Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3)

by Lindsay Paige

  Turning my grip on the handle until I find the familiar hold, I bend my knees, ready for the pitch. The pitcher’s face is stone and he keeps wiping his hand on his pants. Finally, he rears his arm back and pitches a curveball. Batting might just be my favorite thing about the game. I love the twist my body makes, the transitions my arms do as I follow through. Even better is the cracking as the ball smacks into the bat and is sent flying in the opposite direction with such force.

  My hit soars high in the air as I pump my legs and start running. I make it to second with a wide grin on my face. That feeling must be contagious. Or at least lucky because we finish the game with a home run from Tanner to send me home and give us a win.

  After the game, I try to be quick, so I can head out. I have a little time before I’m supposed to meet Zoey and her aunts at an Italian restaurant, but I don’t want to be late. I shower with super speed, change into a dark pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, and finally climb into my Jeep.

  I’ve just parked when Zoey texts that they’re in the waiting area since the place is packed. I don’t reply, stuffing my phone in my back pocket after making sure it’s on silent, and head inside.

  I easily spot Zoey’s jet black hair with that killer body and tattoos covering her skin. There are two women sitting next to her. One of them spots me as I walk closer and she pats Zoey’s knee, saying something to her.

  She looks up, and I grin.

  “Hey,” I say once I’m close enough.

  “Hector, that was a great game.” She smiles before motioning to the ladies next to her. “Let me introduce you to my aunts. This is Lanny and Minnie. This is Hector.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Zoey talks about how great you both are so I wanted to meet you myself,” I say as I shake each of their hands.

  “She didn’t mention you at all to me. I had to hear it from Minnie that you were the famous muse.” Lanny gives Zoey a mean look and I try not to smile.

  “I told you all about him today when we were driving here. Don’t you remember?”

  “Really, Zoey?” Lanny rolls her eyes and makes a show of looking a little disappointed. “Old lady jokes in front of Hector. Did I raise you like that?”

  “Hector,” Minnie starts, patting Lanny’s knee. “Please excuse this crazy woman. I, on the other hand, had a blast at the game. It must have been incredible feeling getting that out.”

  I grin. “It was. I’m glad you had fun. What about you, Zoey?”

  “I’ll be honest; it was fun. I think I figured everything out as it was going along, but overall, I had a great time.”

  I pat myself on the back, feeling accomplished as if I am singlehandedly responsible for her enjoying baseball. Before I can reply, we’re called to our table. We’re seated with Lanny and Minnie on one side and Zoey and I on the other. The waitress takes our drink orders before disappearing to fix them.

  “Hector, how are you enjoying Memphis?” Minnie asks, wasting no time.

  I glance at Zoey and smile. She has definitely made me love Memphis more. “So far, so good. Some of the people could be a little less stubborn, but over all, I’ve been liking my time here.”

  “Aw, that’s so sweet.” Lanny puts her hand over her heart. “You’re adorable; I think we’ll keep you.”

  “Oh my God, really?” Zoey says, shaking her head. “He isn’t a stray dog.” She faces me and what she says next makes Minnie laugh. “Sorry, she’s the emotional one.”

  “I don’t mind if she thinks I’m adorable and wants to keep me around. At least she knew it right away.” I give her a pointed look before turning my attention back to her aunts. “Did Zoey tell you how we met?”

  “Well, she gave us a vague overview, so you can go ahead and tell us the truth,” Minnie answers.

  “A few teammates and I went to the bar one night. Being the beautiful woman that she is, I tried to flirt. She wouldn’t give me the time of day. So, I kept coming in as often as I could, for two months, and I kept asking her out or asking for her name. After being a little sneaky, I was able to find out her name, and eventually I got her number.”

  “Zoey,” Lanny hisses. “It took you two months to tell him your name. How come?”

  “I…well…I didn’t know him that well. I don’t just blurt out my personal information,” Zoey explains with a lie.

  “He asked for your name, not your social security number.” Lanny rolls her eyes and faces me. “I swear I taught her manners.”

  The waitress comes for our order, so we place it before I can mention Zoey’s lie.

  “You blurted out your name when that girl asked you,” I point out. “You just didn’t tell your personal information to me. I’m sure y’all taught her better. I think she wanted to see how long I’d keep coming in before I gave up. Unfortunately for her, she didn’t realize that wasn’t an option.”

  “Oh, that’s the sweetest thing ever,” Aunt Lanny coos. “I’m keeping you and you must come to dinner at our house.”

  “He needs to come to the gallery and see the charcoal,” Minnie speaks up.

  “Shhh!” Zoey hisses, her face suddenly red.

  “The charcoal? Is that the one you did while you were talking to me?” I ask.

  “I’m never bringing any friends around you two ever again.” Zoey eyes her aunts. “The charcoal is horrible. Aunt Minnie is half blind and thinks it’s good.”

  “Hey, I’m not blind. It’s stunning, Hector. Do you want to see it? I have a picture of it on my phone. I’ve been showing everyone.”

  Zoey gasps, her eyes widening with fear. It’s then I realize she’s most likely saying her work is bad because she’s terrified of what others will think of it. “You have?”

  Minnie ignores her. “Hector, would you like to see it? You are the muse.”

  As if that means I should automatically have permission to view it. I must admit that I love seeing her flustered like this. And after seeing the artwork in her home, I’m dying to see what she did when she was on the phone with me. I glance at Zoey as the waitress drops off our food because I don’t want to say yes if she truly doesn’t want me to see it. “Do you mind if I see it?”

  “I’m sure she’s shown all of Memphis. Go ahead.” Zoey shrugs, but it’s a forced action. She’s extremely nervous.

  “Here.” Minnie hands me the phone.

  “Wow,” I breathe once I see it. How can she seriously think it sucks? I study and admire it some more before lifting my awed gaze to Zoey. “You should mindlessly doodle all the time if this is the result. She’s right; it’s stunning. Even more so in person, I bet.”

  “Hector, are you in town Thursday?” Minnie asks, not giving Zoey a chance to respond. “I’m going to hang it in the gallery. I’d love for you to see it.”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Maybe we can have dinner afterward?” Lanny suggests, looking hopeful.

  “Of course,” I agree without a second thought. “Now, how did you two meet?”

  “Ah, it was thirty years ago,” Lanny begins with dreamy eyes. The love she has for Minnie is evident. “We were at a friend’s party and it was not love at first sight. I was actually very jealous because she’s much prettier than I am. However, we started talking and after a few glasses of wine, she asked me out.”

  “I did not,” Minnie whines. “You asked me out.” She turns to me and fills me in on her view of their love story. “She was a stunner and it was love at first sight for me.”

  “Which is why she asked me out,” Lanny corrects her.

  “The debate will go on forever,” Zoey whispers. “I’ve heard it all my life. Neither one of them remembers.”

  I smile. “Hmm. If I had to guess who asked who, I’d say that Minnie asked Lanny.”

  “That seals the deal; we’re going to keep you,” Lanny says laughing.

  “You’re stuck with them now.” Zoey smiles.

  “It’s fine with me because it means I’m stuck with you, too.” I give her my most
charming smile.

  “Aw, it’s like I’m watching a romantic movie. This is precious. It’s so perfect.” Lanny chokes up. “Hector, you don’t know how long we’ve waited for her to find someone.”

  “We’re friends. We talked about this in the car. Hector and I are friends,” Zoey firmly corrects her.

  “I hate to report that she’s right. We’re friends for now.” For now, because I don’t plan on that lasting much longer if I can help it.

  “Being friends is a good thing,” Minnie comments. “Now, Hector, tell us more about you. Do you have any hobbies or other talents besides baseball?”

  “Just baseball. I spend my free time hanging out with friends and calling home to talk to my family.”

  “And where is your family?” Lanny asks.

  “Miami. We moved from the Dominican Republic when I was a teenager. My parents are in real estate and I have a younger sister in college.”

  “What’s her major?” This time, Zoey asks the question.

  “She wants to be an elementary school teacher.”

  “You went to college, right, Hector? Were you able to finish before you started in the big leagues?” Minnie asks.

  “Yeah, I was. If my career ever goes south, I’ll be able to join my family in real estate. I’m hoping to play for a long, long time and then retire without that happening.” The last thing I want to do is dive into the real estate business.

  “You seem very mature and you have goals. It shows a lot of character,” Minnie tells me.

  “Thanks.” I smile and remember what Zoey told me about their latest adventure. “Oh, congrats on having winning roses at the State Fair, Lanny.”

  Her eyes widen with surprise. “How did you know that?”

  “Zoey told me. I’m pretty impressed. I don’t think I could grow anything to start with.”

  “It’s my specialty. I love it. We have a large vegetable garden and of course, all of my beautiful flowers. It’s very simple.”

  “What are your favorite flowers?”

  “All of them.” She laughs. “But roses and daisies. It’s a strange combo, but I love those two together.”

  “She gives them to everyone. Sick, birthday, holiday, it doesn’t matter, you’ll get them,” Zoey adds.

  I can’t wait, but I don’t say anything. I’ve learned a lot about her aunts. Now, I want to learn more about Zoey. “So what can you ladies tell me about our lovely Zoey here?”

  “We can tell you everything.” Minnie smiles.

  “Please don’t embarrass me,” Zoey pleads.

  “We would never do that.” Lanny giggles. “Hector, Zoey is smart, talented, caring, and has the biggest heart. I know some are thrown off by the tattoos, but that’s just her artistic side showing.”

  I smile. “I already figured those things out. And the tattoos are one of the things that drew me to her in the first place. I’m sure y’all are proud to have such a beautiful and great niece.”

  “Yes, we are. She’s incredible.” Minnie looks at her with such fondness and love, it warms my heart.

  “Well, could we please stop bragging about me? I’m starting to feel odd sitting here as everyone talks about me,” Zoey interrupts.

  “You shouldn’t feel that way at all. If you’d rather, I could go up to the rooftop and yell it,” Lanny teases her.

  “Please don’t,” Zoey begs.

  They give her reprieve by turning the conversation back to me. “Hector, does your family come often to watch you play?”

  “They stay pretty busy back home, but they always catch at least two games during the season; one at home and one here.”

  “We would love to meet them. They’ve raised such a kind young man; I’m sure they’re just as delightful.”

  I’d hate to disappoint Lanny, but I’m not so sure my parents would be as accepting and welcoming as I’ve been. I shift in the seat with my discomfort, unsure how to turn them down about meeting my parents. “They are proud of me and who they’ve raised me to be,” I say, deciding that’s enough.

  “I don’t think we need to met the family yet, Aunt Lanny,” Zoey jumps in thankfully. “Hector and I are friends, and we shouldn’t push him into anything like that. Let’s ease him into our crazy family.”

  “Right,” I agree. “I’m very glad y’all decided to come to the game and invite me to dinner. I’ve enjoyed meeting you both. I can see why Zoey loves you so much.”

  “Hector, forgive us if we made you uncomfortable,” Minnie tells me. “We are both excited about Zoey finding a friend. However, we really want you to come Thursday. It’ll be small, just us, to display her charcoal.”

  “Let me know the time and place and I’ll be there.” I smile, excited to see her work.

  WHAT DO YOU wear when your aunt is going to hang a picture? Especially when you don’t want her to hang it for the world to see and I’m a nervous wreck for what everyone will think. I don’t want Hector there. I know he saw it on the phone, and I’m still mad about that. Aunt Minnie told me she had shown some dealers and it took everything I had not to yell at her. I know she means well and is doing what she thinks is best for me. If I want to make this my career, then I need to go to this no matter how much it kills my nerves.

  I flop back on my bed and cover my face with my hands. What has happened to my life? I had been working and painting and was perfectly content with it. Then Mr. Baseball comes strolling in with his sexy eyes and smile, not to mention his hot as hell body.

  I woke up this morning wishing Hector was in bed with me. I even checked my phone to see if he had texted throughout the night. I’ve become one of those girls. The one who pines for her boyfriend. I groan out from the pain in my head. Hector isn’t my boyfriend.

  “We’re just friends,” I tell the empty apartment. “This isn’t normal.”

  People don’t like people this fast. It only happens in movies and cheesy love novels. This is real life. This is my life. I give up on trying to be a rational person. I stop arguing with myself and head into the shower. Maybe a cold shower will freeze the side of my brain that’s acting all crazy.

  When I step out, I lotion myself up and hope my skin feels as smooth as I think. What would Hector’s hands feel like on me? Why am I thinking about this? Stop it, Zoey. I lean against the bathroom counter and try not to think of Naked Hector and think about my friend Hector.

  I blow-dry my hair, which I normally I don’t do, but I want something different tonight. When I look in the mirror, I ditch my normal black eyeliner for purple. It makes my eyes brighter. I paint my lips with a softer red. I look like me, but only with less makeup. Will Hector like me like this? Oh, crap on a cracker; if I don’t stop this now, I’m going to be painting hearts and flowers on my next canvas.

  I stroll to my closet and stare at my clothes. I see nothing to wear when I look at the overstuffed closet. I end up picking out a tight black skirt. It stops about mid-thigh. I grab the purple cap sleeve that will match my eyeliner. I pick out a pair of purple flats, but instantly drop them. Guys like girls in heels, right? Hector would like it more if I did, I bet.

  “Damn it,” I sigh in frustration. “Stop it, Zoey; he is your friend.”

  No matter what I said out loud, I’m currently on my knees searching for a pair of purple heels. I know I have a something that will work. I shout with glee when I find them, and I put them on.

  I check myself out in every possible angle of the full-length mirror. I look okay. My ass seems a little larger than normal, but I blame that on Hector and the burgers he keeps buying me.

  “He’ll like it,” I speak to myself in the mirror because that’s what a crazy person does when she’s all alone in her apartment.

  I can do this. It’s only Hector and my aunts. It’s going to be simple, short, and sweet.

  “YOU’VE GOT TO be kidding me,” I hiss under my breath as I walk into Aunt Minnie’s gallery, which is named The Garden of Arts. I feel my blood boil a bit. Aunt Minnie lied to me. I searc
h the room for her, but it’s hard to see over the sea of people walking around. There are even servers carrying trays of champagne and wine. I find my aunts mingling with a small crowd of people, and I push through to get to them.

  “Zoey.” Aunt Minnie holds up her hand in surrender. “It’s out of love.”

  I can’t even say anything because I’m mad, nervous, and even more scared. All these people are going to be staring at my charcoal.

  “We love you.” Aunt Lanny smiles and hugs me tightly.

  I close my eyes and remain quiet. When she releases me, they begin to introduce me to the crowd gathering around them. I nod and I’m polite, but I silently pray Hector will show up soon and help distract me. He seems to be good at that lately.

  As if an angel answers my wish, a glass of bubbly champagne appears out of thin air and into my hands.

  “So much for just the four of us,” Hector whispers as he leans in close to my ear.

  There’s the tingling again. I open my mouth to thank him for being here, but my aunts sweep him away quickly. I step back and watch him interact with them. His bright smile and gleaming eyes are all I can stare at as I listen to him laugh at their jokes and stories, nodding when they tell him something serious.

  Can he be anymore perfect? Does it matter he’s a baseball player? He travels a lot, but he’s always talking to me on the phone and he always comes back. His friends seem to love him, and he cares about me. Not too many men I’ve met in my life would drag a drunk girl home and make sure she’s okay without taking advantage of her.

  “May I have everyone’s attention?” The crowd turns to see Aunt Minnie’s gallery director on the small stage. I don’t think you can really call it a stage. It’s more like a small platform they use when they do the unveiling.

  Oh, I’m going to be sick. I know what’s about to happen. I toss back the glass in one shot and close my eyes. I don’t think there’s any air in the room because I can’t catch my breath. I feel someone tugging me close and I instantly cuddle into Hector’s side. I don’t even need to open my eyes to know it’s him. I know his touch. Even though I’ve only felt him a few times, I have it memorized.