Page 46 of All For You
“Yep! I’m a shortstop, just like you. Well, when my coach lets me. He always wants me in the outfield, because I’m the only one who can throw far. But that’s okay. Mom said he has to let everyone play all the spots.”
“I remember playing like that. It helps you appreciate the role everyone plays in the game.”
“My mom said something like that too.”
The little boy looked eager as he leaned over the fence. I wondered if he stood on a chair or ladder to get a better view. I hoped it wasn’t something dangerous.
Off in the distance, a stern voice hollered, “Roman Elias Spiegel, you better get your feet back on the ground!”
“Oops,” the boy chuckled without moving an inch from his perch.
Walking toward the fence, I rested my arms on the top, my bat dangling from one hand.
“Ma’am!” I called out and waited until a frazzled woman with two babies in her arms came out to their porch. “Sorry to bother you. Do you think Roman could practice some swings with me? I can come over there.”
“Are you sure, Mr. Ramsey?” she asked as one of the babies tugged at her brown hair. “I don’t want him to be an imposition.”
“It’s no problem. I need to practice, and I heard he has quite the throwing arm.”
The woman sighed with a growing smile as she glanced at her son. “That would be great. Thank you. His dad should be home soon. He got called out to an emergency.”
“Cop?”
“Firefighter.”
“That’s some hard work.”
She nodded, then looked to her son. “All right, Roman. Please listen to Mr. Ramsey and be on your best behavior.”
The young boy dashed over to his mom, wrapping himself around her legs. She looked down at him with so much love I felt likeIwas imposing on the moment.
“All right, kid. Go grab your bat and a ball.”
***
I gave Aspen a pass on dating lessons the next day, since I knew her family was launching the harvest of the corn. The large trucks for transport had been seen all over town. I still didn’t know how they maneuvered the vehicles around the ninety-degree turn that gave most people difficulty in normal cars. But the drivers were skilled—that I knew for sure.
I messaged her that night, just to check in, though I wanted nothing more than to see her face. She had quickly become someone I looked forward to seeing.
Me: How did things go today?
Cricket: Good. Tiring. I’m ready for a bath.
Me: Can I come wash your back?
Cricket:
Me: I met with Coach Rudicell at the high school today. The kids seemed excited.
Cricket: I bet they were. They look up to you.
There was a long pause in the texts where bubbles would pop up and then disappear. After ten minutes, I finally caved and sent one first.
Me: Can I see you tomorrow?
Cricket: It’s my turn to pick up sandwiches for lunch. You can take me, if you want.
Me: Sounds like a plan. Pick you up at 11?
