Page 13 of The One for Me
“You’re early,” Devney says as she watches me watch her.
“I am.”
“Sean!” Austin breaks the moment as he heads to me.
“Hey, little dude.” We do the customary fist bump, and he is practically bouncing.
“This is so cool. So cool. I can’t believe you’re here . . . Mom! Mom! Do you see who is here?”
Hazel laughs and touches my shoulder. “I see him. He’s real. Who knew?”
The kids are the best part of my job. I’ve always made sure to sign balls and autographs, and I try to be a role model for them. While I may not have had a father figure in my life, I’ve had great coaches. The men who taught me how to grow up and find humility in the world that offers so little.
I’m a normal guy who just happens to play baseball.
To these kids, I’m a hero. Someone they aspire to be, and I never take that for granted.
Devney heads toward us, and suddenly, I’m not sure what to do. Do I hug her? Do I confess that I want her and ask that she get rid of the idiot she’s with? No, that would be unfair and selfish. I need to do what I’ve always done. I pull her close and kiss the top of her head.
“It’s good to see you,” she says, head against my chest.
“You too.”
“You’re so short, Aunt Devney,” Austin comments.
“She is, right?”
“I am not short.” All too soon, she’s out of my arms and standing there, glaring at Austin, attempting to appear angry.
Austin tilts his head, and I mimic him. “I think she is.”
He nods. “I agree.”
“Great, now I have the two of you ganging up on me?”
“We speak the truth, Shrimpy,” I say, knowing she’ll get pissed.
“I’m going to kill you!” she yells and then rushes toward me.
I dart to the left, and she goes right. Austin laughs and chases us as I go in circles, zigging and zagging to get away from them.
There’s not a chance in hell she’s going to catch me.
After a few more rounds, I stop and turn the tables, advancing on her.
“Sean,” she warns.
“You should run, Dev.”
“Don’t do it.”
If I catch her, then it’s game on. She laughs and takes off, lifting Austin in her arms, carrying him against her hip as he squeals.
“I’m getting closer.”
She stops running and falls to the ground. Without thinking, I cover her with my body, and we all roll in the grass. Austin moves to the side and jumps on my back as I start to tickle Devney.
“Surrender!” I say with a mocking tone.
