Chase visits me after batting practice, “What did you do to him? His bat is on point and he’s been picking on me all day.”
“Nothing that’s not normal. He didn’t eat breakfast before he left with you because we chose to stay in bed a bit longer.”
Chase looks at me funny, “He said he already ate this morning.”
I blush as I remember him eating me this morning in the shower and make a quick recovery, “We did have cake early this morning.”
Chase nods, “I think I need a woman. I want to be getting it whenever I want and have a woman that wants to do sweet things for me, like you do for Rick.”
I wonder what Rick has told him, “You might not be ready for that. You’re so young still.”
“What about your friend that you introduced me to last night?”
“Rona? She’s nice and she’s not a player chaser. But, she needs to get settled a bit. She’d be fine for dating, I think you should wait and see what happens. The season is almost over and you’re going to want to go home, not the best thing when you start dating someone who lives here.”
“You’re probably right. I need to think about it over the off-season. Will you keep baking for me?”
“I will bake for you even when you have a girlfriend. You basically introduced me to Rick, I’ve got your back.” I owe him everything and he’s such a good kid. Chase smiles and gives me a hug, before disappearing into the dugout.
Colorado is already out doing their batting practice, so I watch for any tells and try to stay low-key. I don’t want any special attention from any of the players. I don’t want any trouble tonight. No extra drama. I want to stay calm and not get nervous before going on the field to lead karaoke in front of thousands of people. I’m watching Colorado and they have even more newbs brought up for the expanded roster. Carter’s hanging out behind the backstop. Why do I feel like Carter has taken on the job of regulator? I guess it makes sense for the team to avoid trouble, he’s not just looking out for me. Shit! He wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t here. Get out of your head, Sherry! Get back to baseball. Don’t worry about Carter. I check Colorado’s lineup and their shortstop is making his debut tonight, with the newb second baseman that debuted last night. Hmmmm… Lots of focus on one of the players.
Text to Rick - Colorado short stop is debuting tonight and 2B is the same guy that debuted last night. They came from different farm teams.
Text to Rick - Trainer has been paying too much attention to Martinez that’s in the lineup to play 3B. Looks like his neck is stiff.
Text to Rick - Same lead off as last night, still not hitting well. But—he did actually connect to a ball.
Text to Rick - Hope Carter isn’t out here watching because of me. I’m not here to cause a problem.
Carter finds me after BP, “So, tell me what you saw.”
“What do you mean?”
“Seno says you’re feeding him info you see at BP. What did you see today?” I share the info with Carter that I shared with Rick. “Interesting. What about the Seals?”
“They all looked good. Nobody hurting or anything that’s in the lineup. Seno’s bat is above average, even for him—I know I’m biased, but this has nothing to do with that. He’s going to kill it tonight. Seno and Cross have been working out more and I think they’re determined to end the season strong.”
Carter quirks his head, “I was out here to see if I saw the same things you see. I do for the Seals, but not for the visitors and I’m not saying your wrong. I don’t have your eye. Enjoy the game.” Carter heads off into the dugout and I indulge in a $5 beer from the member lounge. Just one.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Sitting behind home plate is where I belong now. It’s not just about the game, hanging out with my section peeps, gazing down upon the serene green expanse of field, and supporting my team. In fact, most importantly it’s about Rick Seno. Yes, I’ve been following his career and yelling louder for everything he does for years. This is different. This is about the smile he flashes me when he’s crouched behind home plate and a heavy hitter strikes out. This is about him pointing at me and blowing me a kiss when he steps on home plate generated by his own home run hit. This is about the way he hangs his head and laughs when he hears me yelling at the other team. This is about the way I feel his eyes pierce me when I defend him by yelling at the pitcher that’s throwing at him when he’s at bat. Nothing is the same without him with me. It makes him happy when he can see me here with him. Maybe nothing is the same without me.
I look up and my Rick is standing at the netting looking at me. “You okay?”
I jump up to meet him at the net, “Now I am.”
“Are you ready to blow this place away in the eighth?” He says as he smiles at me.
“I’m always ready for karaoke.” I give him attitude. “Just like I’m always ready for you, my king.” I gaze into his eyes, willing him to know how much he means to me and
