Page 5 of Double Play

“I’m aware. It’s a…it’s just a thing.” Jeez, she really didn’t feel like explaining all the naturopaths and nutritionists and osteopaths her parents hadconsulted.

Dwight seemed to sense her discomfort. “How about that new wine bar that justopenedup?”

Great. She didn’t drink alcohol either. Too risky for herheart.

Lieberman looked at Dwight as if he’d just switched to another language. “I’m sorry, did you justmispronounce‘beer’?”

Nina laughed even more than the jokedeserved.

Dwight flipped his braid over his shoulder. “Can’t a ballplayer enjoy a glass of wine? Open your minds,y’all.”

Nina gave Maggie a pleading glance. Obviously her roommate wanted to go out with the Catfish players. Maggie wanted to offer support, but socializing with baseball players would definitely be a new thing for her. As much as she’d studied baseball, as many games as she’d watched, all the time she’d put into writing her computer model, she’d never actually spent time with a realballplayer.

Then again…a double date with two hunky ballplayers—not bad for a geeky grad student. “I’m in,” she said, then grinned happily. “As long as you guys promise to wear yourdresses.”

Their shocked expressions caused her to burst out laughing. “I’mkidding.”

“This one’s trouble, Beebs.” Dwight shook his head. “Trouble with a capital M for Maggie and a capital S forSmart-ass.”

“Trouble begins with a T,’” Liebermanpointedout.

“Okay, Spell Check. Yougotme.”

“Please don’t tell me that’s my newnickname.”

“It’s a lot better than ‘Bieberman,’” Nina pointed out. “I’m starting a petition to dumpthatone.”

“Hand me a pen,” said Lieberman promptly, causing them all to break intolaughter.

This.Thiswas why she’d moved halfway across the country. So she could have a little fun for once inherlife.

3

Kilby wasthe kind of smallish Texas city where cowboy boots and pickup trucks reigned. In terms of restaurants, the Roadhouse and umpteen barbecue spots got the most traffic. The newest hot spot, called The Best Little Wine Bar in Texas, had a relaxed, kickback atmosphere. The clean and simple decor featured framed photos of Texas landmarks mounted on the cream-painted walls. The only suits and ties Maggie spotted as they walked in were track suits andboloties.

Nina and Maggie arrived before Dwight and Jim. Nina ordered a bottle of white wine—“because I can now, in every state!”—and Maggie chose club soda. They claimed one of the round cocktail tables, which were surrounded by high cushioned stools. Maggie awkwardly climbed onto one of them while Nina perched on hers like a hummingbird. Maybe athletic genes ran in thefamily.

“So what do you thinkofJim?”

Maggie blinked, calling up his stats. “Well, he’s five ten, a hundred and sixty pounds, shortstop, fielding percentage .944, batting average .262, born in Brooklyn, New York.” She paused in her recitation when she saw Nina’s eyes filling up withmirth.

“Can you do that for all theplayers?”

“Ofcourse.”

Nina clapped her hands together. “DoDwightnow.”

Maggie rattled off what she remembered. “Dwight Conner, center field. Six feet, two hundred and four pounds, .294 batting average, born in St. Louis, Missouri. African-American. Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Current team captain. Star of a recent Nike ad featuring Minor League baseballplayers.”

“I see you looked me up on Wikipedia.” Dwight slid onto the stool next to hers. Of course, all he had to do was snag the stool with his foot, shift his hips and lower himself onto the cushioned surface. He made it all look smooth as silk. Liebermanfollowedsuit.

“No, she knows all of you guys,” Nina said proudly. “The good, the bad andtheugly.”

“From behind a computer screen only,” Maggie said quickly. “I’ve only met a couple of players inperson.”

“You’re probably better off sticking with the computer screen.” Dwight grinned at her, eyesshining.

He wore black twill trousers and a textured button-down shirt in a rich brown the color of pinto beans. He had a classic, almost retro style that really appealed to her, sort of an old-school movie star look. His hair was trimmed very short, showing off the fine shape ofhishead.

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