving my neck and shoulders bare. I take the potatoes out of the oven and squish them with another pan on top of them, making the skins crack and exposing the soft white inside. I dust them with parmesan cheese and consider eating all of the brownies and ice cream while I wait for Rick to get home.
Rick gets home a while later and finds me at the closet. I’ve already moved my clothes around and started hanging up his, and added his books to my bookshelf. He puts his arms around me and smiles contently, “Chase is back, he followed me up mumbling about brownies.” He kisses me like he’s been gone for weeks and leaves me heated.
I smile up at him, “I’ve got Chase covered.” He follows me to the kitchen and I have two brownies on a napkin waiting for Chase. Rick’s very interested in my short dress, apron, available neck, and bare feet. “Chase sweetie, come on into the kitchen. I’ve got something for you,” I call out.
Chase was there instantly, who knew he’d be easy to control with baked goods? Rick was standing behind me,
