Moving Forward: A Baseball Romance

by Kim Jones

  If it weren’t for him, his father might’ve still been alive.

  With shaking hands, he lay down on the floor and curled in on himself, trying to block out the thoughts that were coming. His face went as white as a sheet, and he pressed his lips firmly together, hard enough to draw blood.

  Please, God. I don’t want to die here. I haven’t gotten the chance to play for Chicago Coyotes yet, and I haven’t even kissed Aimee, he thought to himself.

  You’re going to get out of here, Tommy. Just get up. You can walk away. It doesn’t even sound like it’s here, the logical voice in his head chided. He lowered his arms to his side and clenched his hands into fists.

  A dull roaring in his ears let him know that someone was talking. He glanced up, and his eyes began to focus on the store owner who peered at him anxiously, a sympathetic expression on his face.

  “Tommy.” He lightly placed a hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  He held out his hand, and Tommy forced himself to take his hand, and he stood up on shaky feet. “Yeah, Yeah. I’m okay.”

  “Go home, son. I can have the groceries delivered,” the man said, kindly.

  Tommy adamantly moved his head from side to side. “No, it’s okay, really. I just thought we were under attack, and— “

  “It’s okay. You don’t need to explain,” the man interrupted.

  He knew Tommy’s father, and he’d known Tommy since he was little, so there was no doubt he knew about the shooting. Tommy ducked his head in shame, unable to meet the old man’s eyes.

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter 5

  Aimee gathered her hair into a bun and sighed deeply as she turned left then right, examining herself in the mirror. Something about the look wasn’t right. It looked too sophisticated for coffee, but her hair was being unusually rebellious today.

  She’d woken up with a swarm of butterflies in her stomach, her heart was sputtering about in her chest, and she had a giddy feeling she’d never felt before. She hadn’t been on a date in a while, and she could say, with complete honesty, that she hadn’t even ever felt this excited.

  This strange new feeling coursed through her and made her practically skip down the stairs for breakfast in the morning. Her parents shared a worried look over her shoulder, but they didn’t ask, and she didn’t reveal anything.

  They didn’t have the kind of relationship Aimee often dreamt about. In fact, she didn’t think they knew much about her life beyond the basics. The only reason they knew her friends was because she’d known them since elementary, but beyond that, they took no interest in her ordinary life. She’d never discussed boys with them nor did she want to.

  Tommy was no exception.

  Jenny and Sally had teased her mercilessly when she told them, but they’d eventually come round and started asking her questions about him. For a second, Aimee stared uncertainly at her reflection and wondered if she was underdressed.

  This was still a date after all, and she wanted to impress Tommy. She’d never been one particularly prone to insecurities and self-doubt, but she found herself wanting to think she was pretty.

  More than that, she wanted him to think of her as beautiful.

  It wasn’t too much to ask. She might’ve been practical about a lot of things, but she was a woman after all, or on her way to becoming one, and just like any woman in the world, she wanted to be thought of as desirable.

  It was strange.

  She’d never considered meeting a guy she liked enough to make an effort. Not here at least. Sure, she’d pictured a mature and cultured college guy, but Tommy wasn’t that.

  He was, surprisingly, better.

  She hadn’t expected that. Nor had she expected the inability to stop thinking about him. Everything from the way the smell of spices clung to him to the way he smiled at her. She wanted to know everything about him, all the little nooks and crannies.

  Finally, she kicked off her jeans and slipped into a casual skirt. She paired that with a pale flowery top, and she gave herself a satisfactory once over. It was the best she could do given the circumstances, and the fact that it was a coffee date.

  She almost wished they were going out at night because it was easier to dress for that. Aimee’s hand flew to her chest as her door swung open, and two bodies flung themselves at her, so they all toppled backwards onto her bed.

  She lay on her bed, dazed and out of breath as she stared at the ceiling, counting the stars.

  “We’re here,” Jennifer announced dramatically as she hopped off the bed and spread her arms open. Sally elbowed Aimee in the ribs on her way up and apologized profusely as Aimee clutched her stomach.

  “You said you wanted our help,” Sally said, uncertainly.

  “You call crushing me to death help?” Aimee wheezed as she gave them both a dirty look. “Loads of help that is. I want to enjoy my date in one piece, thank you very much.”

  “Stand up,” Jennifer demanded, impatiently. “Let’s look at you.”

  Aimee shot her a bewildered look and slowly stood up, feeling awkward and self-conscious under Jennifer’s scrutiny. Sally was beaming at her, given that she wasn’t interested in fashion and design, but it was Jennifer she wanted to impress. Jennifer had a good eye for those things.

  “Spin.” Jennifer gestured as she crossed her arms over her chest. She made a low noise in the back of her throat as Aimee came to a complete stop. Jennifer circled her, quietly, a myriad of emotions dancing across her face before it went blank.

  “I like it,” Sally said. “It’s cute.”

  “Yes,” Jennifer agreed. “Well done. Looks like you aren’t completely helpless when it comes to fashion.”

  Aimee rolled her eyes and began to finger comb her hair. “Whatever would I do without your scintillating pep talks?”

  “You’d get nowhere,” Jennifer spoke. “Obviously.”

  “How could I ever doubt that?” Aimee said, sarcastically.

  “People, people, we’re wasting time.” Sally brought her hands together. “Are we getting her ready for a date or what?”

  ***

  “Aimee,” Tommy called out, waving at her enthusiastically from a booth in the corner. Aimee was relieved to note that he was wearing a button down crisp shirt, and dark jeans. His hair was brushed back, and his hazel eyes regarded her warmly.

  He stood up as she soon as she got to the booth, smiling slowly. “You look amazing.”

  Aimee blushed. “Thank you. So do you.”

  Tommy laughed. “Thanks, but I have to admit, button down shirts aren’t my thing.”

  “They suit you though,” Aimee said softly as she slid into the booth, the soft cushions deflating under her weight. She ran her hands over the menu and glanced up to find Tommy looking at her.

  “What? Do I have something on my face?” She touched her face self-consciously.

  Tommy shook his head. “No, nothing. You’re awesome. I mean, erm, you’re—“

  He stuttered self-consciously as he clasped his hands together and exhaled deeply. “What I mean to say is, I can’t take my eyes off of you.”

  “You could’ve just said that,” Aimee teased playfully. She flipped the menu open, quickly scanned it and decided what she wanted. Promptly, she closed the menu and rested her hands on the table in front of her.

  “That was quick,” Tommy commented. “Most girls like to peruse the menu for a lot longer.”

  Aimee raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying I’m like most girls?”

  Tommy blanched. “What? No, no. I didn’t mean it like that. I swear, I meant it as a compliment.”

  Aimee held up a hand, her face erupting into a grin as she giggled. “Relax, Tommy. I’m just messing with you.”

  Tommy pressed his mouth into a thin line. “I don’t think that’s a good joke.”

  “Well, I happen to think it’s hilarious,” Aimee deadpanned. “I often amuse myself in fact.”

  Was he seriously offended right now? Aimee sincerely hoped
he wasn’t the type of man who had no sense of humor. She couldn’t deal with that. She could let some things slide, but not being able to poke fun at himself and the world around him was kind of a big deal to her. Life was already full off too much sadness and hate, and she didn’t want any more of that than necessary.

  Tommy couldn’t help the surprised snort that escaped his lips. “Touché. You make a good point.”

  “I tend to do that from time to time,” Aimee joked. “You know, just to keep things interesting.”

  Tommy’s eyes glanced at her in amusement, his eyes lighting up. He called over the waiter, and they placed their orders.

  “So, how come you don’t like baseball?”

  “That didn’t take long.”

  Aimee leaned back in the booth and stretched her arms out on either side of her as she placed one leg over the other. Subtly, she let her gaze run over him taking in his smooth jawline, straight nose, and his mouth.

  God, those lips.

  She could picture herself running her fingers over them, tracing their smooth outline and feeling them cover every inch of her body.

  “I guess I just never understood what the hype was all about,” she offered, hesitantly. She wasn’t sure if he was a fanatic who would try to cram it down her throat. It was a chance, given he did play for a major team.

  “So, your objection is to the fact that it’s overrated, not the game itself?” he asked, his tone curious.

  Aimee tilted her head. “Yes, I guess so.”

  “I can understand, but it is a great game though. If you give me the chance, I’d love to show you how it’s played.”

  Aimee pursed her lips. “Maybe. You’re not one of those crazy rabid sports fans, are you?”

  Tommy glanced before he leaned in and beckoned for her to do the same. “I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

  Aimee snorted, laughter bubbling up out of her mouth. “Like I haven’t heard that before.”

  “You receive death threats on a daily basis? I’m afraid to ask why,” he said, seriously.

  “Maybe you’ll find out someday.” She gave him a quick wink, feeling some of her earlier nervousness dissipating. Tommy was just so easy to talk to. Everything with him felt natural.

  “Wait, were you one of those girly girls when you were little?”

  “No, I was a proud tomboy. Skinned my knees and everything. How about you?”

  “I was a tomboy too,” he said, drily. “Don’t tell me you also wanted to be a baseball player.”

  “No, I wanted to be a vet.”

  She didn’t miss the surprised look that crossed his face, but he hastily covered it up.

  “So, what happened?”

  Aimee exhaled. “My father didn’t approve. He thinks a doctor is a far more prestigious job, and it pays better. I don’t know. I mean, I know he’s my dad, and he means well, but he’s so controlling sometimes, it drives me nuts.”

  She threw her hands up in the air, the words leaving her in a rush as she leaned back in her seat. “What about you? What’s your dad like?”

  The waiter set down their drinks in front of them, and Tommy stared down at his drink, a somber expression marring his features.

  “My dad died a few years ago. When I was fifteen, actually. We were on our way back from a baseball game.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Aimee offered, sincerely. “That must’ve been difficult.”

  “It was.” Tommy shuddered. “Sometimes I feel guilty.”

  Aimee’s brows drew together. “Why?”

  “He died trying to protect me. We were on our way back from the game, and the liquor store on our right was being robbed. We got caught in the middle of a stick up. I remember the sound of gunfire and falling to the ground. Next thing I know, my father is dead.”

  Aimee was stunned. She had no idea what to say. Tommy’s eyes welled up, but he rapidly blinked back the tears, his eyes tightening around his mug. Aimee reached forward, detangled his fingers from the mug and took them firmly in hers.

  “I didn’t know your dad, but I’m sure he wanted you to survive, so you shouldn’t think of it like that,” Aimee responded, gently.

  Tommy gave her a watery smile. “Thank you.”

  “Sure.”

  Tommy cleared his throat. “Enough gloom and doom. So, you want to go to med school, huh?”

  “I think so, but I’m not sure. I wonder if I’d have the same dream if my dad wasn’t pushing for it.”

  “What about your mom?”

  “She’s great, but she doesn’t really get involved when my dad and I argue. I don’t know why. How about yours?”

  Tommy brightened. “My mom is amazing. You’d love her. She’s funny, supportive and wise.”

  “She sounds great.”

  “I have to admit something,” Tommy said, suddenly.

  “You’re not going to admit you’re a serial killer, are you? Because the evening has been going so well.”

  Tommy cocked his head to the side. “You have a flair for the melodramatic, don’t you?”

  “Sometimes.”

  “No, it’s not that. I just wanted to say that I watched you for a bit yesterday.”

  Aimee gave him a blank look.

  He took a deep breath. “When you were running around the stadium.”

  “Stalker much?”

  “Definitely the world’s worst one since I just admitted to stalking you,” Tommy said as he took a sip of his drink.

  “Or, a really a good one depending on how you look at it. Reverse psychology.”

  Chapter 6

  Tommy felt like he was on cloud nine, floating so high above that no one could reach him. It was such a new feeling to him. He’d had crushes on girls before, but he’d never felt this odd fluttering in his stomach.

  He’d tossed and turned all night, unable to get her smile or laugh out of his head. Not that he wanted to. Aimee was just natural. There wasn’t a single thing that was fake about her, not in the way she dressed, or the way she spoke.

  It was, surprisingly refreshing. He’d gotten used to having substantial conversations with guys, and he was okay with that. Girls, on the other hand, they were entirely different. They might as well be a different subspecies.

  In any case, he needn’t worry about that because Aimee was different. He could feel it in the very marrow of his bones. When the sun rose, he was still wide awake with his heart pounding in his chest, and adrenaline coursing through his veins.

  The odd thing was, he didn’t feel even remotely tired.

  Not a lick.

  He felt bursting to the brim with energy, like a bullet waiting to take off. He’d hopped out of bed, stepped into the shower and hummed as he washed his hair. His mouth gave a startled gasp of surprise as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her cheek.

  “You’re in a chipper mood this morning,” she commented as she eyed him over the rim of her cup.

  “It’s a lovely day,” he said, simply. He opened the cupboard, took out his mug and poured some coffee. He inhaled deeply before he took the first sip, sighing deeply as it made its way down her throat, giving him even more energy.

  He felt invigorated, like he could take on the world.

  “Uh huh,” his mom said, skeptically. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with that girl you were telling me about, would it?”

  Tommy hid his smile behind his mug. “Who said it’s about that?”

  His mother carefully put down her mug and grinned. “It is, isn’t it? Did your date go well?”

  “She’s great mom,” Tommy admitted. “It was surreal. She’s just genuine, you know?”

  Tommy shrugged as he felt his throat close up, he’d never been one to articulate his emotions, and this time wasn’t any different. He felt awkward and unsure, like a boy just discovering puberty as opposed to one who was about to become a man.

  “I actually don’t know,” his mother spoke, playfully. “I want to hear all about her. Tel
l me everything.”

  “Mom,” Tommy complained, embarrassed. “Even I don’t know everything yet. Besides, it’s still early days.”

  She waved away his comment. “Yes, I know it is, but I’ve never seen you act like this after a date, and I’m curious. Am I all up in your grill?”

  Tommy smacked his forehead. “Mom, please. We don’t use that expression anymore.”

  His mother held her hands up. “Okay, okay, so apparently, I’m not cool anymore.”

  Tommy chuckled. “You’ll always be groovy to me mom.”

  His mother beamed. “That’s my boy. So, I know you can’t tell me everything, but at least tell me something.”

  Tommy paused. “She’s thinking about studying to be a doctor.”

  His mother’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s impressive. That’s something she’s passionate about then?”

  “Seems like it, but people change their minds, you know,” Tommy said, vaguely.

  He felt odd about sharing that now. What if she’d said that out of confidence, and he wasn’t meant to share that? It wasn’t like he’d gone into the details about her complicated relationship with her father. That would be crossing a line.

  “That’s true,” his mom agreed. She checked her watch and gulped down the rest of her coffee. “Okay, well, I’d better go. My shift is going to start soon. You have your first training today, right?”

  Tommy nodded, his stomach twisting into knots. “Yeah, that’s right.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do great. You always make me proud,” she encouraged as she squeezed his arm lightly. She placed a quick kiss on his forehead and shut the door behind her. Tommy crossed one ankle over the other, feeling pensive in the silence of the kitchen.

  His leg buzzed, and he fished his phone out of his pocket, frowning as he realized that he needed to fix his screen. Again.