Page 71 of Batter Up!

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot you brought a girl home. Another redhead, huh?”

“Ty’s definitely got a type,” Landon joked.

“Landon? Wow. Nice to see you, too, son,” Dad said and shook his hand. “Saw your diving catch on the local news. It was very impressive.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Landon said. “The offer still stands for you and mom to come watch a game in Miami or anywhere you want. We play at Atlanta and St. Louis this year, and they are closer to here.”

“You know I can’t just leave the shop. People need their cars fixed, and someone has to do it since two of my sons decided to up and leave.”

“Michael! You promised no arguing,” Mom warned. “Let's just go eat.”

Dad nodded and stepped to the head of the table. We all sat down, eating family-style, so people just passed around the chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, honey rolls, and salad. Mom also put out several salad dressings since she wasn’t sure what people would like.

“Dad, this is my girlfriend, Molly,” I said as people began eating. “And this is her best friend, Meadow. The guy next to Landon is my new teammate and friend, Hunter Montgomery.”

Dad just nodded his head at each person but didn’t say much.

“How’s business, Dad?” Landon asked, trying to break the tension.

“Great, thank you. Carter, why is Alec not eating with us?” Dad asked about Carter’s best friend, who is also an employee at the auto shop.

“He had plans, Dad,” Carter explained as he took a big bite of a honey roll. “One of his sisters graduated from college and today is her graduation party.”

“Wow. I can’t believe one of Alec’s little sisters is old enough to graduate college,” Landon commented.

“Vera is very smart. She’s heading to veterinarian school this spring in Nashville. Dawn is so excited she’ll be closer to home,” Mom explained about Alec’s sister and mom.

“To me Vera and Nora will always be the little sisters that would follow us around and try to paint our fingernails,” Carter said, and we all had a good laugh.

Dad just nodded, and they talked shop for a few minutes while the rest of us ate quietly.

“Michael, you missed a great game today. I’m sure Alec could have watched the shop. You should have come,” Mom said as she passed the salad to Hunter on her right.

“Were you not listening, Sue? Our son said Alec had plans,” Dad said.

“I still think you should have come.” Mom shook her head in obvious disappointment.

“Oh my gosh, Mrs. Stone, this is the best,” Meadow exclaimed, sensing the tension mounting I’m sure.

“Yes, Mrs. Stone,” Molly agreed. “This is all amazing. I would love the recipes.”

“I would love to give it to you!” Mom said proudly. “But, please, as I said before, call me Susan. I’d be happy to share any recipe you’d like, sweetheart.”

“But you never give out your recipes,” Carter said in shock.

“Yes, but Molly is going to be family,” Mom explained, and Dad’s fork fell to his plate with a loud clang. I felt a sense of deja vu from the last time I had sat in this dining room.

“What do you mean family?” Dad asked.

“We’re engaged, Mr. Stone,” Molly said bravely.

I squeezed her hand under the table and began to rub her thigh. I knew where this conversation was going.

“And how do you plan to support another person?” Dad asked, looking right at me.

“Dad, I’m moving up, and I’m already in Double-A.”

“And you make what? $600 a week before taxes. That’s hardly enough to take care of just you, much less someone else, too,” Dad mumbled. “This is very sudden. Or is she with you because she’s waiting to see IF you get to the major leagues?” He put extra emphasis on the word ‘If.’

---