Page 61 of Fake Dates and Home Plates
Theo takes a deep breath. “I guess we should go in and find out.”
As we walk through the door, the smell of dinner has my stomach growling. My mom rushes to greet us, throwing her arms around us both so quickly, we aren’t able to react.
“It’s so good to see you again, Theo,” she says as she steps back to examine us, her eyes briefly catching on our entwined hands.
Theo’s cheeks tint pink, but he recovers quickly, offering his hand. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you for having me.”
“Ma’am.” Mom scoffs. “You can call me Kate.”
Dad isn’t far behind, wrapping me in a hug. “There’s my little champion.”
Then, he addresses Theo, shaking his hand firmly before pulling him into an embrace and clapping him on the back. “And I told you last time to call me Kris, so don’t even bother with the Mr. Harkin bullshit or I’ll burn your dinner on purpose.”
Even if he doesn’t realize it, Theo has already won over my parents. Anyone who shows up for me the way he has this season is a keeper in their eyes.
“Should we sit on the patio for dinner? I’m grilling steak while Mom finishes the twice-baked potatoes,” Dad says as he leads us outside.
My mouth is watering, ready for a home-cooked meal. I help set the table while my dad asks Theo about the upcoming baseball season, a conversation that continues as we’re sitting around the table, enjoying our dinner.
“So, after graduation, do you plan to go into the major league?” Dad asks.
I’ve heard the answer and yet, my stomach drops a little at the reality. What happens if he has to move to another state? The closest team, the Burbank Bobcats, is only a couple of hours away, but there’s no way of knowing where he’ll end up.
Would we do long distance?
“Yes, sir. If they’ll have me, that’s where I’m headed,” Theo confirms as he reaches over and squeezes my knee, trying to comfort me.
Mom looks over before smiling politely at Theo. “Kris is a big Bobcats fan. Maybe we’ll get a chance to see you play at our favorite stadium.”
She’s right. My dad has loved the Bobcats since childhood. His dad used to take him as a kid. Her comment isn’t just for Theo; it’s a way to reassure me no matter what, there are ways to make this thing between us work.
I exhale a breath.
“I’d love to wear that Bobcat blue, but for now, I’m ready to put my all into my last college season.”
“Kate and I plan to come watch you play, kiddo,” Dad tells him while cutting another bite of steak. Picking the meat up with his fork, he points it at me. “Let us know if you need us to get you a ticket, Henley.”
My heart feels so full, it might burst. Not because my dad is including me in their plans —I’m used to that —but because he’s already considering Theo part of the family. He’s calling him ‘kiddo’ and planning to attend a sporting event that is months away.
“Umm, that won’t be necessary,” Theo tells him while rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve already reserved season tickets for her near first base. Well, the home games at least.”
He looks over at me with a shy smile before turning back to my dad. “Let me know which games you plan to come to, and I’ll see if I can get a couple more.”
My parents are grinning like lunatics while I’m still in shock. Theo reserved a ticket for me at every home game, and that makes me so damn happy, I want to find a reason to leave dinner early and go home with him.
“Can’t wait to see you in the HVU colors,” he says with a teasing smile.
Besides my cross-country uniform, I don’t wear many colors. For him, though, I might be tempted to wear some blue and gold. I roll my eyes, pretending otherwise. “Not a chance, Baseball Boy.”
“Will your parents be able to see some of your last college games?” Mom asks Theo.
My gut churns for him; I know the answer.
“Probably not. We’re not close, and they think baseball is a waste of my time,” Theo says with a shrug. “I’ll be lucky if they make it out for the graduation ceremony.”
I hate that he’s used to it, that it’s normal to know his parents won’t show up for him.
I hear the huff my mom makes, a sign she’s holding her tongue. I’m surprised, but I guess she’s trying to be on her best behavior tonight.
