Eight
“How’s your tummy today?” Halo Todd asked Danny when the boy and his sister stepped from the shuttle bus. Transportation was provided for the contest winners. They were picked up at Barefoot Inn and driven to the stadium. Halo awaited them in the parking lot. “You ate a foot-long hot dog, a ton of marshmallows, and drank two sodas last night.”
Danny pulled a face. “Not a ton. Fifteen.”
“That was ten too many,” said Alyn. Halo watched as she gently rubbed her brother’s back, right between his shoulder blades. An affectionate gesture. She looked pretty in a white tank top and black shorts. Red ballerina flats. She wore her long hair in a fancy braid down her back. “Thank goodness Mom had Alka-Seltzer,” she added.
“Made me burp.”
“He was starving again this morning,” Alyn said.
Danny held his hands wide apart. “I ate a stack of pancakes,” he exaggerated. “What about you, Halo?”
“Steak and eggs.”
“I’ve never had steak for breakfast.”
“One morning I’ll treat you,” said Halo.
Danny bounced on his tennis-shoed toes. “Can Alyn and Mommy come with us?”
“They’re invited, too.” He raised an eyebrow then. “Where’s Martha?” She hadn’t gotten off the shuttle.
Alyn relayed, “Mom’s knee was bothering her this morning. She has arthritis. She sent me with Danny, and stayed behind. She’ll sit in the shade by the pool, keep an eye on our pets. I exercised Quigley before we left. He’ll be fine for a few hours.”
“Twitches?” Halo hoped so.
“No, but he kicked out his back leg on our walk. That was a first. Could be no more than an involuntary muscle spasm, but still—”
“A kick is a kick.”
“We’ll take it.”
“I’ll give you a tour of the facility, if you like.” He noticed the other winners and players were headed toward the clubhouse. Ninety-year-old Eleanor was in the lead. No one dared pass her on the sidewalk. If someone did, she stuck out Herman to slow them down. No one wanted to get whacked in the shins by a cane. Especially one that talked to her.
Danny was all energy and excitement. “What’s first?” he asked.
Halo was patient with him. He outlined their day. “I’ll show you the locker and workout rooms, the field, and batting cages. Afterward, I need to change into my uniform for Media Day.”
“You get reported?”
“Reporters interview the starting lineup,” Halo corrected. “It’s an hour of questions and answers. We sit on tall stools outside in Rogues Plaza. You and your sister will be seated on bleachers. You’ll be introduced as well, as my contest winner.”
“Will I get my picture taken?”
“I’m sure you will. Someone from the media might even ask you a question.”
His eyes widened. “What if I don’t know the answer?”
“It’s not like school, sweetie,” Alyn assured him. “No math or science. Halo will whisper a response if you get stuck.”
“You will?”
“I always come up with something.” His prediction of winning the World Series had fallen short the previous season. National League Division Series, and he’d been humbled by the Rogues’ loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The press hounded him afterward. Telling him to polish his crystal ball and look deeper next year.
“What are we waiting for?” Danny reached for Halo’s hand. Then Alyn’s. He stood between them. Tugged. Ready to start their day.
They left the parking lot and entered the gated facility. A tall chain-link fence wrapped the grounds. Fans were already gathering for Media Day. The collapsible bleachers could only hold so many, and people arrived early to get a seat. Standing room only was limited.
A group of young women followed them in, calling to and flirting with Halo. “How’s my favorite player?” “Looking good, Halo, babe.” “Catch you tonight at the Coconut.” “After party at my place,” came his way.
Halo waved back. He couldn’t ignore the women. He’d partied with them. He’d had sex with the curvy blonde. Over the past week, his priorities had shifted. He focused on Danny and Alyn now.
Danny looked up at him. “What’s an ‘after party’?”
“I’m curious, too.” The corners of Alyn’s mouth tipped up.
Halo went with, “A smaller party that continues after the main party ends.”
Danny puzzled. “Like a double-birthday party? Two cakes?”
“More or less,” said Halo.
The boy grinned then. “I want an after party for my next birthday, sis. More friends. Lots more presents.”
“I’ll mention it to Mom,” said Alyn.
A convertible sports car honked from the access road on the opposite side of the fence. Slowing, a girl with wavy hair and red lips seated shotgun shouted at Halo, “Missed you last night at Boner’s. Wild night. Check out Sammy boy. He looks like Grumpy Cat.”
Sam Matthews. Cat whiskers. Lesson learned. Never hook up with a girl wielding an indelible Sharpie. Disaster struck. His date was creative, albeit drunken crazy. Forcing Sam to skip the bonfire. Halo wondered if he was still whiskered. If so, at least his catcher’s mask would hide the black lines.
“I drew on my arm once,” said Danny.
“He made his own tattoo,” added Alyn. “A baseball.”
“How’d you remove the marker?” Halo hoped she had a solution. For Sam’s sake, anyway. One he could relay to him, if needed.
“It took several tries, actually,” she said. “We experimented with nail polish remover, baking soda toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, baby wipes.” She smiled, finished with, “WD-40 finally did the trick. It’s greasy. Be sure to wash it off.”
“There should be WD-40 in the workout room,” said Halo.
A female jogger passed them on the far side of the chain-link. “Halo, baby!” Big boobs, small halter top. Lady was bouncing. Danny was staring. “Love you, stud. Call me.” She moved on.
“You going to call her?” Danny asked him.
“I can’t remember her name.” He was honest with the boy.
“She knew you.”
“The Rogues have a lot of fans,” he explained. “People know my name, but I don’t always know theirs.”
“Do you like being popular?”
It had both advantages and disadvantages. “It’s nice to have friends.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?” The boy was full of questions.
“I like your sister,” was said without thinking.
Alyn started, but Danny wasn’t fazed. “I like Frannie Nathan,” he said. “She’s in my class. She shared her groin—”
“Granola,” Alyn corrected him.
“During snack time. The sunflower seeds were best. Her mom’s a veggie—”
“Vegetarian.” Again from Alyn. “Their family eats healthy.”
“Healthy is good,” said Halo. “But sometimes I like junk food, just to round things out.”
Danny grinned. “I round out a lot.”
Halo smiled back, before moving them on. “Let’s take the fan walkway,” he suggested. “It’s worth seeing.”
The long, winding sidewalk around the perimeter of the stadium had been Jillian’s idea during construction two years prior. Fans had been allowed to leave their footprints for future generations. There were hundreds of prints. All different sizes and shapes, from boots to flip-flops. One set was barefoot. Danny matched his own footprints to nearly every pair.
It took them some time to reach Rogues Plaza, located near the front of the facility. The plaza was wide and tree-lined, set up with benches and collapsible bleachers. It was there that team members had left their marks. Large cement squares showcased cleated footprints, along with the players’ names.
Danny immediately went to Halo’s prints. Stood inside them. “Wow, you have big feet,” he said. He gave his shoe size. “I’m a four.”
“Thirteen,” Halo returned.
Danny spun around, faced backwards in the print. The toes of his sneakers met Halo’s heels. Still not a good fit. “I need to grow more,” he said. “Taller, too.”
Halo patted his shoulder with his free hand. “You will, dude.” He then nodded toward the main entrance. “To the locker room. Ready?”
“Set, go!” Danny took off ahead of them. He entered the building before Halo and Alyn got beyond the players’ footprints.
“He won’t get lost, will he?” Alyn was concerned.
“Security will slow him down. They won’t allow him beyond the lobby without supervision.”
He held back a moment, glancing at Alyn. “Good morning.” He hadn’t officially welcomed her to the park. He did so now. “I’m glad you’re here today.” He meant it.
Her light green eyes were bright; her expression, relaxed. “I’m happy to be included.”
“I wanted you with me.” He was serious.
She didn’t take him seriously. “You have so many women wanting you. What’s one more?”
“Because that one means more than the others.”
Still, she put him off. “Danny needs a chaperone.”
“I need a girlfriend.”
She blinked, taken aback. “A girlfriend? Whatever for? You don’t seem the one-woman type. Can you even spell monogamy?”
He spelled o-n-e-w-o-m-a-n instead.
She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.”
What he was about to offer her was possible. Doable. If she’d agree. The idea had formed last night, following the bonfire, and after the contest winners were shuttled back to the inn. He, Landon, Will, and Zoo had opted for a beer at Parrot Pete’s, a bar new to them. A green parrot perched on a swing in a long, narrow cage that hung above the bar. He was a foul-mouthed bird. Screw you was said loud and often. Along with Kiss my ass. Zoo offered to buy the parrot. The owner declined.
The bar had a steady stream of customers, but wasn’t packed. The guys selected a table in one corner. They talked serious baseball, outlining their season ahead. Strategy was all-important.
What the men couldn’t avoid was the tease. Frequent and feminine. Halo’s past caught up with him. He’d free-styled over the years. Making himself available and easy. Hot babes wearing next to nothing stopped by their table, looking to hook up. It became disruptive. Monotonous. Annoying.
Landon had finally turned his back on the room, as had Halo. Even Will and Zoo stayed tuned to their conversation, which was unusual for them. They were easily distracted. The night was young, and the ladies’ interruptions got old fast.
An hour passed, then a second. Fans sent pitchers of beer to their table. Halo and Land drank minimally. Zoo and Will felt no pain. They soon welcomed the attentions of the ladies.
Sex was the last thing on Halo’s mind. He’d just left Alyn. Her presence lingered, even after the groupies gathered. They leaned against him, stroked his shoulders. Ran their fingers through his hair. Whispered in his ear. Explicit invitations to party.
There’d been so many women. He’d lost sight of the bar and the exit door. Most men would be out of their minds with the female attention. The more women, the better. A harem fantasy. Halo wasn’t even tempted. He’d grown bored. Gotten up to leave, despite the sexual requests.
Somewhere in the last week, morality had kicked him in the nuts. Sex for sex’s sake no longer appealed. He sucked air, frustrated and horny. Blue balls were not his color.
In the light of day, he faced Alyn with the truth. Sharing what he believed would solve their problems and satisfy them both. He began with, “I don’t want any distractions this season. Rylan wants us to go the distance. We all do. We can make it happen. I need my mind fully on the game. Not sidelined by—”
“Pouty lips, big breasts, and long legs?”
“Something like that.”
“A lot like that. You’re a big boy, Halo. Be strong. Beat them off with a stick.” Lady could be sarcastic. Not pretty.
He shifted his stance, said, “I’ve options. A girlfriend would help hold off those who hang on.”
“Women who want you will stalk you, girlfriend or not.”
“Work with me, Alyn.”
“In what capacity?” She appeared leery.
“Hang with me, babe.”
“You’ve got to be joking.”
“Serious as a sermon.”
“You’re delusional.”
“Think about it.”
“No.”
“Take your time.”
“My decision’s made.”
She wasn’t budging. Danny eventually called to him from the front entrance. “Halo, you coming? The guard took me to the workout room. I lifted a barbell. Rolled the medicine ball. I ate an orange off the food cart.” He held up his hands. “Sticky.”
“Be right there,” Halo said. “We’ll get your hands washed.” He curved his arm about Alyn’s shoulders, snugged her close. “Nice fit, don’t you think?”
She elbowed him in the side. Hard. “Stop that.”
He released her, tried another tactic. “I have a business proposition for you.”
That got her attention. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught. “Business?”
“You need a backer for your antique business. I could be your silent partner. My capital in exchange for being a couple.” A short pause. “So, what do you say?”
“You need an answer right this minute?”
“In a second or two.”
“I hate to be rushed.”
He wasn’t good at waiting. “Our deal is simple. I’ve spelled it out. Once you agree—”
“If I agree.”
“I’ll reserve the shop on the second floor of the brick building in downtown Richmond. You’ll be living your dream.”
She sighed, a sign she was giving in. That’s how Halo saw it, anyway. “How long is a season?” she questioned.
“World Series takes us to ten months.”
“Almost a year.” She met his gaze. “We need terms.”
Conditions to their deal. He’d never played within boundaries. He wasn’t certain he even could. “Hit me,” he said.
“I will pay you back every cent you loan me, once I get up and running and show a profit.”
She could keep the money as far as he was concerned. He wouldn’t miss it. But she was honorable. So he nodded. Agreeing.
She licked her lips. He wished he was licking them, too. “No sex.”
Low blow. And painful. “Ah, babe.” His balls were getting bluer by the second. “Some public affection, then, otherwise no one will believe we’re a couple.”
“Kisses, no tongue.”
She was no fun. “Touching?”
“You can put your arm around me. Hold my hand.”
He was pretty certain he could charm his way to feeling her up. Maybe she’d stroke him down. The thought left him hard.
She noticed the bulge behind his zipper, and her eyes rounded. “Really?” she asked.
“It’s who I am.”
She pursed her lips, thought ahead. “I’ll need to explain our deal to Danny and my mom. So they don’t read more into our arrangement than is actually there.”
“I’ll talk to your brother man-to-man.”
“He’s eight.” She clutched her hands at her sides. Unsure. “No matter how we explain ‘us,’”—she made quotation marks with her fingers—“he’ll see you as family. You’ll let him down when you leave.”
“Maybe I won’t leave.”
“I could leave you.”
“Harsh, Alyn. Take my money, then dump me.”
“Such is life.”
“So . . . you’re in.”
“I’m . . . in.”
They’d go the distance, he was certain. He’d already sketched the outcome of their relationship in his mind. One he could live with. He was happy with the ending.
They hadn’t discussed when to make their announcement. Halo figured soon. Very soon. Their verbal agreement bound them now. Neither would go back on his or her word. He took her hand, and she laced her fingers with his. Her palm was small in his. Soft. Tentative.
Danny was tapping his toe by the time they reached him. He didn’t question their holding hands. Instead, he reached for Halo’s free one. The boy’s hand stuck to his. Juicy.
The locker room was empty by the time they arrived. The contest winners and players had come and gone and moved to the field. “Let’s wash your hands before we do anything else,” Halo suggested. He led Danny toward the restroom, only to glance over his shoulder and wink at Alyn. She blushed. Prettily.
Danny scrubbed, avoided getting his cast wet. He then paper-toweled his hands dry. He dunked the used towels in the trash can like a basketball player. Then turned to Halo and said, “You’re always looking at my sister.”
The boy was observant. Halo was honest. “She’s easy on the eyes. I like her.”
“I like her, too.”
“I might ask her on a date, if that’s okay with you.”
“You stuff her now.”
“Do stuff with her now,” Halo interpreted, trying not to smile.
“Mommy and Daddy went to movies. Alyn would babysit me. They needed to grow up sometimes.”
It took Halo a second to figure out, “Some grown-up time.” Adults needed to stay connected. Danny’s parents had scheduled date nights. He found that very cool.
Danny grinned then. “They would kiss in the kitchen when they thought I was playing in the yard. In the greenhouse, too. But I saw.”
“They loved each other.”
“Daddy left us.”
Death was never easy on a family. “I wish I’d met your father.”
“Mommy says I look just like Daddy when he was a boy.”
“I looked a lot like my dad, too.” He’d learned a hard lesson after his father’s passing. He reflected, “It’s important to be kind to people we care about.” He and his old man had never expressed regret over their arguments. Their silence. They’d never shaken hands. Never agreed to disagree. It was too late now.
“Be nice to my sister. Mommy said she’s frag-able.”
“Fragile.” Halo would do his best never to hurt her. “Are we good, dude?” He held his hand out to Danny. They fist bumped, then shook. “No matter what happens down the road, you and I will go the distance. I promise.”
“Quigley, too?”
“Quiggie Sparks makes three.”
“We’re the Muskets.”
“Three Musketeers.”
“Guys? Is everything okay?” Alyn called from the main locker room. “How long does it take to wash hands?”
“Guy talk,” Halo told her when they returned. He rested his hand on Danny’s shoulder, guided him to the row of lockers. The starting lineup filled the row against the south wall. “Mine,” he pointed to the second one. There were thirty preseason games. Three batting practice uniforms, five boxes of athletic shoes, a collection of sunglasses and terry-cloth wrist bands stood ready. He would change into one of his uniforms shortly, when the team met with the media.
“I like your locker,” said Danny.
“Yeah, so do I.”
Clubhouse manager Walter Atwater made the spring training locker assignments. Atwater had placed Halo by Rylan. Which was fine by Halo. Walt believed the veteran’s work ethic and stability would rub off on him. An empty locker separated him from the team captain. The space was meant for Ry, yet Halo would pitch his wallet and keys on the top shelf. Oftentimes hang an extra set of clothes. The coveted real estate put him adjacent to the lounge and food cart with easy access to the showers. He could settle on a La-Z-Boy, put up his feet after nine innings, and enjoy a snack or catered meal. It was all good.
Halo glanced at Alyn. She sat in the background, on a gray-enameled bench. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. He liked looking at her. He wanted to share his career. To give her an understanding of who he was. Deep inside, beyond his public image. He turned to Danny. “Where to next? Field, batting cages?”
The boy closed his eyes, and imagined, “I’ve just hit a home run and I’m rounding the bases.”
“Let’s go, slugger. No sliding home,” he reminded.
Halo refused to let Alyn lag behind. She was allowing him and Danny to bond, but he needed to strengthen their personal connection, too. Danny swung out the door, shot down the short tunnel, his feet flying. He would round the bases, which gave Halo a private moment with his sister.
A dim bulb lit the hallway. Casting them in shadow. He let Alyn catch up, then caught her to him. “Are we having fun yet?” he whispered near her ear.
“Danny’s having the time of his life.”
“How about you?”
“I’m taking it all in.”
“Take me in.” He gave her no warning. He kissed her.
Claimed her. In an instant. He lifted her full against him, effortlessly. She stood on tiptoe. Her parted lips let his tongue slip in, and move hotly over her own. Possessive, passionate. She savored his masculine taste; the heat of his body wrapped her in his scent. All male.
Their chemistry was undeniable, strong and potent. Overpowering. So sexual, she couldn’t keep her hands off him. She explored the corded strength of his shoulders; her nails scored his back. His muscles flexed, rippled, beneath her fingers. Her composure wavered. The wall pressed her back. Halo, her front. His chest was as wide and hard as cement block.
There was no sweet exchange with this man. He kissed with his entire body. He pleasured her. Appreciated her. Raw, restive, capturing, he drew her out of herself and into him. She went, willingly. He stroked her back, the high curve of her bottom. He squeezed her hips. Cupping her butt, he kept her flush against him. His breathing deepened. He was hard for her. The zipper on his jeans distended. Largely so.
Sensation pooled in her belly. She was lost to the moment. Lost in the man. He was addictive. Restless, he shifted against her. Impatient, she arched, pressed her hips tighter against him. She wanted to wrap her legs about his waist. She would have, had the side door not opened, and sunlight splashed the hallway. They were visible to a little boy’s eyes.
Halo groaned, low, deep, as if in pain. Frustration etched his handsome face. He released her, stepped back. Her thighs locked before her knees buckled. She was that turned on. Danny ran inside, stopped short. Dirt smudged his face, and he was panting. Alyn was as out of breath as her brother. She concentrated on her breathing. Which was difficult.
Public affection. How much had Danny seen? If anything. She was embarrassed by their display in the hall. She’d kindled with Halo’s first kiss. Her control escaped her. She fanned herself now. The fire still burned. Her breasts felt heavy. Her belly, soft. Her panties were wet.
“Did you run the bases?” Halo found his voice first.
“Three times,” Danny said proudly. “I thought you were watching me, but I crossed home alone.”
Alyn’s heart squeezed. She should’ve been there for her brother. Clapping and cheering him on. She apologized, saying the first thing that popped into her head. “Sorry, sweetie. Halo’s shoelace came untied, and he stopped to fix it.”
Danny lowered his gaze. “Halo’s wearing loafers, sis.”
Her cheeks heated. Halo had the balls to laugh. He lightly cuffed Danny on the shoulder, admitted, “I stole a kiss.”
“You can steal more if you want.” Danny gave them permission.
“No more,” she assured him. “We’re done here.”
“For now,” said Halo. “Let’s go, guy.”
Danny banged out the door. Excited, and nearly tripping over his feet. Alyn and Halo followed more slowly. He took her hand with the ease of a long-time boyfriend. They’d only been a couple for an hour. Yet everything seemed easy, comfortable. Meant to be, although she knew it wasn’t long-term. She would take him one day at a time. That was all she could afford. Becoming too involved, too fast, would complicate her life forever. She couldn’t afford for that to happen.
On the field, Halo chased Danny around the bases. Danny was beside himself from the attention. He jumped with both feet on home plate, raised his arms high, then turned and hugged Halo.
“This is a great ballpark,” said Danny. He pointed toward the batting cages on the far side of the bullpen. “Can I swing, just once, please, Halo, please.”
Alyn’s heart slowed. She didn’t want her brother to get hurt. “Your cast,” she reminded him.
Halo figured out a way to ease her mind and make Danny happy. “The ball machine can be regulated, but there’s no slow pitch. I’d need to stand behind you, and go hand-over-hand on the bat. Will that work for you?”
She watched it all unfold from outside the fence that surrounded the batting cages. Halo loaded the ball machine, and set the speed of the pitches. Alyn thought they still came fast, but her brother wanted faster. Halo was light-handed on the bat. Still, he protected Danny’s cast when her brother stepped into a pitch. They connected on ten of twelve balls. Danny was elated.
Halo gave Danny a fist bump. “Superstar,” he praised.
“Now what?” her brother wanted to know. Still hyped, and ready to go.
Halo glanced at his watch. “You and Alyn need to go back to Rogues Plaza,” he directed. “Locate Jillian, our community liaison. You met her at the bonfire. There’s designated seating for the contest winners and media. You’ll have a good view of all that goes on.”
He gave Danny a final pat on the shoulder, then kissed Alyn full on the lips. Her whole body sighed. “Later, babe.” He left them then; jogged back toward the locker room.
The man looked as good going as he did coming, she thought. He filled out his black T-shirt and packed his jeans. His body shouted agility and strength. He’d left a permanent imprint on her from the hallway.
Danny took her hand as they walked toward the front of the facility. He looked up to her. “Halo likes you.”
She missed a step. Stumbled. “How would you know that?”
“He told me.”
“When, sweetie?”
“When I was washing my hands.”
They’d had a private conversation amid the soap, water, and scrubbing. “Anything else you want to tell me?” she prodded, but didn’t press him. She respected their guy time.
Danny gave it some thought. “He and his daddy looked alike.”
“And . . .”
“Him, Quigs, and me are Three Musket-ears.”
He gave a little hop, and she knew he’d relayed all that he remembered, all that was important to him. She let it rest. They soon rounded the corner of the stadium, and became part of a large crowd. Alyn couldn’t believe the number of people already gathered, along with those who stood in line at the gate.
Jillian saw them before they saw her. She waved them down. “So glad you’re here,” she greeted. “Halo has texted me a dozen times in ten minutes, making sure you have the best seats available. The man can be persistent.”
“Wherever we’re assigned, we’ll be fine,” Alyn assured her. She didn’t have to be front and center. The top row of the bleachers worked for her.
“I’ve left two rows open for the contest winners,” Jillian informed them. She pointed to the lower left, to the empty spaces. “Fans will try to sneak down to be closer to the players. So grab a space now. The guys should be here shortly. They’ll field media questions. Then chat with the crowd. It’s a fun hour.”
Alyn and Danny settled beside Eleanor Norris. The ninety-year-old wore a wide-brimmed straw hat, a long-sleeve blouse, white gloves, and slacks. “Sun will never touch my skin,” she told them. She had a lovely complexion.
Twenty minutes, and the starting lineup emerged. Tall, strong, swaggering. They looked hot in their uniforms. Alyn admired each one. They lived and breathed baseball.
Halo stood out to her. He had a restless edginess. He wore his baseball cap backwards, his game face was set. He looked serious as he took his seat on a tall stool in the center of the plaza. He and Landon flanked team captain Rylan Cates. She located Sam Matthews, far right. His face appeared red and slightly raw, as if scrubbed, with only a hint of squiggly black at the corner of his mouth. Most of the marker had disappeared.
Halo scanned the crowd. Looking for her. Finding her. He stared overly long. Her pulse jumped. She fidgeted. His slow grin aroused her. She grew warmer than the sunshine. Danny saw him looking their way, and waved. Halo nodded back.
She glanced about. The press was well represented, from what she could tell. A gathering of national and local television stations, newspapers, and sports magazines. Introductions of the players soon followed. Jillian detailed each man’s career, beginning with veteran Rylan Cates, and moving down the line.
Ry was the hometown boy. The extended Cates family was in attendance. He received a solid round of applause. Halo and Landon came next. They received standing ovations. Alyn had never seen anything like it. Fans went crazy for them. They were good-looking and single. Desirable and admired. And known for playing as hard off the field as on. She wondered if Halo could be faithful. Or if his DNA was wired for multiple partners.
Halo and Landon went on to salute the crowd, but didn’t do anything that drew attention from the other players. They were unified. One for all.
Five reporters took turns asking questions. One asked if the team was prepared for the upcoming season. Rylan responded, “We’re primed.”
Which team was their biggest challenge? Halo answered, “Each team we face on any given game day.”
Were the players looking forward to Opening Day? Landon kept it simple. “It starts our season.”
The reporters ran through their list of questions. Depth of the bullpen. Any minor injuries. Predictions. Toward the end of the session, one reporter asked if veteran Rylan Cates was a father figure to the team.
Halo fielded it. “We call him ‘Dad.’ ”
The crowd clapped, liking his response. From what Alyn could tell, Rylan was a few years older than his teammates. Maturity was on his side. Every team needed a leader.
Jillian joined the guys once again. She appreciated everyone’s enthusiasm and participation during the spring training contest. She then requested that the players introduce their winners, and read a short paragraph from the letter they’d received.
Alyn’s breath caught. Her stomach sank. Halo hadn’t read Danny’s letter. He’d admitted as much to her in the living room of her home. Her brother would be disappointed. And she had no way to save the day.
The men took over the microphone and, one by one, called their winners forward. Jillian passed each player the appropriate letter. There was both humor and seriousness conveyed over the next half hour. Landon told the crowd Eleanor enjoyed baseball. She and her husband hadn’t missed a game when he’d been alive. Eleanor took the mic from him, and stated she was ninety years old. She’d lived a good life and could cross spring training off her bucket list. She tapped her cane, adding that she and Herman were happy now.
Not everyone understood “Herman,” but Alyn did. She smiled. The woman and her cane would continue on their journey. Wherever it would take them.
There was continuous applause and a few tears shed during the introductions. The army veteran brought the fans to their feet. Cheers honored his military service.
Rylan’s winner surprised everyone present. It was a Doberman named Lassiter, led out by his owner. The letter stated that Lassiter loved to chase and catch baseballs. They were his favorite toy. Somehow, while playing in the park, he’d caught a ball, and it got lodged in his throat. He nearly died. Thanks to successful emergency surgery, the dobie had survived. Rylan held up the letter. Signed with a paw print.
The fans went crazy. Good wishes for Lassiter rose on the air. It was a joyous moment. Halo was the final Rogue to call up his winner. Danny jumped off the bleachers and was headed to Halo before the ballplayer finished saying his name.
Alyn clutched her hands in her lap, so tightly her knuckles turned white. Surely Halo wouldn’t embarrass her brother. What could he say that would come even close to what Danny had written?
The right fielder locked eyes with her across the plaza. He knew that she believed he’d failed Danny. His look said he was about to prove her wrong. He placed his big hand over the boy’s shoulder, went on to withdraw an envelope tucked into the back waistband of his uniform pants. Halo took out the letter, and began to highlight the contents. “Danny Jayne has been a baseball fan all his life.” Pause. “He’s eight.” The crowd responded with arm pumps and woot-woots. “His father took him to his first baseball game, and he has happy memories of the time they spent together. My bobble head is on his bedroom dresser.” Smiles from the crowd.
Halo paused, allowing his next words to sink in. “Danny’s father passed away, following the end of last season. His mother promised he could still attend our games. She would take him. Still, it wouldn’t be the same. Guys watch baseball better than girls.” Chuckles and a few sniffles.
Alyn pressed her palm over her heart. She bit down on her bottom lip to still the trembling. She listened as Halo said, “This week is guy time. Danny’s here, chaperoned by his mother and sister. We will celebrate America’s pastime in memory of his dad.” Hearts opened, and applause welcomed Danny to spring training.
“A question for you, Danny,” came from one of the reporters. “How happy are you to be here?”
His smile spoke for him. Ear-to-ear, and eyes shining.
The reporter nodded. “Good answer.” A photographer took his picture.
Her brother gave Halo a huge hug, then ran back to Alyn. Sitting still was not an option, so he stood before her. Rocking heel-toe and bobbing. Fortunately, he was short, and didn’t draw any complaints.
She felt Halo’s eyes on her, and met his gaze. He raised one eyebrow questioningly, almost smugly, and she nodded in turn. She had no idea how he’d pulled off the letter, until he side-eyed Jillian. She then understood. Assistance from the community liaison had saved the day. She was grateful. Beyond words.
Jillian retrieved the microphone, allowed the Rogues one final comment. “Anything personal you’d like to share with your fans?” she asked them.
Pitcher Will Ridgeway announced he’d recently purchased a house in Barefoot William. This would be his off-season residence. The townies loudly embraced his move.
Landon told those gathered that he was setting up a sports camp in Richmond. Hopefully, a second one in Barefoot William the next year. Major League players would hold clinics. Professional teams loved to scout young talent.
Zoo drew mass approval with, “I’ll be visiting the hospital while I’m in town. Times and dates will be posted on the Rogues’ website. You’re welcome to join me. One condition, dress as a superhero. I’m Captain America.”
Rylan’s news centered on his Great Dane. Atlas had fathered a litter of puppies. He was a local canine legend. Fans barked.
Halo came up next. The last to share news. Alyn had no idea what he might say. The man was unpredictable at best. She listened intently along with all those present. “I recognize so many of you,” he began. “My party squad. The wild and reckless. We’ve shared pitchers of beer. Swapped stories. You’re like family.”
Hoots and hollers. Whistles. “Yeah, baby,” and “You go, man,” echoed behind Alyn. From both men and women.
“Life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it.” He spoke slowly, distinctly. “My curveball, a woman. We found each other when neither of us was looking. Times change. Often for the better. You have to take advantage of those moments that feel right. Really right,” he emphasized. “I have. I’m recently engaged.”
He shocked the plaza to silence.
Jaws dropped.
Eyes went wide.
Female hearts broke.
Men had lost a sexual hero.
Alyn wanted to kill him.