Indelible. Part 16

I didn't say anything, just let myself out of the car and followed my teammates inside. I found a lone seat in the corner of the room and grabbed it. I didn't feel like being around anyone, especially Tuck. What I wanted to do was hop on my bike and head back to Sam's house. We needed to talk about this, and I needed to make sure she and Karrie were okay. I hoped the coach's meeting would be brief.

I hunched over in my chair, arms resting on my knees, one leg bouncing uncontrollably.

They needed to get this over with.

"Alright, fellas," the coach began. "I know it was short notice, but I'm happy to see that you all made it on time." He began to pace across the room. "It's been a great season so far, better than I had even hoped it would be, but it isn't over yet. I need to see that same drive and pa.s.sion that you've exhibited in every practice and during every game."

Coach paused and surveyed the room, making sure he had everyone's attention.

"A little bird told me that we will have some major league scouts at the next game. They'll be looking to fill slots in the bigs, as well as their farm teams, so you guys need to show them what you got."

The room filled with noise as the guys processed what the coach just said.

Scouts.

Here.

All thoughts of the morning's drama left me as I imagined what this could mean for me and the guys on the team.

It was our shot a" our shot to make the dream a reality.

I'd always been the first one to say that baseball was going to end for me after I graduated, but that didn't mean that my ultimate dream wasn't to get paid to play baseball for the rest of my life.

To hit a ball on a major league field, with thousands of fans cheering in the stands, or to train with the best of the best, and get a chance to play in stadiums all over the country.

If the coach had planned to say anything else, he should've done so before the announcement because the team was on their feet. Guys were making plans for extra practices, trips to the batting cages, and anything else they could think of to get ready for the big day.

I joined in the chatter for a bit, making plans for the next day. I kept my distance from Tuck though, which really sucked because my initial reaction upon hearing the news was to look over at him. I was sure the look on his face matched my own. We both shared the dream.

Then I remembered our earlier conversation and I no longer felt like sharing this moment with him. It was like the guy I thought I knew no longer existed.

I told Chris, our pitcher, I'd catch him tomorrow, and then headed out to my bike.

"Judd!" Tuck yelled, following me outside.

"What is it?" I asked coldly.

"You alright?" he asked as he neared my bike.

"I'm fine," I answered sharply. "Now, I'm going to go and make sure that Sam and Karrie are alright."

Tuck nodded and turned to leave. Then he stopped and turned back to me to ask, "Are we okay?"

He gestured back and forth between us, his face worried.

"I don't know, man," I said truthfully. "I'll let you know when I do."

Tuck nodded again, then turned on his heel and walked toward his car rather than back inside.

I felt a tug of sadness as I watched his retreating back.

Tuck and I had shared plenty of good times over the past few years, both on the field and off. I never imagined that we'd be in a place where I didn't even want to look at him.

I shook the feelings of melancholy off and put on my helmet. I hoped that Sam wasn't still upset from this morning, and that she would open up to me.

The thought of losing her was much more upsetting to me than the thought of losing Tuck. I decided I needed to really think about that.

When had this girl become such an important part of my life?

I felt much better after talking with Molly and James. I knew that I couldn't punish Judd for Tuck's decisions just because they were friends; I had just been totally shocked by the whole situation.

I was feeling better and ready to hit the store and go grocery shopping for the upcoming week when I heard the sound of Judd's motorcycle in front of the house.

I opened the door and watched as Judd dismounted, took his helmet off, and started toward me. The smile on his face was enough to bring me to my knees. I wanted him to know that I wasn't angry with him, so I threw my arms around him and kissed him enthusiastically on the mouth.

Judd's arms encircled me as he deepened the kiss.

"Hey," I said with a smile as I looked up at him.

"Hey," he responded. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I was just taken by surprise this morning."

"No s.h.i.+t," Judd said with a chuckle. "Me too."

I took his hand and we walked into the house.

"I was just getting ready to go to the grocery store to pick up stuff for the week. Do you want to come?"

Judd looked around before asking, "Where's Karrie?"

"She's taking her nap. She's been down for a while, so I was going to wake her up so that we could go."

"Why don't I stay here with Karrie while you go to the store?" Judd asked, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing my knuckles softly. "That way you can get done what you need to and Karrie can finish up her nap."

I wasn't sure if the b.u.t.terflies in my stomach were from his touch or his offer.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why not? It'll be easier on everyone, and Karrie and I can spend some quality time together."

I was positive I was beaming at his words, amazed that he would be so sweet and thoughtful.

"That would be great, actually. I can get done much faster if I'm on my own. Thank you so much!"

I reached up and kissed him before rus.h.i.+ng over to get my purse.

"I'll be quick, I promise," I said.

"Take your time, Sam. We'll be fine," Judd said as he walked me to the door. "You're taking Molly's car?"

"Yeah. I have to get her grocery list and the car, and then I will drop everything off once I'm done."

"Okay, see ya." He bent down and kissed me lightly on the nose.

I hurried down the sidewalk toward Molly's house. I looked back over my shoulder and saw Judd still staring after me. He was leaning against the threshold, thumbs in his pockets, watching me walk away. I smiled and waved, and my heart tripped when he lifted his head in a nod before turning and closing my door.

Molly was outside planting flowers while Thomas drew on the sidewalk with chalk.

"Hey, Molls," I said as I approached.

Molly turned at the sound of my voice. She had a shovel in one hand and some sort of bulb in the other. There was a cute smudge of dirt on her cheek.

"Where's Karrie?" she asked as she stood.

"Judd's watching her while I go to the store."

Molly's mouth dropped in surprise. "He's babysitting?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Well, I guess that proves he's nothing like that tool bag Tuck," Molly said.

"No, he's not, but I knew that already," I stated. "I was just taken off-guard this morning."

"He really seems like a great guy," Molly said as she fished the car keys out of her pocket. She handed it to me, getting dirt on my hand as she did.

I made a face and wiped it off. "Yuck."

"It's just dirt," Molly said with a chuckle. She put her hand back in her pocket and came out with a piece of paper. "Here's our list. Thanks, doll."

"No problem, see you in a bit."

I patted Thomas on the head and told him that his drawing was cool as I pa.s.sed by on the way to the car.

I rolled the windows down and turned the music up, enjoying the short trip to the grocery store. When I got there, I grabbed a cart and leisurely strolled down the aisles; I'd forgotten how much I actually enjoyed this ch.o.r.e.

As I pa.s.sed the meat, I decided to pick up a nice steak to grill for Judd. I could get some potatoes and corn on the cob and make him a home-cooked meal to thank him for watching Karrie. Sure, I would have to take some of the less important items off of my list to compensate, but the thought of cooking for him made me happy.

I figured I'd better shoot him a text, just in case he had other plans. I didn't want to a.s.sume he planned to spend the rest of the evening with us.

"How does dinner sound? Karrie up?"

I walked through the produce, lifting and squeezing, trying to find the best product.

"Sounds great. Yup, she's awake."

"Everything okay?"

I selected a watermelon. Both Thomas and Karrie loved it, and I thought it would make a nice treat for them this week.

"Perfect. We're having a tea party."

I giggled loudly, clapping a hand over my mouth and looking around to make sure no one had heard me. I wished I was home to see Judd having a tea party. Karrie was fond of making her guests wear hats.

"Haha, sounds fun. See you soon. Thanks, again!"

"No problem."

Excited about cooking dinner and spending the evening with Judd and Karrie, I quickened my shopping process, crossing things off the lists as I went along.

I picked up a six pack of beer, because I knew Judd preferred it to the wine I had at home.

I bagged my own groceries, careful to separate Molly's from mine as I worked. It made things much easier that way. Plus, it would save time and get me home sooner.

When I got to Molly's, I told her about the dinner as she and Bill unpacked their items from the car.

"What's the best way to cook a steak?" I asked Bill.

"Don't tell me you've never cooked one before," Bill said, looking at me as if I'd grown two heads.

I laughed at his expression and said, "I haven't. I don't make steaks for Karrie and I. I've never really had company over to cook for."

"Okay, it's pretty simple. All you need is to season the steaks with salt and pepper. Ask him how he likes his steaks, probably medium. Then you cook it on each side for about five minutes. If he likes it more rare, take a few minutes off. If he likes it well done, add a few minutes."

"That sounds simple enough," I replied, surprising Bill by grabbing him for a hug. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Bill said. If I didn't know better, I'd think his face was a little red.

"Alright, stop fawning over the grill master," Molly said with a laugh. "I'll drop you and your bags at the house so you don't have to worry about bringing the car back."

"Thanks, Moll," I said, pulling her in for a hug as well. "I love you both."

This time Molly didn't have a smart aleck response; she just hugged me tighter and said, "We love you too, Sam."

I threw the floppy hat into the corner of Karrie's room and slipped the bangle bracelets off my wrist when I heard the front door open. "Mommy's home," I said to Karrie when she looked like she was about to object to me ending the tea party.

"Mommy," Karrie squealed, almost tripping in her haste to run out of the room.

d.a.m.n, that kid was cute.

She'd woken up soon after Sam left for the store, and I swear, no one had ever acted so happy to see me before in my life.

That little girl really tugged on my heart.

We'd started off playing Barbies, and I was relieved when I found the tea party set and Karrie agreed to play. I'd much rather pretend to eat and drink than pretend to be a blonde chick.

I cleaned up the tea set quickly, and then went out to see if Sam needed help with the groceries.