Page 37 of Love in the Outfield

I step out onto my balcony while Mom drones on. My apartment is dope. I have a gorgeous view of the Ohio River and cityscape. The river is a commercial waterway and bustling with river traffic. I absently watch a large cargo ship meander towards the bridge as I listen to Mom lecture me on the other end.

From my sixth-floor vantage point, I can see the minor league ballfield where I cut my teeth and the green space of the waterfront park area, where they hold concerts and festivals during warmer months. The view from my balcony is dope. It’s a killer mix of natural beauty and the city skyline. The riverbank has parks, trees and walking paths, and some mornings I jog along the river at dawn. The sunrise reflecting on the water is amazing. My favorite though, is the skyline at night when the bridge and buildings are all lit up.

“Honey, I know you must be exhausted. Settle in for the night and put this on the back burner. Sleep on it… it will still be there in the morning.”

“I’m meeting Auggie and Georgia at nine-thirty tomorrow morning. I’ll call you afterward. I’ll see if I can set up a time for you and Dad to meet your grandson.”

“Thank you. You do know I only want what’s best for you, and of course August.”

“I know. I’m too tired to think right now. I’m going to order a pizza and watch some baseball. Fingers crossed the team breathing down our backs loses tonight.”

“That sounds like a plan. Love you.”

“Love you too, Mom.” I hang up, my worry overtaking my exhaustion. Are Mom and Dad right that I’m being way too naïve here? I mean, it does make sense to have some kind of legal agreement in place. Doesn’t it? It’s not a betrayal or anything against Georgia. I mean, after all, she didn’t have my best interests at heart all this time and I need to make sure I get to be a big part of my son’s life from now on.

An hour later I’m crashed on my couch feet propped on my coffee table, eating pizza in front of my sixty-five-inch flat screen. The St. Louis Archers are ahead by two runs in the seventh but the Redhawks are good at rallying. All I can say is, go Archers!

17

GEORGIA

I’m a ball of nerves as I wait for Cade to show up. I’m still irritated by just about everything but I remind myself that Cade Jennings is not the root ofallevil.

I’m in cut-off jeans and a sleeveless crop top with my hair up in a ponytail. It’s supposed to be a scorcher today but right now there is a pleasant breeze and it’s comfortable.

“August, your daddy is coming to see you.” He’s sitting on the floor in a pair of pull-up diapers and no top, the curls at the nape of his neck slightly damp from the heat. He’s engrossed with the toy cars he got from Cade, busy making engine sounds. Jasper hears the motorcycle approaching before I do and whines to go outside. I open the screen door and he barrels through then circles Cade, barking up a storm.

I grab Auggie and step outside, watching as he climbs off the bike, removes his helmet and shakes out his loose curls. He leaves his sunglasses on which only adds to his sexy aura. I mean to tell ya, he is a feast for sore eyes. His oversized tank top with open sides and cargo shorts only highlight his athletic physique. Broad sculpted shoulders, well-defined chest, arms that are lean yet powerful, he’s a walking snack. I feel like fanning myself.

He reaches the bottom step and stops, staring over his shoulder at the plastic eyesore before doubling over with laughter. “You weren’t wrong,” he says wiping his eyes. “It’s huge!”

Auggie bounces on my hip, his little arms thrust towards Cade. Cade reaches for him, practically beaming.

“Hey little buddy. How’s life been treating you?” Auggie grunts and points at the dog. Cade responds with, “I see him. I used to take walks with Jasper and your mama.”

“Doggie,” Auggie says.

“Yepper. Jasper’s what you call a hound doggie.”

“Woof,” August says.

“That’s right.” He looks over Auggie’s head and we exchange a meaningful look that says, “our son is brilliant.” It’s uncanny how quickly August has taken to Cade. I swear it’s like he’s known him his whole life.

August then points at the bouncy house. “Dam hows.” I clamp my hand over my mouth as Cade looks at me eyes sparkling.

Ignoring the swear word, Cade looks at me pointedly. “Want to get in the bouncy house? All three of us?”

“Oh no, not me.” I sound panicked.

“Why not? Afraid of a little fun? The Georgia I remember liked adventure.”

“Still do. I just don’t feel like bouncing round in a hot plastic room.”

“It’s not that hot yet. Come on… pretty please? Auggie tell your mama she has to play with us.”

“Mama pway?”

I give Cade the stink eye. “That’s cheating.”

---