Page 8 of Home Field Advantage
“That’s it.”
“I have no idea,” I say flatly, because where does she come up with this stuff?
“At least I know they gots horses. That’s just as good.”
“That they do.”
I look from the road to the rearview mirror, and she looks deep in thought.
“Hey, Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Are you going to play baseball here in this town?”
My chest tightens. Even my daughter knows that baseball’s my life. The tone of her voice is full of worry, though. It’s filled with the question ofare you going to be around while we’re here?and that fucking stings.
“I’m not,” I answer honestly, glancing again at her through the mirror. “That okay?”
She smiles, not knowing I’m watching her. “Yeah. It’s all right. But what about coaching? You’re the best in the world.”
Far from it, kid.
“No plans to coach here, bug.”
“Okie dokie,” she says before looking back out the window and seeing the buildings coming into view.
I notice the second sign I was told to look for.Welcome to the Heart of Bluestone Lakes, this one reads. I can already tell this is a very welcoming town. Nan’s directions instruct me to meet her at a small bakery, located a little past the sign called Batter Up.
Less than a minute later, I spot the bakery sign. An older woman, who appears to be in her seventies, sits on a bench on the sidewalk. Her pure white hair and retro-style glasses frame her face while the rest of her looks like she just stepped out ofBoogie Nightsat a local club.
Interesting.
I park my Tahoe in one of the spots on the road and hop out to meet her.
“You Dallas?” She raises an eyebrow.
I nod, adjusting the brim of my baseball cap to expose more of my face to her. “Yes, ma’am.”
“We aren’t doing thatma’amshit.” She waves her hand in the air, and my eyes widen at how bold she is, having never met me before. She stands up, looking from me to my Tahoe. “What the heck is with these out-of-towners coming here with fancy whips?” she mutters while digging into her pocket for a set of keys before handing them to me. “How was the drive to town?”
“Long.” I exhale. “I most definitely need some coffee.”
“Cozy Cup is the place to go!” She smiles, and it’s a stark mood change from just seconds ago. She points at the building next door. “And how convenient for you, it’s right here.”
“Thank you…” I trail off, hoping she gives me a real name.
“Nan. You can call me Nan.”
“Nan?”
“Everyone in town calls me that, and since you’re about to be a part of this town, get used to it,” she rattles off.
“I’m only here for a few months.”
“You’re still here, boy,” she says with an index finger in the air like she’s making a point. “If you live under the roof of one of our homes, even for a short time, you’re part of this place.”
I swallow, feeling an uneasiness creep into my gut. Yes, this is only a temporary place for Sage and me, but the last thing I want to do is get used to it. We’re just here to escape the city, figure out my shit, and for Sage to finish out the school year.
