Construction began on our Hatteras Island house in late May, almost two months into the baseball season. It was complete by the end of September when the off-season started. After checking out the construction the week after our last games wound up, Harley and I invited Chase and Aaron to help us celebrate along with Mo and Jack.

Harley and I battled each other for the team lead in batting average throughout the season. We both ended up in the top 10 in the entire league. With stories about our relationship as a tailwind, the Yellowjackets demolished the previous season attendance record.

Chase interviewed us together before the last game. He also invited our new left fielder, Andy Hernandez. Chase pointed at Harley and me. He said, “I knew the two of you were treasures for the team, and you both proved me right this year. Now it looks like we might have located the missing link to complete the picture.”

Andy came to the team in a trade from Pittsburgh with six weeks left in the season. He was in his third year, and he struggled after his first two seasons showed great promise. Charlotte picked him up when Aaron insisted that he could turn Andy’s batting slump around.

I said, “We are happy to have Andy in the lineup. It’s been a tough year out there in left.”

The last month of the season was a first step toward proving that Aaron was right. Andy clobbered the ball. He hit home runs in all three directions, right, center, and left, while showing that he had speed on the bases. I told Harley, “Stay on your toes. If he gets much better, he’ll overshadow us.”

As Aaron climbed out of the car at our new beach house, he said, “So this is where two-thirds of the stellar Yellowjackets outfield hangs out in the winter.” He hugged me and said, “Maybe you should invite Andy out for a retreat. Chase says you’ll be the best outfield in history two years from now.”

I chuckled, “That might be overstating the situation, but something tells me that Andy might enjoy hanging out with us. I probably should have invited him.”

Chase asked, “Did you mean something in particular by that comment?”

Harley said, “Eric thinks Andy likes guys. I’m not so sure.”

“You haven’t asked him?”

“Harley said he was going to, and then he chickened out. We’ve gone out with Andy after games, and we’ve never seen him as much as blink at women in the bar.”

Aaron smiled. “That would be something. The all-gay outfield turns out to be one of the best in baseball history. That story is begging for Hollywood treatment in a movie.”

As Aaron commented, I heard a familiar bark in the distance. A few seconds later, Jack called out, “Thanks for letting us borrow your dog!”

Harley said, “You can let him off the leash from there. I think the waves are calm enough today.”

Rudy darted toward the waves. I smiled when I saw long, tall Mo trailing behind Jack. He was humming as he approached.

As he drew closer, I recognized the song as “Under the Boardwalk.” I asked, “Is there something special about the song, Mo? I know that one.”

“It’s one of the ones they played at the bar on New Year’s Eve two years ago when I fell for Jack. I can drop it for now while we check out the house.”

I shook my head. “There’s no rush. Let’s hang on the beach for a little longer. Feel free to provide the soundtrack.”

Jack grinned. “You fell for me? I thought I fell for you.” He unsnapped Rudy’s leash and stepped up to Mo. They began to dance slowly across the sand as Mo continued to hum.

Harley said, “Hey! Did we tell you that we took a few lessons?”

“Lessons?” asked Chase.

“Dancing lessons.” Harley stepped up to me, and we started to dance along with Mo and Jack. Harley began singing the words to the song.

Jack said, “His voice isn’t bad. You never told us about that talent, Harley.”

Harley said, “I’m shy about singing in public, but you’re all friends. If anyone asks, you’ve never heard me sing.”

Chase chuckled. He didn’t want to be left out. He turned to Aaron and asked, “Can you dance? We haven’t done that yet together.”

Aaron pointed at Mo, “I think I can do a rough version of what they’re doing.”

Chase said, “Then you lead, and I’ll keep up. I’m a quick learner. I’ll try to avoid stomping on your feet.”

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling broadly as I watched our friends dance with us on the sand. It was one of the best moments yet of our growing friendships, and it was spontaneous. Aaron added his voice and sang in harmony with Harley. They sounded good together.

As Chase and Aaron passed by Harley and me, Chase whispered, “None of you want to hear me sing. Trust me.”

I said, “Or me either.”

We had one more singer who wanted to join in. Rudy began to bark and dart from one couple to the other. Harley started to scold him, but I held a finger up to his lips. I said, “He’s singing, and maybe he wants to dance with us, too. We always have room for one more.”

Thank you for reading First Time Up. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.

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