Page 17 of Wandering Closer

“My parents have two large lilac bushes outside of the kitchen window. My mom loves to open the window when they are in bloom. The whole house will smell like them for weeks on end.”

“When it comes time for me to tackle landscaping, I want to plant a few around my deck. I’ve got a black thumb though, I might have to ask your mom how to keep them alive,” she laughs to herself, oblivious to the smile on my face.She wants to talk to my mom.I clear my throat, dislodging the urge to beg her to meet my family tomorrow.

“I think she would love that. Alright, what do you want to know about River’s life?”

She pulls out her notebook and pen again, looking over the list of questions. “Did he always know he was going to play baseball professionally?”

“Yeah,” I think back to our high school days. He was gifted then already. Not to say he didn’t work his ass off for it, because he did. River was just naturally talented from a young age. He had deadly accuracy with throwing and catching, and had a much bigger build than me back then. “He was scouted in high school, and recruited straight to the Rainiers. They kept him onthe farm team while he was in college to really hone his skills and help him bulk up. He has been on the MLB team ever since.”

“Wow, your parents must be really proud to have successful and athletic kids.”

I choke on my sip of beer and cough it up on the deck. She did not just put River and I in the same category, but I like that she noticed one part. “You think I’m athletic?”

Her cheeks flush a deep crimson, as she flusters her words. “Well, you know, you uhhh, you had no shirt on the other morning.” She gestures at my body across the table from her, “And you are clearly big, so I assume since you do rescues, and uhhh, you know.”

A deep laugh rumbles through my chest. “I am big, thank you for noticing. I run too, great stamina.” I wink at her, watching the flush travel all the way down her chest. “What’s your next question?”

She writes down my previous answer, then reads the next. “Has his fame impacted his relationships?”

“Most of them, maybe even all of them. Starting in high school, as soon as the scouts started coming around, girls started flocking to him like seagulls on fries at the beach. Even friends started treating him like a meal ticket. Since then, he has had one relationship that seemed genuine, but she couldn’t handle the travel schedule. Between people wanting him for his status and money, and those unable to handle the grueling schedule and chaos that inevitably follows him, he’s struggled. He started seeing a new woman recently. I haven’t met her yet but he said she seems like a good egg.”

His life is something I would never want for myself. I enjoy an easy schedule, a lot of time at home and in the woods, and genuine connections. I’ve never been one to put an emphasis on material things. Not that River is big on material things either, he’s great with his money, and humble about his success.Regardless, there is an expectation in the professional sports world, and the women that chase those men seem to have big expectations, too.

We have lived very different lives since we moved out of our parents’ house, but I’m grateful we are still as close as we are. He’s my hero in a lot of ways, and I truly want the best for him. Getting to make a trip to Seattle to watch him play isn’t so bad either. I’m beyond proud of him.

Lily seems oblivious to the fact I’ve been lost in my thoughts. She seems to be contemplating that life as well. Her quiet voice breaks the silence as she writes down my answer. “I think not being seen and liked for who you are down to your soul is one of life’s greatest tragedies.”

She looks up when she’s done, her eyes muted and rimmed in sadness. It makes me question if anyone has taken the time to really see her for all that she is. “Okay,” she clears her throat, breaking the moment. “Here’s an easy one. What are the relationships between the teammates and staff like?”

I bark out a laugh, “That is far from easy. There have been seasons where he raves how the whole team is in sync and everyone gels, and seasons where one new trade can throw off the whole dynamic and create divides where there weren’t before. His coaching staff has stayed pretty consistent and there is a level of mutual respect between most of them. From what he has said though, the Rainiers management seems pretty selective on who they hire and trade. A scandal can make them turn down a player, no matter their ability or stats.”

“So like most jobs then, one bad apple can sour the whole bunch. Last one for now, what does game day look like? How early does he get there, do they really all shower together after and go to the bars with each other, or is that a fable other romance books have sold me?”

That gives me an idea, and I know Riv will pull out all the stops for it if I ask. “Would you like to go to a game and see for yourself? I’m sure he can sneak you onto the field and behind the scenes a little and show you the game day routine in person.”

The minute the words leave my mouth, I regret them. What if this is what she was hoping for with this questioning? What if she just wants a chance to meet him, and a chance at trying to catch his eye? I know some of the guys on his team; if Riv takes her around them they will flirt mercilessly and try to take her home.

Lily immediately puts all those fears to bed when she simply asks, “Would you go with me?”

I swallow the lump in my throat and smile at her. “Yeah, if you want me to.”

Her smile is immediate and lights her whole face, “I would love to then. This can be so good for my book, and I’ve never been to Seattle. Can we go to Pike Place Market? Oooh, and see the Space Needle? I need to order a jersey. Are they called jerseys in baseball, too?”

“I’ll call River this week and see when is a good time for us to come. We can see whatever you would like while we are there,” I chuckle at her enthusiasm. I’m not a big city guy, but I can admit that Seattle is eclectic and fun to visit and explore. I got my fill of it in college, but I would be thrilled to show her around. The view from the top of the Space Needle on a clear day is incredible, and I would love to watch Lily experience it.

“Do you think he would be okay if I brought my notebook with? I promise not to bombard him with questions but I like to write things down and may have a few things to ask. I’m a little neurotic about lists and writing things down,” she says, swirling her wine in the glass.

“He already told me he’s happy to answer whatever I can’t. Bring a whole binder if you need, he would love it.”

She smiles at me, and I want to capture this moment. The last of the fading sun is reflecting in her eyes, brightening the usually moody blue and highlighting the brown tones in her hair. Her clear skin looks soft to the touch, my fingers itching to reach forward and stroke down her cheek.

Shadow’s bark at the back door draws our attention, breaking my moment of revery. “I guess she’s done with dinner too,” Lily jokes, standing as she starts collecting the dishes. I collect the ones she can’t carry, and we head inside to put them in the kitchen. Without asking, she starts clearing the plates and putting them in the dishwasher, so I grab containers for the leftovers.

When everything is put away, I curl my fingers under the countertop, taking in Lily. “Do you want to stay for a bit? We can watch a movie or just enjoy the evening air on the porch.”

“A movie sounds good. Can I ask a personal question?”

“Sure,” I guide her to the living room with a light touch at the small of her back.The heat of her skin under the thin fabric seeps into my fingers.

---