Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) (13 page)

I KNOCK ON the open door to alert Sofia of my presence before I step into her office and close her door. She smiles when she sees me.

“Hey, Hector. What can I help you with?”

“Hey, Sof. Think you can use those hands to make me moan like Tanner? Maybe accidentally call Blake when you do it and see how long it’ll take before he busts up in here?”

Sofia laughs. “I don’t think so.” She washes her hands and says, “What really brought you in here?”

“My left arm and shoulder,” I answer, taking a seat on the table and removing my shirt. Practice lasted longer today than usual and my arm is screaming in protest. “Be honest,” I start when she comes over to feel out the muscles I’m complaining about. “How badly does Grumpy miss me coming over all the time?”

She laughs again. “I actually think he misses you some, but don’t tell him I said so.”

I grin. “Thought so.” She starts massaging the tense muscles. “How’s he really doing with everything?”

By the quick flick of her eyes, I know she realizes I’m asking about the situation with his mom and dad. Sofia doesn’t answer right away. “Better than I expected. He still has his days, but since his mom is happy and safe, he’s happy and relaxed. Zoey seems nice,” she says to change the subject.

I don’t get the chance to respond before there’s a knock on her door and Blake’s voice on the other side asking for entrance. I moan loudly as Sofia tries not to laugh. “We’re in the middle of something, Grumpy. Come back later.”

He pushes open the door with a glare. “You’re a pain in the ass, Hector.” He closes the door and hops up onto the table next to me after giving Sofia a quick kiss.

“Sof was just telling me how much you miss me.”

Blake glances at her. “I’m sure she was.”

“What’d you need, Blakey?” Sofia asks as she puts more pressure on my muscles, causing me to wince. “Sorry.”

He shrugs. “Nothing.”

“Aw, you just wanted to see her. Who knew Grumpy could be sweet?” I annoy him with my teasing.

“Shut the hell up. Maybe I just don’t want to discuss it in front of you.”

I chuckle. “If you say so.”

Sofia shakes her head at us. “How does it feel now, Hector? You may want to ice it when you get home just to be safe.”

“Better. Thanks.” I hop off the table. I want to push Blake more, but I decide not to. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone now.”

“Thank God,” Blake grumbles, already tugging Sofia over to stand between his knees. I can’t help but turn into a chick and smile as I walk out. It’s good to see my best friend happy.

The time seems to fly by until the next night when it’s time for our game. My arm is still a little tense and tight, so I make sure to stretch and work it well before the game. I love night games. These are the games that remind me the most of playing when I was a kid, the games that couldn’t start until later in the evening because of school and work schedules.

The games where those tall lights shone brightly on the field, making it easy to forget it was night unless you looked up at the bugs swarming around them or past them to dark sky. After those games, my coach would feed us hot dogs from the concessions stand since we’d missed dinner. We got nachos with them if we won.

Those were the nights I lived for, the same nights I live for now, except on a bigger scale. The atmosphere is different, the crowd rowdier, the smells and sights enhanced.

Or maybe I’m a little crazy.

My blood seems to pump faster with every sound. The bats hitting balls, the umpire shouting his calls, the pounding of cleats on clay, they give me way more energy than any day game. The guys just shake their head at me when I slap them on the shoulders more than usual, giving them more pep talks, and having too much fun.

Hell, even the other team scoring doesn’t affect my mood. Not even when they get ahead. Night games are magical, if you ask me. We hold on, keep our composure, and with every hit into outfield, our guys throw it in. We get our outs one way or another, and we start bringing in the runs. Trent is a freaking beast tonight with his home runs and I faintly wonder if his family is here watching him.

Then I find myself wondering if Zoey is paying any attention to the game at home. The girl has me so wrapped around her finger she has me thinking about her during my favorite part of my job. And I don’t mind one bit.

I’m already a goner.

“TURN LEFT RIGHT up here,” Zoey says, directing me to the driveway leading to her aunts’ house.

The dirt driveway isn’t too long and at the other end is a simple white house surrounded by plenty of Lanny’s flowers. We hop out of my Jeep, and I take Zoey’s hand as we walk toward the front door. Before we can reach it, Minnie and Lanny are opening it with big smiles.

“Hey, y'all,” Lanny greets us.

“You two look cozy,” Minnie adds with a grin.

“Stop it,” Zoey firmly states. “We’re here for the food.”

“I’m here to see y’all, not just for food.” I smile sweetly.

“See, this is why I like you, Hector. You’re a charmer.” Minnie smiles and leads us into the house.

“Hector, I hope you like what we whipped up. It’s nothing fancy. We’re more down home cooks here,” Lanny explains.

“I’m sure I’ll love it. How have y’all been since I last saw you?”

“Busy.” Minnie grins. “Lots of people are talking about the new up and coming artist, Zoey Reyes. Did you see the article?” she asks.

“I didn’t bother him with it,” she answers before glancing at me and reassuring me, “It’s not a big deal.”

I immediately don’t believe her. She has work-esteem issues. “Sounds like a huge deal. I didn’t see it, and I’m upset you didn’t show me, Zoey. Do you have a copy I could read, Minnie?” Looks like if I really want to know what’s going on, I’ll need to keep in contact with Minnie.

“Of course, I do.” Minnie retrieves it from the other room. “I think it’s amazing. They really talk her up and I had nothing to do with it.” That last bit, she directed at Zoey who was about to frown.

“She really didn’t. This was all because of Zoey’s talent,” Lanny reassures.

I quickly read it. They weren’t kidding. This article makes Zoey sounds like the best thing since sliced bread. I angle myself toward her with a grin. “I think I should get your autograph now, so I can say I knew you before you were famous.”

“Shut up, Hector.” She shakes her head at me. “Let’s not make a big deal out of this. It’s a little article.” She shrugs, trying to play it off. For some reason, I’m surprised to learn she doesn’t like the spotlight on her. I think that’s a big part of her reactions to these things. I can’t help what I reply to her.

“Maybe you don’t think it’s a huge deal, but it is a big deal. Smile, be happy we’re happy for you, and stop pretending you didn’t get excited about it when you saw it.”

“See, that’s what I said!” Lanny exclaims.

“Me too,” Minnie adds. “I’m liking you more and more, Hector. Now, how is the baseball world treating you?”

“Not too bad. I think we’re doing decent for it to be our first season together. I like nights like this because I get a little break from being so busy.”

“Hector, what do you do in your spare time? Are you a hidden artist?” Lanny asks.

I laugh. “No, I’m afraid my only talent is baseball. I hang out with Zoey or my teammates in my spare time.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Minnie says with a smile. “You’re an artist of a different level, that’s all it is. Now, Zoey told us you went skydiving.” My stomach drops and feels ill with the simple reminder. “Did you love as much as I did? Or did you scream like a little girl, like Lanny?” She giggles.

“Hey, I jumped didn’t I? I did it once and never again,” Lanny defends herself.

“I’m with you, Lanny. I never planned on doing it to start with, but between Zoey and my sister, I didn’t have much choice. I didn’t scream, but I’m surprised I didn’t pass out or die from fear.” I shake my head to clear it of the terrible memories. “Never ever again.”

“It’s unnatural jumping out of a perfectly good airplane,” Lanny agrees with me.

“It’s a thrill,” Zoey jumps in. “Grow up. You both lived.” She rolls her eyes, trying not to smile.

“Don’t sass us,” Lanny firmly states. “Hector, is your family coming soon? Zoey had so much fun with your sister. I wish we had met her. Oh, maybe if you’re family comes, we can have a lunch? Maybe grill out?”

Why are they so adamant about meeting them? Any other time, I would be jumping to make it happen and solidify a step in our relationship, but I’m not ready for the bliss to end yet. “I don’t know if they’re coming soon or not. I know if Carissa can get away again, she’ll probably visit. If she does, we’ll definitely have to get together.”

Minnie looks at me for a moment, making my stomach twist as I feel as if she’s peeling away my layers and seeing what I’m worried about. “You know, Hector, we’re no strangers to the way people judge us. Zoey gave us some insight about your family, even though she hasn’t met them yet. You don’t have to feel obligated to accept the invitation.”

“Sorry,” I say, feeling a bit of guilt. “My parents and I don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but I haven’t really gone against them before. I’m not sure they would accept the invitation,” I confess.

“It’s hard when families don’t see eye-to-eye, Hector.” Lanny pats my hand. “How about we skip the invitation and enjoy tonight? Have you seen Zoey’s new painting?”

Zoey gasps. “No, don’t show him. Wait, you have it here? How do you have it?” She says in disbelief with annoyance thrown in.

“Oh, I took it from your apartment. I’m taking it to the gallery tomorrow,” Minnie says as if it’s no big deal.

“No, not yet. I’m not done with it, and please don’t show Hector.” I admire the blush that colors her cheek, which makes me even more intrigued about this painting.

“Why not? He’s your muse.” Minnie points to me. She doesn’t understand Zoey’s hesitation.

“Why do I feel like I’m being bullied?” she grumbles.

“You’re not.” Minnie stands and takes my hand, pulling me up with her. “Come on. Let me show you the next masterpiece of Zoey’s.”

“Are you sure?” I glance at Zoey, wanting her permission first. “She’s been pretty adamant about me not seeing it.”

“Go ahead. You’ll see it soon enough.” Zoey’s indifference falls away as she continues, “If you hate it, please tell me because it...it means a lot to me.” Her sudden shyness makes me smile.

I nod and let Minnie drag me to the back of the house and into another room. There on a stand, is her painting. I stare at it in awe. She painted the baseball field from the view as if I were standing behind home plate. The colors, from the green grass to the bright blue sky, are so vibrant. The sun is hanging high in the sky, lighting up the field. The detail and beauty of it is unbelievable. It nearly makes the real thing look dull in comparison.

Glancing over my shoulder at Zoey, I say, “This…” I return my gaze to the painting and tilt my head, trying to find the perfect word to describe it. Nothing adequate appears in my mind. “I love it,” I finally say, turning to look at her.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Minnie coos over it.

“It’s just a painting.” Zoey blushes, trying not to let my words affect her.

“A painting that means a lot to you, you said so,” I point out. “Although, I have to say that I don’t think amazing fits what I think of it.”

“You like it? I’ve never painted anything so bright. The sight of the field was beautiful. I put it from your, well, the player’s perspective to show more of the field.”

“I love it. This is a fantastic painting. You did a wonderful job.”

THE MEMPHIS SUN beats down on my arms as I watch Hector walk up to the plate. I put on two thick layers of sunscreen, but I can still feel my skin burning. My aunts are off to Georgia this weekend. Aunt Lanny and her roses want to defend their title from last year.

Hector swings and misses the first pitch. I bite down hard on my lips, hoping he does well. The Angels are not going to win this game unless there is some type of miracle, but I still want Hector to do well.

The next two pitches are balls, but when the next pitch comes, Hector connects with it. It hugs the third base foul line, but stays on the fair side. I jump up and cheer for him as he runs around first and stops at second base.