Just a Little Hope (18 page)
Read Just a Little Hope Online
Authors: Amy J. Norris
“Oh.” Carter had stopped being surprised by Dani's actions a long time ago.
“So anyway, CJ, I just wanted to check in. Where are you today? Minnesota? Mississippi?”
“We're in Cincinnati for a couple of days, and then we head to Houston for three days, before we're back home.”
“Okay. Well, I don't wanna keep you from getting your beauty sleep.”
“Dani, wait. Are you by yourself on this adventure, or is he with you?”
“Who, Dax? That creep? No way.”
“What happened to Dax?”
“He was always pushing me to do stuff for him. I got tired of it and told him to not let the door hit him on the way out.”
“A permanent decision?”
“What d'ya' mean, CJ? Of course, it's a permanent decision!”
“Well, you've just seemed to have that kind of conversation with him in the past⦔
“No way. This time it's over. I promise.”
“That's good to hear, Dani. I don't think you and he were a match made in heaven.”
Dani's laughter rang through the phone. Carter felt a pang of happiness at the sound. It had been a while since he and Dani had shared a laugh.
“I know. Speaking of matches made in heaven, last time I talked to Mom she said you were seeing someone. Anyone I know?”
“No, not anyone you know, Dani. Tori's from this area. We met through mutual friends.”
“Oh! Tori is her name? Sounds like she's rich with a name like Tori.”
Carter closed his eyes and took a deep breath before responding. “No, she's not rich. Why would you think she was?”
“Oh, I don't know. Just sounds like money to me.”
“Well, she's middle class, just like you and me.”
“Ha, that's a real laugher. You're the farthest thing from middle class there is. You got money coming out your ears. And I'm not middle class. I might be able to be if you'd share your wealth a little bit.”
“Daniâ”
“Look, I gotta go. Take care and have fun with your rich girlfriend.”
Frustrated, Carter threw the phone down on the bed and stalked off to the hotel room window.
Every time he felt like he might have an inroad with his sister, some kind of obstacle popped up. Always something she created out of a figment in her imagination. Carter pressed his forehead against the sliding glass window and sighed.
Fear gripped his heart. For the first time ever, Carter had to admit to himself his relationship with Dani was broken. It might be beyond repair.
****
Pax plopped into the seat in front of Tori's desk and breathed a deep sigh. “Have you heard from your folks? How are things in North Carolina?”
Propping her head in her hand, Tori smiled. “Good so far. Dad's been accepted into a trial there and has started on the medicine they prescribed. Thankfully, there are no real side effects yet.”
“That's great. I know you miss them terribly, though.”
Tori swallowed hard. She felt her parents' absence keenly. “I do. When I think about Daddy having those chemicals pumped in his body, it just makes me sick. I am so thankful Carter is in such tip-top health. I don't think I could deal with any more sickness right now.”
“Speaking of⦠when's Carter back in town?”
She shrugged and checked the calendar on her desk. “Um, I think day after tomorrow, and he doesn't have a game the next day. I like how at the end of the season they have more off days. It will be nice to spend a few hours with him when he gets home.”
“You have big plans?”
“I don't think so. He hasn't mentioned anything. So, how you are feeling? Going back to work's been quite a change, I suspect.”
“Yeah. But Michael's such an angel.”
“He is for sure.” Tori leaned over her desk and lowered her voice. “Has he said any more to you about the girl he's seeing?”
“No. But I take his constant good mood as a sign it's going well.”
Tori giggled. “No doubt.” She pulled a pen out of the cup on her desk and started doodling. “Hey⦠what about wedding plans? I haven't heard you mention anything lately. Have you nailed down something?”
“Funny you should ask. Seb and I were talking about it last night over dinner. He had the big wedding once, you know, with his first wife. He's not sure he wants to do another big wedding.”
“Don't you want one, though?”
“Not really. When I was younger, I thought about it. But now, the actual wedding isn't such a big deal anymore. We're thinking of doing a destination wedding instead. Just having a few friends and family attend.”
Tori perked up at the idea of going out of town. “What sort of destination are you talking about?”
“We've tossed some places around. We definitely want it on the beach somewhere. We've talked about Florida, California, or Hawaii.”
“Any of those have my vote. Wait. I
would
be invited, wouldn't I?”
“Do you really have to ask that question?”
“Well, I don't know. Maybe it's going to be a super small private affair. I don't want to assume anything.”
Pax sat forward in the chair and leaned over Tori's desk.
“Tori, after Seb, you're my best friend. Of course, Iâd want you there! In fact, I was sorta hoping you'd be my maid of honor.”
Clapping her hands together, Tori bounced in her chair. “What? You're kidding!”
“I hadn't actually planned to ask you at work, but I guess when the situation presents itself⦔
“Oh, Pax!” Tori jumped up from her desk and hurried to hug her friend's neck. “I can't tell you what this means to me!”
“You are so welcome. I can't imagine getting married and you not being there.”
Tori scurried back to her desk and began typing on the keyboard. “Well, I'm going to look up right now all the responsibilities of the maid of honor. I'm not going to shirk those duties one bit! There's so much to do, like picking out a dress and shoes. Oh, there are some divine five-inch heels that would look cute with a royal blue dress I saw the other day. You like blue don't you, Pax? And flowers. Oh, the flowersâ”
The noise from Pax clearing her throat stopped Tori in her tracks.
“Tori, remember, it's going to be on sand. I don't think shoes, especially pumps, will be all that necessary. Plus, we don't need to pick out flowers here if we're going to be somewhere else on the actual day. Blue is fine, but I was thinking of something more pale in color for a simple beach wedding.”
Tori slunk back in her chair and sighed.
“Oh, yeah. I guess that kinda makes more sense.”
Pax giggled. “When you get married, you can have as much royal blue with crazy eleven-inch heels as you want. But for this occasion, think beach in the winter. Okay?”
She leaned back in her chair and sighed.
“Holidays in Hawaii. I think I can swing it.”
“Hey, Tori! You up for dinner after you get off work?”
Carter heard a rustling of papers through the phone and then a deep sigh.
“That is the best news I've heard all day. Where are you?”
“I'm at the stadium. We had a non-mandatory practice today. I wanted to work on my swing some more.”
“Well, how about I head your way? I think I'd like something in the city. I'll meet you at your place?”
“Perfect. It'll give me time to get a shower and get ready. I'll see you in an hour!”
“See you then!”
Carter flipped his phone in his bag and pulled off his practice jersey. He contemplated showering at home but decided to take advantage of the facilities at the stadium instead to save some time.
Before he could get off the bench, he heard his name called across the room.
“Hey, Carter. Come here for a second.”
Turning toward the door, he saw the manager motioning for him.
“Sure thing, Anthony, be right there.”
Stuffing his bare feet into some flip-flops, he ran his hands through his hair and then walked toward the manager's office. He stopped when he saw a familiar face.
“Eric! What are you doing here?” He pulled his friend into a hug and slapped him on the back a couple of times.
“Hey, Carter! I got the call up yesterday. Since they expanded the roster, there's room for me to play a little second base for a while.”
Carter glanced toward his manager. “Really? Eric is here for a while?”
“Yep. Management thought he'd be a good addition down the stretch.”
“That's great, Eric. I'm stoked man.”
“I thought you'd be happy to know he was here, Manning. You boys go catch-up. I'll see you tomorrow for batting practice. Don't be late, rookies.”
“You bet. We'll see you then.”
They walked back toward the locker room, and Carter showed Eric where he could store his equipment. “I just can't believe you are here, man. It's been what⦠six months?”
“Or thereabouts. Kinda crazy how it happened, but I'm not going to complain. So what have you been doing with yourself?”
Carter sprawled in one of the leather chairs in the middle of the locker room and motioned for Eric to do the same.
“Not too much. On the road quite a bit, as you know. I've, uh, well, I've been seeing someone.”
“Really? I never thought that would happen. You were always so serious about baseball. Good for you, man.”
“Thanks. She's a great girl.”
Carter sat up in the chair.
“I'm supposed to meet her for dinner. Let me call her and you can join us.”
Eric held his hands up in protest. “Oh man, I can't be infringing on your date. Three's a crowd, you know.”
“No. It's okay. She's great and won't mind a bit.”
“Only if you're sure.”
“Totally. Let me give her a call, and get a quick shower and then you can follow me to my apartment. Do you need a place to stay? I've only got one bedroom, but you are more than welcome to bunk on my couch until you get settled somewhere.”
“Thanks, man. I've already dropped my stuff at the hotel, but I may take you up on it in a couple of days if you don't mind.”
“I don't mind at all. It'll be good to have you around. Go ahead, and relax if you want, I'll be ready to go in a few minutes.”
Carter couldn't believe his good fortune. Of all the people management would decide to bring up, it was one of his best buddies from the minors. Eric was a top-notch guy and always had a kind word for everyone he encountered. He deserved a shot at the big leagues.
He punched in Tori's number and waited for her to answer. “Hey, sweetheart. How are you?”
“I'm fine. Do you need to change plans?”
“Well, not exactly but do you care if someone joins us? One of my best friends from the minors got called up to the big time today. I'd like to celebrate with him, have you meet him too. What d'ya' say?”
“That's fine, but wouldn't you rather hang out with him by yourself?”
“No! I haven't seen you in a week. Besides, Eric is one of the nicest guys you'll ever know. I want you to meet him.”
“Okay then. I'm about to leave the office, so I'll just meet you in the parking garage of your place. I'll try and park near your space.”
“Sounds great, Tori. See you in a bit.”
Spending the evening with his girlfriend and one of his best friends. This night couldn't get any better.
****
“And then he took the bowl out of the cabinet and used it for his ice cream. We all laughed, and poor Eric only stared at us bewildered!”
Awash in sympathy for Carter's friend, Tori shook her head. “Did Carter ever tell you what he'd done?”
Eric cut his eyes over to Carter and frowned. “Only after I took the first bite of ice cream did he tell me he'd used the same bowl right before me but had only licked it clean and put it back in the cabinet. I threw out the entire serving of ice cream and brushed my teeth and tongue for the next ten minutes. That's what you get when you share an apartment with three other guys. Nothing is sacred. Not even ice cream.”
Tori tried not to laugh, but picturing Eric's face after Carter pulled the prank on him did her in. “Sorry, Eric. I don't want to laugh, but you've got to admit it's a pretty good one.”
“Sure. Sure. Side with your boyfriend!”
After spending the evening with Eric, Tori could understand Carter's excitement at having him around. Eric had an easy way about him that made him a joy to get to know. His dark complexion and chocolate brown eyes only enhanced his bright smile and his contagious laugh. Tori's sides were hurting after being entertained by Eric and Carter's stories of life in the minor leagues.
“So Tori, I only heard about your existence today. Tell me about yourself.”
She gazed at Carter and smiled when he put his arm around her. “Well, I work at a local charity in the suburbs. I met Carter when he started spending time with my friends, Pax and Seb.”
“That's right, Carter. I'd heard you'd been chumming around with Seb Quinn. How's he doing? Is his girlfriend doing better?”
“Yeah, bud. They both are doing about as well as can be expected. Seb's looking to be ready for Spring Training next season, and Pax is back at work part-time. They're actually getting married soon.”
Eric leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “I couldn't believe all the stuff they had to go through recently. Losing his family, and then her accident, and his injury. That's a tough row to hoe for sure.”
Carter nodded in agreement. “Well, they've handled it well. A strong faith helps.”
Eric remained quiet, causing Tori to wonder if Eric didn't share the same faith she and Carter did.
Warmth spread across her when Carter's hand pressed at the back of her neck. “Hey, sweetie. I didn't ask, have you heard from your folks today?”
“I got a text from Mom right before I met up with you. Daddy's feeling more tired lately, and his appetite's diminished. They're trying to find some foods he'll find appealing.”
Leaning forward, Eric laid a hand on her arm. “What's going on?”
“My dad was diagnosed with brain cancer a few weeks ago. He and my mom are in North Carolina at Duke Medical Center, where he's getting treatment.”
“That must be hard being away from them right now.”
“It is. But I have hope the treatment will work and they'll be back home soon. “
Eric's face took on a far off look. “I guess sometimes hope is all you can hang on to.”
Tori looked sideways to Carter to see if she could get a read on what was going on with Eric. His face didn't give anything away, though. She filed her questions to ask Carter later.
“By the way, have you talked to Seb about wedding plans?”
“No, sweetie. That's not generally something guys talk about that often.”
Tori punched him in the shoulder. “Whatever. Anyway, Pax said they're planning a beach wedding in the winter. Maybe in Hawaii. What d'ya' think?”
“That sounds⦠nice. Are you sure I'll be invited?”
“Of course you'll be invited, goober. I'm the maid of honor, and if anything, you'll be my plus one.”
“Your plus one?” Carter tilted his head and looked at Eric in confusion. “Do you know what she's talking about?”
Waving his hands in the air, Eric shook his head. “Don't get me involved in this, bro. I'm happy sitting right here on the sidelines in ignorant oblivion.”
“A plus one, my dear, is what generally goes on an invitation. You know, Tori âand guest'. The âand guest' is the plus one.”
Sitting back in the chair, Carter smirked. “I don't think I ever knew that. I'm not sure I ever really needed to know that.”
“Hey! You asked.”
“I did. And it's three minutes of my life I'll never get back.” His fingers caressing her neck softened the teasing words.
Tori glanced at her watch. “Speaking of getting back, I think I need to get back to my car. I've got to go back across town before it gets too late.”
“Yeah. I need to get settled in the hotel as well. I want to make sure and get plenty of rest before game time tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe I'll get a chance to play some. That is if you guys can maintain a lead.” Eric grinned at Carter.
“What do you mean maintain a lead? We're in first place, you know. We've got a good four-game lead on the next guys. “
Tori grabbed Carter by the arm and forced him to get up from the table. “C'mon, slugger. Just prove him wrong tomorrow, and you don't have to say another word.”
Eric got up from the table and slung his arm around his friend's neck. “I like this girl, Carter. You've got to make sure you don't blow this so she'll stick around.”