by Croft, Rose
BASEBALL LOVER
Copyright © 2018 by Rose Croft. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.
Editor: Edit for Content
Formatter: Tami Norman, Integrity Formatting
Cover Design: Bex Harper Designs
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
Playlist
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Books by Rose Croft
Excerpt: High School Lover
Five Years Ago
I was officially done. I was elated, but anxious at the same time. I had just finished my last college final.
My paid internship at a local high school near my university was almost complete. The teachers at the school, who had been my mentors, were so impressed with my work that they put in a good word to the principal. Luckily, there was an English III position available the following school year; and after interviewing, I was hired. I was thankful that I’d already taken and passed all the certification tests to become a teacher. That was a small accomplishment in and of itself.
My boyfriend of three years, Carlos, had proposed to me several months ago on Valentine’s Day. And, of course, I said yes. We met at the beginning of our sophomore year in college, when we had a child development class together. He wanted to be a high school counselor.
I was walking through campus when my cell phone chimed. I pulled it out of my purse and saw a text from Loren.
Hey Rosie, there’s a big frat party tonight at the Sigma Nu house if you’re up for it.
I smiled. My dear friend Loren was a mess. Being my roommate, Loren was the first person I met at school my freshman year. She was probably one of the most intelligent people I knew. And, she was such a great writer knowing this from whenever we had to write papers for our classes. Most students hated writing papers, but Loren seemed to prefer that to having to take multiple-choice exams.
But for all the potential Loren had, she was a real slacker. She didn’t try to do an internship or network to get a job. Instead, she had chosen to only take classes and worry about the next social event that was coming around. She’d maintained a solid GPA, but only did enough to fulfill the requirements of her scholarship. She really had no plan about what she was going to do when she graduated.
Me: I think I’m going to hang out with Carlos tonight.
Loren: You two already act like an old married couple. If you change your mind, let me know.
I shook my head and grinned. She wouldn’t know what it was like because she’d never been in a serious relationship. Well, except with this guy from high school she’d gone on and on about.
I called Carlos to see if he wanted to grab some takeout and watch a movie at his place. He lived in an apartment with his older brother. For the last few months hanging at his place was all we did at his insistence. He said he preferred staying home and spending all his time with me. Besides, money was tight, saving everything we could for our wedding.
As I heard the ringtone, I waited and thought I was about to go to voicemail when he finally picked up. “Hello.” His voice sounded lethargic—like he just woke up. What the heck? It was almost noon.
“Hey babe. I’m leaving school. I thought maybe we could pick up some food and watch a movie at your place tonight.”
He exhaled deeply. “Uh, I don’t know…”
What kind of answer was that? “Okay, we could do something else if you want,” I suggested.
“I don’t feel like doing anything,” he responded unenthusiastically.
“Then, we’ll just hang out.”
“Rose, I…just want to be alone.” He sounded really down which began to worry me. He’d never flat out told me he wanted to be alone.
“Carlos what’s wrong?” I paused at my car leaning on the door; my hands gripped my phone tighter.
“Nothing. I’m tired, that’s all.” Why? He didn’t have a job and he’d finished his finals earlier in the week. Then, his voice sounded a bit more energetic when he said, “We’ll do something tomorrow. I promise, okay?”
“Are you sure you’re, all right?” I asked skeptically.
“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I said softly and held the phone to my ear until I realized he was no longer on the line.
After work, I returned to my dorm room I still shared with Loren. Yeah, we were probably the only seniors on campus that still lived in a dorm, but whatever, it was convenient for us.
My strange conversation with Carlos was still on my mind. Loren was lying on her bed watching a reality TV show we both liked. She glanced up at me in confusion. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going over to Carlos.’”
“Change of plans.” I shrugged laying my purse on the desk and sat down on the edge of my bed. “He said he was tired and didn’t want to do anything.”
Loren’s face lit up in a smile. I knew what was on her mind. “Well, you could go to the party with me tonight.”
“I don’t know.”
“Come on,” she begged and threw her legs over the side of the bed. “We never do anything together anymore.” She pouted and put her hands together as she pleaded, “Pleeeeaaaassseee? It’s our last few days together before we have to move out.”
Loren did have a point. We were about to move on with our adult lives and who knew what would happen. We were both from the Dallas area, but went to school at Rice University in Houston. I planned on living here after college because of my job and Carlos. I had no idea what Loren was going to do.
“Okay. I’ll go with you.” I wasn’t that excited about going to a frat party. I hadn’t been to one since Loren and I went our freshman year, and I swore I’d never go to another one. Just not my scene. Definitely not my scene now since I was engaged.
Apparently, I made Loren’s day and night as she jumped up and down while she hugged me at the same time. “Yay! It will be like old times.”
Later, as we were getting ready, I kept wondering if Carlos was all right. I decided to text him:
You doing ok? Just checking. Going out with Loren tonight. Love you.
A few minutes later he responded:
I’m ok. Have fun tonight. I love you, always.
I smiled and finished putting on my make-up. When I slipped my glasses back on and gave myself the once over, I stepped out into our dorm room.
“Rose, you are such a hottie. You’re going to have so much attention tonight. I’m glad Carlos isn’t coming or he would be super jealous.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not trying to pick up guys, Loren.” Out of habit, I tugged at the top of my dress making sure I wasn’t showing too much cleavage. “Maybe I shouldn’t go.”
She shook her head. “Oh no. You ca
n’t back out now. I’m just teasing you, Rosie.” Loren flashed her beatific smile.
“I’m not backing out.” I slung my purse strap over my shoulder following her out the door, still not feeling the excitement that my friend did. I’m doing this for Loren, I told myself. However, I couldn’t stop wondering what had Carlos in such a weird mood.
We arrived at the frat house, and it was already packed. Loud music was blaring from the back, and people were congregating around the front with red plastic cups in their hands. I followed Loren as she entered the house. Some big, muscular guy with blond hair called out to her.
She waved and walked over to him. “Hi Tyler.” They hugged. When they disengaged, he looked at me. Actually, his eyes went straight to my chest as he asked, “Who’s your friend?”
“That’s Rose.” I heard her say.
“Hi Rose. I’m Tyler.” This time he glanced at my face for a fraction of a second before his eyes made a beeline to my boobs. This wasn’t the first time this had happened to me. I shook his hand even though I really wanted to punch him in the face.
We made small talk about the upcoming graduation ceremony with the group around us. Tyler returned with two red cups. I took a sip and scrunched my face as I felt like I’d just been poisoned. “What the hell is this?” I forced the words out fighting the burn in my throat.
Loren giggled. “Trash Can Punch. You’ve never had it before?”
“No. I haven’t been to a frat party in a long time.”
But, as I took more sips, the drink didn’t seem so repugnant anymore. After standing around awhile listening to Tyler and all his douchy friends talk about how bad-ass they were, someone suggested we go outside.
Stepping out to the back deck, I saw a large crowd dancing as a DJ was playing a mix of electronic dance music and hip-hop. The group Loren and I were with weaved through the crowd to dance, and we followed. Somehow, Tyler had refreshed our drinks. How did he know we already needed another?
As we continued to drink and dance, I was feeling uninhibited as was Loren, and we were dancing more provocatively and grinding—just being silly and having fun. Tyler came up behind me and started moving. Loren was yelling, “Shake that ass!” and laughing. Then, she ran her fingers over her other palm sliding imaginary bills at me, making it rain.
Later, we stepped out of the crowd and talked with some more friends that Loren knew. I noticed a group of people over to the side of us doing keg stands. I was very tipsy but having a good time. It was fun hanging out with Loren again. We hadn’t been out like this in a long time.
As time passed, the more alive the party grew. It was all fun and games until later when we were back out in the crowd dancing. As I swayed to the music, I felt two large hands slide around me from behind cupping my boobs and jerking me against a solid chest. I also couldn’t miss the feeling of something hard against my ass. That woke me up. Furious, I glared back. It was Tyler. I elbowed him practically yelling, “What the hell are you doing? Don’t ever touch me like that again!”
“I’m sorry, but you were dancing with me earlier, and I thought you wanted to hook up.” He was smirking in an arrogant way like I was supposed to be flattered.
I stared at him in shock. He was a very good-looking guy, who seemed like he’d probably led a privileged life, and was rarely turned down, if ever. And, I’m sure when he saw a girl with big boobs, in his mind that translated to “easy.”
“No, that’s definitely not what I wanted. I am engaged.” I flashed my engagement ring at him. “And even if I were single, I would never want to ‘hook up’ with you.” I stalked off.
“Rose wait!” I faintly heard through the loud thumping of music and noticed Loren tagging behind me.
Once back inside the house, I found a quiet corner before I rounded on her. “Wow Loren. Tyler seems like a great guy.” I rifled through my purse trying to find my cell. I was shaking, inwardly cursing myself for coming to this stupid party in the first place.
“What happened?” She asked placing her hands on my wrists to still me.
“Did you not see him grab my boobs?”
“No, I was dancing and talking to someone else.”
“I certainly hope you weren’t going out with him.”
“No, we’re just friends. I’m sorry that happened.” She seemed remorseful as she stared down at her hands. “I’ll go talk to him.”
“No.” I sighed in frustration just wanting to leave. “Let it go.”
I checked my phone. Carlos had called about an hour ago. Shit! It was after two in the morning. I groaned wishing I was anywhere, but here. “Look it’s getting late. Can we just leave?”
“Yeah, sure.” Loren nodded and followed me out front.
Once outside we reached the sidewalk, I called Carlos back. Of course, he didn’t pick up. He was probably asleep by now. Dammit, why did I come here?
We were both kind of stumbling as we walked but saw a beacon of hope as the Whataburger sign shone brightly in the horizon. “Let’s get something to eat,” I suggested somewhat calmer, hoping to sober up a little before we returned to campus.
An hour and a half later, we reached our room. Feeling stuffed and still buzzed, I immediately fell asleep.
I didn’t wake up the next morning until almost eleven. Usually, I never slept that late, and as expected, I had dry mouth and a dull headache. I glanced over at Loren’s bed; she was still asleep.
Fighting the crappiness pulsing through me, I went to the bathroom and washed my face and brushed my teeth. Later, I grabbed a bottled water from the mini-fridge, and glanced at my desk reaching my phone.
As I clicked on the screen, I noticed several missed calls from Alex, Carlos’ brother. I also received a text from him.
Rose, please call me it’s urgent!!!
An uneasy feeling crept over me. Alex would never call, unless there was an emergency. He picked up after the first ring. I heard nothing but uneven breathing.
“Alex, what’s wrong?” I finally demanded breaking the silence.
“I don’t…” He broke down and I heard more erratic breathing ending in low sobs.
“Tell me what’s wrong. You’re scaring me.” An overwhelming feeling of fear crept from my stomach up to my chest. I saw Loren push up into a sitting position with a puzzled look.
“Carlos…” he gasped in a voice laced with agony. “Carlos is gone…”
“What do you mean Carlos gone? Where is he?” I yelled my voice felt detached and my hand shook. I could feel tears slipping down my face.
“He’s dead, Rose,” he whispered but his voice didn’t sound like it belonged to him. It was dark, final. He broke down again.
The moment felt surreal, but then anger and denial took over. “No, no, no that’s not true. Stop fucking with me, Alex. This isn’t funny!” I was shouting and bawling at the same time. By this time, Loren was trying to hold me, calm me down, but I was pushing her away.
Throughout my struggle with Loren, I still had the phone glued to my ear when I heard Alex’s flat-lined voice. “He’s dead. He killed himself.”
A primal scream erupted from my throat, and everything went black.
Present Day
“I have to run to the restroom, Rosie.” Loren and I had just arrived at this new chic bar in Dallas that my friends had raved about. It was mid-summer, and I was enjoying my summer break from teaching.
“I’ll find us a table.” I needed to know the inside scoop on her new relationship, and Loren was being evasive, as usual. She barely mentioned a word about it when we were on the phone earlier. Quick recap: Loren and Andrew dated in high school. They were crazy in love with each other. Loren’s parents hated Andrew and broke them up. Years later, they reunited. Swoon. End of story.
It was a little early for happy hour, so there were still good seats available. I found a booth, while Loren went to the restroom. Sliding into the booth, I glanced around and waved when I saw her. She better get her butt over here and give me the d
etails on Andrew. Last time we spoke, she’d run into Andrew at a mutual friend’s funeral. Not the greatest place to make a reconnection. Whenever I thought of funerals, it took me back to a dark place.
However, through time and therapy I was able to push my depressing thoughts aside. Loren slid in the booth across from me.
Before I could speak, someone came over and took our drink order. We sat around for a few minutes making small talk until I was about to go crazy. When our drinks arrived, I was ready to cut to the chase.
“I knew it, Loren. See? I was right.” I couldn’t help patting myself on the back for being right about Andrew. At the time of the funeral, Andrew had a girlfriend. Loren had been devastated. But, I had a feeling Andrew still cared about Loren as much as she cared about him.
“Yes, you were.” She always seemed annoyed when I pointed out that my premonitions were spot on.
“So…have you two had…” I leaned in. “S-e-x?”
Loren paused mid-drink. “N-o.”
“When will you see him again?” I browsed absently around the bar, and suddenly my eyes were drawn to a tall, dark-haired man with the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen. Were they moss green? Emerald? Forest? I rifled through every shade of green I could think of to describe it. Good lord! He was gorgeous. Then, I realized the reason why I could see his eyes so clearly, while he was at the bar, was because he was staring back, and the side of his full, sensuous mouth lifted. Embarrassed, I quickly turned away.
“In about thirty minutes. He cut his trip short. He’s meeting us here.” I tried to focus on what Loren was saying but I was drawn to the man at the bar. Again, he was watching me with that cocky smirk. Ugh. That’s the second time he caught me. I didn’t stare at guys. What the hell was I doing?
“See something you like?” Loren had a little know-it-all grin on her face.
“Check out the eye candy to your right. Don’t turn yet, he’s looking our way.” The last thing I needed was for an arrogant asshole to know we were discussing him. I ran a hand over my face and through my fingers glanced over again, I noticed he was walking…towards us.