Felix (The Ninth Inning #1)

by Lindsay Paige

  Now, I’m sitting in Warren’s Ford Focus heading off to dinner. I thought it would be somewhere fancy and I’m wrong. When he pulls into a small café diner, I start to wonder where Felix would take me for our first date.

  Abigail, stop it! I yell at myself. You’re on a date and not with Felix.

  Warren holds open the door for me and we walk into the diner. You can tell it’s been here for a number of years and it’s in desperate need of an upgrade. I feel bad for whoever the owner is because they can’t see that lime green isn’t in this season and hasn’t been since 1970.

  “So, what do you think?”

  “Oh, this is great,” I lie and smile.

  “Right? I’ve heard about this place from some of my frat buddies.”

  “Well, this is a good choice,” I fib again and look at the torn plastic menus. Of course, it’s typical diner food, which entails mainly sandwiches.

  When the waitress comes by, I order a BLT and fries and Warren gets a cheeseburger with tater tots.

  “How do you like being in a frat?” I try to make some small talk. I’m really surprised he’s still in a frat and being a grad student.

  “It’s amazing. I think it’s the best decision I ever made.”

  “Because of the networking?”

  “No, because I made a tons of friends and I know where all the parties are.” He smiles.

  And there it is…the mature college student who isn’t any of those things. “I’m sure that’s important, too.”

  “Abigail, I’m just messing with you.” Warren laughs. “I may have joined for those reasons in the beginning, but I’ve truly made a lot of great connections through the frat. I’m too busy to be partying.”

  I feel my body relax. “I knew that.”

  Warren shakes his head. “You’re lying. Did you really think I was just a grad student who went to keggers to pick up nineteen-year-olds?”

  I shake my head. “No, I didn’t. I’m sorry I jumped to that conclusion.” Great, now I feel like the ass.

  “It’s fine. Like I said, I’m too busy to party. Actually, this is the first time I’ve been out for a while.”

  “Do you work?”

  He sips his sweet tea. “Yes, I do. My parents…well…they fell onto some hard times, and I work to help them with their bills.”

  “That’s very sweet of you.” His cheeks are a little red from saying that, but I think it’s very admirable he’s helping his parents. I would do everything to have my parents here so I can help them out in any way I could.

  “What about your family? Are you all close?”

  “My parents have passed, but I’m very close to my two older sisters. Do you have siblings?” I change the subject because I don’t want him to ask anymore about my parents. I usually don’t rush to tell people I’m the reason my parents are dead. I’m still not sure why I told Felix so quickly. Then again, I seem to be very open around him all the time.

  “I have a younger sister in high school. We’re okay, not real close though.” I can tell it’s a touchy subject for him and I move to something else as the food arrives.

  As we eat, we talk about books we’ve recently read, movies, how one of our professors has the worst breath in the world, and how we can’t wait to be done with school. The conversation seems to flow smoothly and I like that there’s no awkward silences. I always hate that on dates.

  After Warren pays, we walk out to his car and he pauses for a moment. I think something is wrong because now he seems nervous.

  “Everything okay?”

  “What? Oh, yeah. I didn’t realize the time.” He points to his dashboard.

  “Do you have somewhere to be?” It’s eleven at night; it’s not like it’s four in the morning.

  “Actually, I have to work early in the morning. Do you mind if we cut this night short, but pick it up another time?”

  I shake my head. “No, I don’t mind at all.”

  Warren smiles and we head back to my apartment. He walks me up to my place. I don’t know if he will kiss me or not. Apparently, I suck at this part.

  “Sorry again.” Warren’s voice is sad and it’s sweet he really cares.

  “It’s fine. I’m not upset.”

  Warren nods, leans in, and gently kisses my lips. “I had a great time.”

  Well, you don’t kiss anything like Felix, I think.

  “I did, too.” I unlock my door. “Have a good day at work.”

  WHY THE HELL am I up so early? It’s because I’m on Felix’s run time. Oh, the jerk is brainwashing me into his running schedule. I’m up now; I might as go running. I wonder if he’s out now. I check out the window and his car is here. I send him a quick text.

  Me: Are you running yet?

  Felix: Was about to head out.

  Me: Want a very slow running partner?

  Felix: Sure. I’ll wait for ya.

  I change into a pair of black running shorts and a tank. It’s already muggy out and the less clothing I have on, the cooler I’ll be. I walk over to his apartment.

  “Your stupid schedule has me all thrown off. I never wake up this early. Ever!” I yell at him as he shuts the door.

  He turns to me with that sexy grin. “Maybe you just really wanted to see me.”

  “Ha! Wow, you still suck at flirting,” I try to deflect what might be true. “Are you still a virgin? I read somewhere about this cool, hot-looking guy who flirted a lot but was nothing more than a tease to the ladies. Was that about you?” I laugh as we head out to the trail. I didn’t mean to ask if he’s a virgin. I’m sure he’s not.

  “No, it was not! You’re the only person it doesn’t work on.” He shakes his head and there’s still a small smile on his lips. “You see right through all my lines, which aren’t completely terrible either.” He picks up the pace a little

  “Really? Trust me, they’re not that good. Now, how was your quiet night?”

  “I ended up going out with some of the guys on the team after talking with my brothers. How was yours?”

  “It was okay.” I breathe heavier as his long legs stride forward. “I mean, Warren is nice and the place he took me to was…all right. He brought me home early because he had to work. Overall, I enjoyed myself.”

  “Good. Better than him forgetting you, right?” he teases.

  “Yes, it was better than that but…” I stop before I accidently say the one thing I shouldn’t say. “Never mind.”

  “But…what?” He slows down, almost to a walk. “You can’t start and then not finish. What were you going to say?”

  I grab my side and groan, not from a running pain, but from the pain that I can’t shut up sometimes. I blame LA for that. “I was going to say the kiss wasn’t as good as yours,” I mumble, hoping he didn’t understand me and let’s it go. He stops and looks at me. I can’t figure out his expression. “Can we run now or maybe walk briskly?” I need to get away from his gorgeous eyes.

  He grins widely. “Sure, whatever you want, Abigail. You know what, I’ll let you be in charge today since you decided to run after all.”

  We’re both quiet for a few moments as we jog through the trail. Felix wants to ask me something. I can almost feel it.

  “So, how much better was my kiss than his?”

  And there it is…

  I roll my eyes, but my smile appears on it’s own accord. “Let’s say it was better and leave it at that. Maybe he’ll do better on the next one.”

  “The next one?” It sounds like he’s shocked. “Hm. Well, maybe he won’t do better. Who knows.”

  “Who knows.”

  We don’t talk the rest of the run and I almost make it a full mile before I feel like I’m about to pass out.

  “I’m done,” I pant heavily. “I can’t make it another step. Just leave me here to die.”

  “Dramatic much?” Felix laughs.

  I curl my lip at him. “Shut up and let’s walk home.”

  On the very slow walk home, Felix tells me about the c
atcher on the team, Blake Foster. I don’t know much about the rest of the players, considering they’re all new.

  “Isn’t he the one with the mean face?”

  Felix nods. “Hector calls him Grumpy. I don’t know what’s going on with him. He’s not a bad guy. I’ve known him for a while now.”

  “Do you think it has anything to do with last season?”

  “Well, we’re all under a microscope since last year’s team was banned for the drug use. I don’t think I’ve taken so many piss tests in my life, but I understand the reasoning for it, too. However, I don’t think that’s it.”

  “Just be there for him then. Sometimes that’s the best thing to do.” I shrug. “But he does have a mean face.”

  Felix chuckles. “I guess and thanks for the advice.”

  “You’re leaving tomorrow, right?”

  “Yep, I’ll be gone for the whole week. What are you going to do without me?”

  “Not run,” I laugh.

  “You should keep it up though. It’s worse when you take a break and then come back to it.”

  I roll my eyes again. “We’ll see. I’ll see you next week.”

  Before I leave, Felix grabs my arm and pulls me flush with his body and kisses me. Damn it. I want to stop and push him away, but I can’t because his tongue in my mouth is holding me in place.

  “See ya.”

  He leaves me standing there for a moment and then I rush off to my apartment.

  I PICK AT the salad in front of me as Annie goes on about going back to get her doctorate in education.

  “I could do it and possibly become a principal someday.”

  “I think it’s a great idea. Abby-bear, what you say?” LA looks over at me.

  “I think it’s a great idea, too.” I smile at her.

  “Where are you today?” LA looks at me confused.

  “What? I’m right here.”

  “No, you’re not. Annie and I are here having a lovely sister lunch, but you’re off in Abby-bear land.” She takes a bite of her sandwich.

  “I have a lot on my mind.” I push the plate away.

  “What is it?” Annie’s voice tells me that she concern for me.

  “I had a date with a really nice guy the other night, but damn if Felix Hernandez doesn’t keep popping into my head.”

  “Oh,” LA perks up. “Why Felix?”

  “Because he’s the jerk face who won’t stop kissing me,” I blurt out. Both of my sisters stop and stare at me.

  “Kissing you?” LA’s mouth falls open.

  “Yes. Every time I’m around him now, especially when we’re running, he kisses me. All I think about is his damn lips.”

  “Are you kidding me?” LA smiles brightly. “This is wonderful.”

  “Wonderful? I’m in a nightmare. Felix is a baseball player who spends more time on the road than at home. Since you’ve Googled him so much, have you seen the women he’s dated? Supermodels, Hollywood actresses, and I’m not in either one of those categories.

  “And then, there’s Warren. He’s a nice guy who works to help his family out and goes to school to further himself. He’s normal.” I rush out all the words that are spinning in my head because I am tired of them being there.

  “Felix isn’t with those girls anymore. There’s a reason he’s not, and it’s because he wants to be with you,” LA explains.

  “If he wanted to be with me so badly, why did he forget about me on our very first date?”

  “What? What do you mean he forgot you?”

  Shit. I look over at Annie for support. I never told LA about our first date disaster. Annie shrugs and I take a deep breath and tell LA everything that’s been happening between Felix and me. I explained it was the reason why I didn’t go to that game.

  “Why do you keep things from me? You both do that and I hate it,” LA pouts.

  “Leigh Ann, it’s because you tend to react before you think,” Annie says softly.

  “I do not,” LA lies, and I giggle.

  “Abby-bear, what do you want to do? You can’t date them both,” Annie offers her advice.

  “Felix hasn’t asked me out. He just keeps kissing me. I’m not sure if he’s trying to get me in bed or not. I know I can’t date both of them, but Warren and I have only been on one date. It’s not like I’m in some serious relationship.” I shrug.

  “What if Felix did ask you again? Would you go?” LA sounds hopeful and I’m beginning to wonder about her sanity and if baseball is effecting it.

  “Maybe,” I mumble. “But if he forgets about me again, I’m done,” I state more firmly. LA and Annie both laugh at me, and we finish our lunch.

  As we walk out to the parking lot, the main highway seems to be busier than normal and the traffic noise is loud. Annie says she’ll take me home since she needs to run to the store. LA gives me a hug and I turn toward Annie’s car when I hear it: the screech of the tires, the sound of crunching metal, and the banging of the cars.

  The flashback starts. Dad and Mom are laughing because LA is going to be married soon and they can’t believe she’s in love. I’m listening to Britney Spears on the radio, looking at the cars in front of me. Dad keeps saying I’m doing a good job. Mom’s cell phone rings and I look in the rearview mirror at her. Then it happens. I never even saw the semi pulling out.

  My throat is burning from my screams and I can hear LA and Annie telling me I’m okay, but I can’t stop screaming. I’m rocking back and forth and I hear sirens.

  I’ve killed my parents all over again.

  WHEN I OPEN my eyes, I feel a heavy arm on my stomach. I look over and LA is asleep next to me. Her dyed blonde is fanned out over the pillow. I smile because it reminds me of when we were much younger. She would come into my room if I had a nightmare and sleep in my bed. She’s always been my protector. I hear footsteps in my hallway and Annie comes into my room with a cup of coffee.

  “Hey, you’re awake.” She puts the cup down on the nightstand and sits on the edge of the bed. Annie’s brown hair is in a messy ponytail and her makeup is smudged.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.” My voice is hoarse and my throat burns.

  “You heard the car crash and lost it in the parking lot. You finally passed out and we got you home.” Annie brushes my hair away from my forehead.

  “It’s been awhile since that’s happened.”

  “Are you okay?” LA sits up and rubs her eyes.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” I look at my alarm clock. “Oh God, you two need to go. It’s almost midnight.”

  “I have sick days I can use.” Annie takes my hand.

  “And Harry knows I’m here.” LA takes my other hand.

  “I’m sorry I’m a burden.”

  “Abigail,” LA grits at me. “Don’t start that shit. You’re not a burden to either of us. We understand how hard this is and we’re here for you.”

  The tears burn my eyes. “I don’t know what I would do without you two,” I sniff.

  “You’ll never have to know because we’re always going to be here for you.” Annie kisses my forehead. LA hugs my neck. I softly cry for the loss of my parents and the love for my sisters.

  IT’S BEEN A fun week of traveling, playing ball, and relaxing in hotel rooms in between. I’m glad to be home though. Plus, I’m curious if Abigail went on her second date with that guy. I’m still grinning over the fact that she likes kissing me more. It’s one reason why I keep finding excuses to kiss her, like now.

  I knock on her door after having dropped of my bags in my apartment. She’s a sight for my sore, Abigail-deprived eyes. It’s late, so I’m not surprised that she’s in pajama shorts and a t-shirt.

  “Felix, hey,” she says with surprise.

  “Hey. Miss me?” I grin.

  “Did I miss you? I do believe you came rushing over here and not the other way around.” She winks and I laugh.

  “That’s because I’d rather see you than text you to find out if you’ve been running while I’m gone an
d if we’re going running tomorrow.”

  “I’ve done no running. School and work has been taking up a lot of my time. I don’t know about the morning run.”

  “Why not? Already giving up on me?”

  “No, I’m not giving up,” she says, shaking her head. “I’ve had a long week and it’s been a little rough on me. I’m sure you don’t want me to bore you with the details, but maybe the morning after next I will.”

  She sounds sad, so I ask, “Is everything okay? Want to talk about it?”

  “Um…do you want a beer?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  I step inside and she goes to the kitchen to grab us each a beer. We take a seat next to each other on the couch. Abigail doesn’t start right away, choosing to take a gulp of beer first. She takes a deep breath and looks at me.

  “I had a flashback. It happens from time to time, but this one was because I heard a fender bender when I was having lunch with my sisters and I lost it in the middle of a parking lot. Sometimes after that I’m a…little depressed and I’m trying to focus on school to help me out of it. That’s why I haven’t been running.”

  “Sorry you had a rough week. Is there anything else that helps?” It must be very hard to have to relive that day. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for her to lose both her parents and in the way that she did.

  “My sisters. Annie cuddles with me until LA starts yelling at me to get the hell out of the bed. It always works.” She softly giggles. “I’m not sure why I told you all that. It seems like when I’m around you, I’m a fountain of emotions and useless gibberish.”

  I chuckle. “Does it bother you that you’re that way with me? It can’t really be a bad thing, right?”

  “I don’t know, Felix. I have strange feelings around you and it doesn’t have to do with my newly acquired good luck powers.”

  “Strange feelings? The good kind or bad? I don’t think strange is usually associated with good though.” I frown at the thought.

  “Let’s be honest, okay? You’re Felix Hernandez of the Memphis Angels. You’ve dated hot chicks and A-listers since the day you were drafted. Now, I’ve known you for a little over a month, and you’ve stood me up, you’re my personal driver, you take me running, and you kiss me every chance you get, but have no intentions of asking me out. So, yeah, I’m a little confused because I’m just me and that’s nothing special.”