Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6)

by Lindsay Paige

  “I didn’t hook up with her. She’s thirty-six and a detective with the Memphis PD.”

  “For you, I hope she’s a fan of using handcuffs away from the job. Seriously, you should ask her about it. Promise you won’t regret it,” Tanner says, not joking even a little.

  Jordan laughs. “You’re worse than I thought.”

  Tanner shrugs. “Hey, if certain opportunities arise, you don’t turn them down.”

  “Girls or handcuffs?” I ask.

  He grins. “Both.”

  “God, I’m glad you only stayed at my house for a little while,” Jordan says.

  “Hey,” Tanner protests. “I was a great house guest.”

  “You brought someone to my house and fucked them. I had to leave because I could hear you. That is not a great house guest.”

  They start bickering, and I tune them out. I need to figure out when I can see Ariella again. We’re leaving for a road trip tomorrow, so it’ll be a few days until we’re back in town. I’ll have to double check the day we get back and see if she’s free.

  God, I hope so. I’m already wishing I could see her sooner than I’ll be able to.

  DEEP BREATH.

  One.

  Two.

  Three.

  Crack. I watch the ball sail high into left field, drop my bat, and run as fast as I can to first and around to second. I can’t go any farther, but I’m myself. Mom and Dad are cheering from the stands over everyone else. I swear you would think I am in the professional league, by the way they act. But I love them.

  I return to my focus to the game. I will not lose this game because we’re in third place in the league and it won’t get us into the tournament. I make it all the way home, thanks to my teammates and Duke, and we add the win to our list. I gather my equipment and Duke grabs his as we make our way to my parents.

  “You kids were great.” Mom hugs me.

  “Thanks.” I don’t have the heart to tell her it’s not the major leagues, even if she acts as it is.

  “Duke, you want to grab some dinner with us?” Dad asks.

  “No, I miss Lil D and Alizeh. I’m going to head home and enjoy a game of patty-cake,” he jokes and hugs my mom before heading to his car.

  “Guess it’s just us three. Unless, you have someone you’d like to invite?” Mom smirks.

  I roll my eyes. “No, there’s no one else to invite.”

  “Is it because he’s in Oakland playing right now?” Dad grins at me.

  “Are you stalking Colby Wilson, Dad?”

  “I’m simply checking on his whereabouts. I’m sure you’ll like to know his background check came back clean.” He picks up my bag.

  “What? Are you serious?” I squeak. Yes, because my voice level went so high.

  “You’re my daughter, of course I did. I did the same thing with Duke.”

  I turn to my mother. “Did you know this?”

  “Yes, I read the reports.”

  “Wha...what? You’re supposed to be the sensible one.”

  “And I am. Had there been anything on there I would have stopped your father from killing him.” She pats my cheek.

  “I...I can’t believe you two. This is beyond anything I’ve ever imagined.” I’m in shock. Real shock at how my parents, two pillars of the community who hold commendations and awards for their careers, are standing in front of me telling me how they ran a background check on my...friend.

  “We’re your parents. Period.” Dad heads toward the car and Mom follows.

  I stand there for a moment, still trying to figure at what level of pissed off I should be. I’m sure Colby’s parents won’t run a check on me. Right? Right. Here are mine, on the verge of getting a DNA sample from Colby, and we’ve not even been on a second date.

  I finally get my nerve up and head over to the car. “Look, I love you both more than anything in my life, but I will not stand for this. I’m a Memphis detective and I’ve told you, I don’t know how many times, I’m not a child. I’m an adult, and I’m sorry if you didn’t get the memo, but I am. Period.” I jerk open the door to their SUV, climb in, and slam it shut.

  Okay, I may have my arms crossed and I’m pouting. And, yes, I just threw a small tantrum, but I made my point, and I’m pleased I did.

  When Mom and Dad get in, they both turn to me, and I hang my head. Why are they treating me like a child, and why in the hell am I acting like one?

  “Ariella, we love you, but you’ve not made the best decisions in guys. We promise we won’t do anything else until you ask. Okay?”

  I lift my head and look at Mom. “Thank you.”

  There are a few seconds of silence before Dad announces, “I want chicken.”

  We laugh at the abrupt change in topic and then it’s all forgotten.

  I sit at my desk with paperwork piling up around me. Duke and I caught another murder case and all our leads pointed to the husband who has been arrested. The worst part is there’s a small toddler involved. I didn’t like calling child services, but one employee who works there truly cares about the kids.

  “Scarlett, hi, it’s Detective Craft. I need your help again,” I say after she answers the phone.

  “Detective, how may I help you?”

  I told her my issues with the three-year-old currently coloring in one of our interrogation rooms. I explain to her the father has been taken into custody and will probably be going to jail for a very long time. I tell her we haven’t been able to locate other family, yet.

  “Could you help us out?”

  “Of course. I have workers all out today in the field. Give me a little time and I can come get him.”

  “Thank you, Scarlett.”

  “Anytime.”

  I hang up the phone and try to get through the next case from my never-ending pile. I deal with several leads on the phone and Duke helps me, too. About an hour later, Scarlett shows up.

  “I really appreciate it.” I stand and go to her.

  “It’s no problem. I’ve found him a home until we can figure out his family situation.”

  “It’s not an overloaded home, right?” I felt so bad for this little boy.

  “No, it’s a foster family that’s new to the area. They have plenty of room.” She seems hopeful.

  “Great. He’s this way.”

  We walk toward the room, and it takes us a bit to convince the boy to go with Scarlett. It breaks my heart when kids are involved in crimes and the lives of criminals. When I get back to my desk, I’m pretty much ready for a big glass of wine.

  “You okay?”

  I look up to find Duke looking back at me. “Sure, I think.”

  “Why don’t you head home? It’s getting late.”

  I shake my head. “I have more work to do.”

  “Ari, you need a break. You’ve worked a lot this week.” Duke is being kind and considerate, which makes me realize I’m working too much.

  I nod and gather up a bunch of files, avoiding Duke’s glare, and head out the door to my car. However, I don’t leave yet. I stare out my window and try to figure out if I should go home, a bar, or grab food at my parent’s house or take out. Then my phone dings.

  Colby: I’m back in town. Dinner?

  The smile comes on its own. My mind flashes to the kiss. It couldn’t have been any more perfect than if it was from a romantic movie. He’s funny, sweet, kind...perfect. He’s perfect. I’m going to wear the word out every time I describe him.

  Me: I’ve had a long day. What about a cold beer and chicken wings?

  Colby: Beer? Wings? Sounds like a great night to me.

  I give him the address to meet me and I lock my files in my truck so no one can see them before I head to the bar, which isn’t too far from the stadium. I park my car and see Colby jumping out of a Hummer.

  A Hummer? I can see him sporting it around town. He looks great in jeans and a tight shirt. Thank you, God, that vintage cut shirts are still in style. It’s cut to show off his arms, tight chest, and I ca
n’t wait to see the abs.

  Oh, abs. My weakness.

  “So, are you the same Colby Wilson who had a bunch of RBIs and a couple home runs this week? You look like that guy!” I tease him, and I hope he doesn’t get creeped out by the fact I’m somewhat stalking him.

  “I am, and my week is getting even better because I get to have dinner with you.” He pauses a moment. “Too cheesy?”

  “Nah, it’s welcoming actually. I’ve had a horrible night and day.” He reaches out his hand and I take it as we walk into the bar and grill.

  “Sorry to hear that. Maybe dinner will help turn it around.”

  “So far so good. Of course, the alcohol and spicy wings will really top it off.”

  “That does generally help.”

  I joke with him as we slide into a small booth. Thankfully, the waitress is quick to our table and I order a large beer, as does Colby.

  “Do you want to talk about your day?” His face shows genuine concern for me.

  “Well.” Typically, I’m not one to rattle of all the details of a case, especially since Colby and I are still new at all this, but I need to talk too. If he wants to be a friend, then this comes with it. “I was called out last night, about four in the morning, to a house on the east side. A neighbor said she heard shouting and then what she thought was a firecracker. It wasn’t a firecracker she heard. It was a husband and wife and the wife is dead, the husband is in jail, and their three-year-old son spent the whole day and evening in our interrogation room, coloring until child services came and took him until we can find more family. If there is any.” I sound so depressed, and the situation is depressing. I shouldn’t have gone into so many details.

  “Wow. That has to be tough. How do you deal with it all?”

  “Beer and chicken wings.” I try to joke and hope to lighten the mood a bit.

  It works when Colby laughs. “Then we might need to order another round.” He waves down the waitress.

  “I agree. The good thing is I have a great contact at child services, and she found him a good place until we can figure out more.” The waitress sits another round in fronts of us and tells us our food should be ready soon.

  “You know, Trent dates someone who works with CPS and is really great. She may be of help, too.”

  “Really? I didn’t know. Who is she? I know a lot of them over there.”

  “Scarlett Knowles.”

  A small laugh bubbles up. “Scarlett is my contact. She’s amazing. She loves the kids so much and such a great person. I guess it’s a small world; I had no clue she was dating an Angel.”

  “It really is a small world. They started dating sometime this season, but it’s good she’s your contact.”

  I had to agree with him. They waitress sits a large basket of spicy chicken wings in front of us, and we dive right into them.

  “All right, enough about me and work, tell me some great road trip stories, just leave out the groupies.” I need to take my mind off my job for a bit.

  “Hector talked Tanner into helping him move the mattresses out of Blake’s room. He wasn’t happy at all, but he forgave Tanner rather quickly. He and Tanner stole Hector’s clothes and towels and replaced them with some sheer girly robe and a thong. Hector had to walk into everyone’s rooms to get his clothes back because they had scattered them around.”

  I throw my head back and laugh loudly. “Why don’t they have this stuff on YouTube? This is the stuff fans want to know. I mean, in addition to your batting average.”

  “I don’t know. Fans might not want to see Hector in a thong. It was bad enough that we were scarred. Blake’s girlfriend and Hector’s girlfriend died over the pictures, from what I heard though.”

  “Oh, to be a fly on the wall. You guys have got to be funny when you all get together.”

  “They can be crazy, that’s for sure. They’re a good group though.”

  We eat a few wings, and I’m glad he’s not judging me. I’m trying my best not to have sauce all over my face in hands, but it’s chicken wings. It’s not easy.

  “I forgot to tell you, our team won Saturday. This means we’re happy in second place. Now, of course, we need to hold it for a few more weeks before we face off with the firemen.” I feel proud of myself as I tell him my accomplishment. It’s not much, and it’s not a pro league, but I love it.

  “Wow, that’s great. I’d love to catch a game sometime, if you wouldn’t mind.”

  “I don’t think you want to watch a police-fireman standoff. It could turn violent, and there might be a riot when we win.” I smirk.

  “Is that a nice way of saying you wouldn’t want me to watch you?”

  I shake my head. “No, I would enjoy you being there, but it’s not like professional baseball, and I’m afraid you’d get bored after a while.”

  “Bored watching baseball? Bored watching you play? Highly unlikely scenarios, Ariella.”

  “Okay. I have a game this Saturday. I’m not sure if you’re busy or have a game, but you’re more than welcome. I will warn you my parents never miss a game. You’ll have to deal with them.” I invite him because I’m sure he’s busy and just being nice saying he’ll come to the game.

  “Don’t think they won’t spot me?”

  “Oh, they will. Also, you might want to know how crazy my parents are. They did a background check on you. And yes, you heard me correctly.” I’m counting to ten in my head, and I’m sure he’ll bolt at any second.

  “That should sort of help my case, right? Since my record is clean?”

  I wipe my mouth and hands with the wet-nap, because I need a second to process this. “I just told you my parents ran a background check and your response is: it’ll help your case. Not the answer I thought I was going to get. I’m waiting for you to run away now.”

  “You already warned me how they were, and I’d be more surprised if they didn’t at this point. Your family won’t scare me off. I don’t scare easily.” His brown eyes are shining, and he makes me smile, again.

  “Color me impressed, Colby. I’m glad you’re not running away, and if you aren’t busy Saturday, please don’t feel obligated to come to the game.”

  “I’m not busy, and I will most definitely be there. So, which position do you play?” He goes back to the wings.

  I groan, taking another sip of my beer. “Well, if I didn’t sound like a crazy person while ago, this might be the icing on the cake. I play third base. But, I’ve had that position since I started in the league, so it’s not because of you.” Sure, Ariella, keep telling him you’re not crazy, because that makes you sound like you’re crazy.

  Colby laughs and shakes his head. “I don’t think you’re crazy, and just because you happen to play the same position wouldn’t make me think so either. I’m excited about seeing you play.”

  “My parents are the loudest supporters.” I feel as if I need to warn him again. “Even when I played in college, I had no doubt in my mind where they were sitting because I could hear them all over the field.” The memories cause me to smile. “But, I wouldn’t trade them in for anything.”

  “They sound like great parents. Mine were the same way at first, but they’d rather kick back and relax instead of being too engrossed in the game.”

  “My sister is the same way; she’s not one to cheer. Duke is the worst on the team. Every game is game seven of the World Series to him.” He takes it all to heart.

  Colby leans back in the booth and takes a drink. He is still wearing a sexy grin. “Is he good though?”

  “Yes. He’s really good, but so competitive.”

  “What about you? Are you competitive? Or you just enjoy being able to play?”

  “I love the game, and sure, I’m bummed if we don’t win, but I’m going to punch a water cooler or crack a bat over my knee. I’m not to that level.” I’m full of wings and finish off my second beer. I wipe my hands and Colby seems to be watching my every move.

  “Ah, gotcha. So, when I end up meeting all of
them, what are some tips you could give me? Should I bring some signed Angels stuff, or will they think I’m trying to bribe them?”

  He seems serious as if he’s really going to come. Colby Wilson at my game is almost hard to fathom, but at the same time, I’m already antsy knowing he’ll be in the stands.

  “If you did, my dad and Duke would love you right off the bat. Mom is the hard nut to crack. It’ll be like you’re giving a deposition by the time she’s through with you.”

  “Noted. Do they have a favorite player?”

  “You, mostly.” I wink. “My dad has your jersey, as does my sister. Duke worships the ground of Jordan Johnson. My mom is totally cougaring over Tanner Coats. She thinks he’s adorable.” I shake my head. She’s constantly watching the kid on the field and commenting on how cute he is.

  Colby leans on the booth table, closer to me. “And you? Who’s your favorite?”

  The heat rises to my cheeks. I know I’m going to have to tell him because, like my parents, he’s not going to let up. “It might be a tie because I own your jersey and Blake Foster.”

  “That’s good to know. I’ll have to see what I can do.” His brown eyes are making me squirm a bit. Maybe I am a teenager with a severe crush.

  “Colby, you don’t have to go through any trouble, but when Duke asks for box seats or dugout tickets, just ignore him.” I finish my beer.

  “Will do, and it won’t be any trouble. I see the guys almost every single day. I hear Sugar Daddy enough that they can do me a favor.”

  The smile at his nickname appears quickly on my face. Colby is far from a Sugar Daddy. “This has been a great night. Thank you so much for everything. Truly, it’s really cleared my head, and I needed it.”

  “Glad I could help. It’s been good to spend more time with you, too.” It’s his turn to finish his beer, and when the waitress comes back, Colby asks for the bill.

  “Does it seem crazy? This? Us? How comfortable we are? It feels right and strange at the same time.” I blurt out. I’m not the type to do this, but it feels right and quick all at the same time.