Then it dawned on me.
Carson: Hi Lexi.
Melody: Hey Carson! How’d you know it was me?
Carson: Wild guess.
Melody: Lucky guess. Any who, Mel’s in the shower. That’s why she didn’t answer. We’re taking Clay out for his birthday. I’m hoping he’s prepared for what this afternoon is going to entail.
Carson: Are you taking him to Paco’s?
Melody: Hell no. He said tacos give him diarrhea. I’m not helping him if he shits himself.
Carson: You’re going to hell, Lexi. You know that right?
Melody: I’ll be driving the bus.
Melody: I apologize for my insane best friend. I really need to put a passcode on my lock screen.
Carson: I like her. I think it’s nice you’re taking Clay out.
Melody: He enjoys it. Every year we go to the same restaurant, at the same time, he orders the same meal and he is always home by seven so he can watch Wheel of Fortune. He’s a creature of habit, but I still love him.
Carson: LOL The man just knows what he likes. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’d say to tell him I said Happy Birthday, but I think it would just piss him off, so don’t. Or maybe you should…
Melody: Ha! You’re right, it would piss him off. I have to run…have a relaxing day.
Carson: Have fun.
I almost forgot that I had ordered food when it was delivered. I took a bite of the taco first, not surprised that it wasn’t Paco’s Taco quality. I still can’t believe those tacos were that damn good. I’ll have to tell Ryan we need to check it out when we get back home. I picked up my phone to tell Melody I was eating mediocre tacos, but remembered she was going out. I didn’t want to interrupt her so I sat my phone down. I finished the burger first, but couldn’t handle the tacos anymore. Maybe I can text her and she’ll see it later? If she’s busy, then she can text whenever she wants later, right?
Carson: I just ordered the most mediocre tacos from room service. They were not up to Paco’s standards. You’ve ruined the most simple food in the world for me. Thank you.
There. She can respond whenever she wants. If she wants.
A moment later, the alert chimed again.
Melody: You’re welcome ;)
I was still smiling to myself when Ryan came through the door, his hair sticking up in fifty different directions and his shirt balled up in his hand. At least his pants were buttoned this time.
“You alright?”
He cleared his bed of the toiletries with a swipe of his arm before flopping onto his stomach. “I always do the fucking. But damn, that girl fucked me. Damn, I’m exhausted.”
I couldn’t help but to laugh. “Met your match?”
“Shit, pretty damn close.” He noticed the plates from room service and popped his head up. “Ooh, tacos.” He already had one of the tacos up to his mouth before I could warn him that they weren’t that great. “Eh, it’s okay. Definitely not as good as Paco’s.”
“You know Paco’s?”
“Hell yeah, man.” He mumbled around the food. “You can’t beat the platters. I swear they have some magical ingredient they put in those things. So damn good.” He finished the rest of the tacos, and less than five minutes later, he was snoring away.
So much for my quiet afternoon.
Chapter Twelve: Melody
So I’m learning very quickly that Carson isn’t the typical guy. He called numerous times while he was away, some phone calls being as short as two minutes, others being an hour or two long. He told me he preferred talking on the phone rather than texting, he liked hearing my voice.
Swoon.
Tonight, Lexi and her dad Rick came to the game with me. I’m sandwiched between the two, catching up with Rick. I don’t see him as often as I would like, but I still consider him a father figure. He’s always protected me as his own, especially after my parents died.
"So, Lex tells me you've been chatting with Carson Lawrence." He said.
I knew that was coming.
"She'd be better off telling him to go to hell." Uncle Clay said from behind me.
I knew that was coming, too.
"Yes, we're just getting to know each other, no big deal." I told Rick, ignoring Clay.
"When the dad talk is needed, let me know. I'll clean my guns in front of him."
I smiled warmly, knowing that’s his way of protecting me. "I will. Thank you."
Lexi leaned around me and frowned. "Hey, you've never done that with any of the guys I've brought home."
Rick patted her on the knee. "Sweetheart, you scare them off before it's time for me to have my talk."
She thought about it for a moment, then shrugged. "Yeah, you're right."
“Don’t know how you still have hair after raising that one, Rick.” Clay teased from behind.
Rick sighed heavily. “Me either, Clay. She’s just like her mother.”
Lexi grinned. “And proud of it.”
***
The game went into extra innings, tied 3-3 at the bottom of the tenth. Ross and Bennett, our left outfielder, were both on base. Carson was up to bat, and I was nervous for him. The first pitch connected with his bat, sending the ball past the first and second basemen and into right field, bringing Bennett home and landing a base hit for Carson. When he got to first base he looked over at me, amusement on his face as I was jumping up and down, screaming for him. He winked at me turned his focus back to the game. Warmth ran through my body at the simple gesture, but Lexi quickly ruined the moment when she leaned into my ear and whispered “Yeah, you two are definitely going to bone.”
***
"Carson was amazing!" Lexi shouted after the game was called, our boys winning 5-3. Uncle Clay stood up and stretched his arms over his head. "I knew that Lawrence kid wasn't half bad."
My mouth dropped and Lexi cracked up. "You give Mel such a hard time about him!"
He shrugged. "Someone has to. Good night girls. Rick."
I followed Lex and Rick up the steps out of the stadium when I heard a female call my name. I turned around and saw the ball girl waving me down. "Um...is she yelling for me?"
"It sounded like it." Lex said.
I met her at the wall. "Hey Mel! Carson wants to know if you'll hang out for a few minutes. He said he won't be long."
My heart sped up at his name alone. I looked back at Lexi and Rick. "Go ahead, guys. I'll take a cab home later."
"If you come home later." She winked. Rick hugged me and told me to be good before following Lexi and Clay up the stairs and out of the stadium.
The ball girl jumped over the wall and took a seat beside me. "I'm Sammie, by the way."
"Melody, but you already knew that." I laughed. "You can call me Mel."
She propped her feet onto the wall, stretching her long legs. "It was a good game, but I'm beat. I had classes all day."
“Which college do you go to?” I asked.
“University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. It’s just a few blocks from here.”
“Oh, you’re going to be a pharmacist? That’s pretty cool.”
“Yeah, as long as I survive the rest of college. I have two more weeks before summer break, then one year left. I’m so over school.” She yawned loudly.
"Girl, you need to go home and rest. Don't you get to go home right after the game is over?"
"Usually I have to wait to be debriefed for the night, but the ball boy who was on the third baseline tonight is in the manager's office getting his butt handed to him. I'm just waiting patiently and staying out of their way."
"Oh no, what happened?"
"It’s hard to tell. He's a manwhore, so I assume he offended a female." She rolled her eyes. "I've been on the receiving end of advances, but I shut him down every time. He's a pompous jerk."
I saw Carson walk out from the dugout and onto the field, walking towards us. His hair was wet, looking freshly showered. And delicious. So damn delicious.
She stood and smiled at me. "A
nd I guess that's my cue to go. It was nice meeting you Mel."
"You too, Sammie. Good luck with school."
“Thanks!” Sammie jumped over the wall and jogged past Carson, receiving a pat on the back as she passed him. I stood and leaned onto the wall, watching his lips curve upwards. "You stayed."
"You asked."
He threw his bag onto the seats and hopped the wall, sitting on it. I joined him, swing my legs. "You have to take me home since my ride already left."
"I think I can arrange that. How are you?"
"I'm good. You?"
"Tired. But I wanted to see you for a few minutes."
Butterflies invaded my stomach. "Oh really? And why's that?"
He bumped his shoulder into mine. "We have to set up a time for our next date."
"Okay. You have the more complicated schedule of the two of us. When are you free?"
"Now." He said instantly.
"Really?" I laughed.
"Why not?"
"Because you just said you were tired."
"Sleep is overrated." He argued.
"You have a game tomorrow."
He sighed. "I do. I’m glad you’re a good influence." He hopped off the wall, then lifted me by the hips to set me on the ground. I didn’t need the help, but I wasn’t complaining.
He laced his fingers threw mine and grabbed his bag. "Although you live ridiculously close, can I drive you home, Melody?"
I tightened my grip on his hand. "Yes, please."
He walked us slowly towards the parking lot that only the baseball players were able to use. I wasn't in any rush to say goodnight to Carson, so our walking pace didn’t bother me a bit. "You did great tonight."
"The team did. We were lucky to pull it out of our asses at the last minute."
"Give yourself credit. You did awesome."
He shrugged his shoulder, acting as if it weren’t a big deal. “We were lucky Bennett and Ross got on base.”
“I hope Ross starts playing better. He’s supposed to be the Golden Boy, but so far he’s been pretty shitty.”
“Ross is an asshole.” Carson spat. “He’s not what he tries to portray publicly. He’s a fake son of a bitch.”
Damn. Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?
Sooner than I would have liked, we were in his car and in front of my apartment. "Tomorrow." He said.
"Tomorrow?"
"After the game tomorrow night, let's go out. I'm not sure I would be able to handle not having another date before going out of town again."
I bit my lip, trying not to smile. "Okay."
"Just okay?" He teased.
I shrugged. "I mean, I guess it's alright. I don't have any other plans, so why not?"
He laughed and pulled me across the console and into a hug. "You tell yourself that."
Being in his arms felt like nothing else I had ever felt. He kissed my cheek lightly and held onto me for a long minute before he pulled away. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
"Me too."
If this is Carson’s definition of not dating l, I’d like to see what he thinks is dating is.
***
Carson asked me to meet in front of the Power Plant Live at eight. Located about a block off of the Harbor, it wasn’t too far of a walk from my place. There is always something going on at the Power Plant, as it hosts several restaurants, bars and clubs. There was already a long line of people waiting to get into one of the clubs. I scanned the crowd, looking to see if Carson had made it yet, but came up empty. I smoothed my hands over my flowy skirt, making sure I was still put together just as Lexi had sent me off.
“Looking for someone?” I heard from behind. I turned around, Carson smiling down at me. He was so handsome, and I had a feeling he doesn’t even have to try. He was dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, but it’s as if that outfit was specifically made just for him.
“Hey.” I smiled, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. He smelled amazing, freshly showered and a trace of light cologne. His hand rested on my lower back, bringing me in for a hug.
“You look gorgeous, Melody.” He said, looking over my body. He smirked when he reached my feet. “I loved the shoes when you wore them the last time, and I love them even more now. They’re hot.” He whispered in my ear.
Note to self: Thank Lexi later for making me wear the fuck me heels again.
“Are you hungry?” He asked.
I shook my head. “Not too much.”
“I’m not either. We can grab something later. You ready to head out?”
I nodded towards the line. “We’re not going there?”
He smirked. “We can if you really want to see Justin Bieber over at Rams Head.”
Once he said that, I noticed that the line was full of younger women and teenagers. “I think I’ll pass.”
“Ah come on. He has some good songs.” He cleared his throat before crooning “If I was your-“
I put my hand over his mouth, silencing his off key singing. “What did you have in mind for tonight?” I giggled.
He kissed my palm before removing my hand. “My buddy just opened up a dueling piano bar a few blocks over. Is that cool with you?”
“Sure, that sounds great.”
He grabbed my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. “Let’s go.”
After arriving at The Black Keys, Carson’s friend’s new piano bar, we were seated at a small table in front of the stage. There were two pianos facing one another on the stage, a drum set and guitars behind them. “Have you been here before?” I asked Carson.
“No, the grand opening was last week. I hope you don’t mind that I brought you here. Once the music starts we won’t be able to talk much, but I thought we could walk around the harbor when we leave.” He rubbed the back of his neck like he was nervous.
I put my hand on his arm. “It’s perfect. I love music.”
The waitress came over and took our drink orders, letting us know we were the guests of the owners for the night. Shortly after, a short, younger guy walked up to the table. Carson stood up and hugged him. “Carson Lawrence and the poor victim. How in the fuck are you, buddy?”
Carson chuckled and smacked the guy in the arm. “This beautiful woman’s name is Melody. Mel, this jackass’s name is Parker Ford, the owner of this establishment.”
Parker leaned down at kissed my cheek. “It’s a pleasure, Melody.”
“Thank you for having us.” I smiled.
Carson sat down beside me, taking my hand again. “Parker, the place looks awesome. Are you playing tonight?”
“Yeah, I play the second set. The place really fills up during the first set. I’m glad you came out, I haven’t seen you since you moved back to the east coast. How is your mom?” Parker asked.
“She’s doing really well. She was just here visiting a few weeks ago. I’ll be sure to tell her I saw you.”
“How about your dad? I haven’t seen him in what feels like years.”
Carson’s grip tightened around my hand at the mention of his father. “Same here.” He mumbled.
Parker took the hint, and extended his hand. “I better get going. Give me a call, hopefully we can meet up when you have a day off.”
Carson shook his hand and Parker looked over to me. “Nice to meet you, Melody. Make sure this guy walks a straight line.”
I chuckled. “I’ll try my best.”
Our drinks arrived just as Parker walked away. Carson seemed a bit off after talking about his father. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m great.” He said a little too quickly, his smile not reaching his eyes. I was about to call him out on his lie when two middle aged men walked onto the stage, the other members of the audience clapping and yelling.
“Good evening! Welcome to The Black Keys, Baltimore’s newest and hottest dueling piano bar. We play what you want to hear. On your table there is a stack of napkins and a pen. Write your request on t
here, bring it up to us onstage, and place it on the piano with a monetary donation. A five dollar bill will get your song in the lineup. A twenty will get your song played next. Anything over that will get you onstage to sing with us. I’m Mike, that’s Tom, and we’re your piano men for the first half of this evening. Let’s get this party started!”
The cheers died down as the first notes of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” rang throughout the club. The crowd joined in and sang loudly along with Tom and Mike. I swayed along, bumping Carson with my shoulder. He looked over to me and grinned, bumping his shoulder back into mine. He started singing along, his off pitch voice blending in with all the others. Whatever was bothering him earlier seemed to dissipate, bringing back the happy Carson I’ve grown to like. Before too long, multiple people had requested songs, the playlist ranging from country to rap. Like Parker had predicted, the bar filled to capacity shorty before the intermission. “Are you having a good time?” Carson asked after the music stopped.
“Yeah, I really am. Thank you for bringing me here, I’ll have to bring Lexi sometime. She’ll love this.”
“I think she would be up on that stage singing every song.” He chuckled.
I laughed along. “I think you may be right.”
“Is there a certain song you want to hear?” He nodded to the stack of napkins.
“Not particularly. I like just about everything.”
He tapped my phone. “Do you have a playlist on there?”
I unlocked my phone and handed it over. “Don’t judge me based on the songs downloaded to my phone. It looks like a hot mess, all over the place. I just love music in general.”
“I won’t judge you. I actually think it’s pretty awesome. I’m the same way. I like variety. I don’t have one favorite song, or one favorite food for that matter. I want to experience everything and anything I possibly can. I think life is too short to live any other way.”
A warmth ran through my stomach at his words. I’ve tried to live like that since my parents passed away. I’m sure they never thought they would die in a car accident on the way home from a baseball game at age forty-eight. I know that life is a gift and I don’t want it to pass me by.
Falling for the Rookie (Fan Girl Book 1) Page 6