“You work at that clinic. You administered the paternity test.” Johnny had to breathe real slow to keep from dragging this woman straight to the police.
“Yes. I knew—the minute you stepped in my exam room—I knew it was…fate. I knew it was meant to be. We are meant to be.” She stepped closer, and Johnny backed up against his locker. “I couldn’t stand to see your reputation tarnished. So, you had a little indiscretion. A long time ago. But the good news is that no one has to know. I’ll keep our little secret.”
“No. You won’t.” Johnny sidestepped as she reached for him. His flesh crawled as her fingers brushed his arm.
“Oh, come on. I did you a huge favor.” She licked her lips, in what she must have thought was a sexy invitation. “I…I saved you.”
“No, you messed with my life.” He backed away toward the exit. “You hurt my family. You hurt my son.”
“I was trying to protect you.” She looked confused. Like she couldn’t understand why he hadn’t dropped to his knees and thanked her.
“Protect me? Lady, you don’t even know me. You don’t know what I want. What I need.” He was fed up with this perception that because he was a public figure, people thought they had a right to his business.
“I know what you need.” She lunged for him and he jumped out of the way. She fell to the floor with a cry of surprise.
“Hey, Johnny, I forgot my phone.” Bryce came back in time to watch the woman pick herself off the floor. “Is everything alright in here?”
“No.” Johnny didn’t even reach out to help her up. “Everything is not alright.”
Bryce grabbed his phone out of his locker. “I’ll call security.”
The woman looked down at her scraped palms. A small, pitiful cry escaped her throat.
“What’s going on?” Bryce stepped between Johnny and his so-called fan.
“Do you want to tell him?” Johnny asked. “Or should we wait for the police?”
“Police?” Her eyes filled with tears. “I was only trying to help. I switched the samples, so there was no way the kid would come up as yours.”
“She what?” Bryce clenched his fist, but held back. No doubt, he realized he couldn’t touch her. No matter how badly she’d screwed with his friend.
“She tampered with the paternity test. Zach could be my son after all.” Johnny’s voice was thick. His throat felt clogged with emotion. “She almost ruined my life.”
Security arrived and they were treated to a full blown crying fit. She blubbered and tried to wipe her face with her sleeve, but with the restraints, she only managed to make an even bigger mess of herself.
Bryce retrieved a wad of toilet paper and handed it to her. She blew her nose, then dropped the tissue to the ground.
“I love you, Johnny Scottsdale,” she said over her shoulder as she was led away. “Just know I only did it because I love you. I am, and always will be, your number one fan.”
“Oh man. I am so sorry.” Bryce shoved a chair under Johnny once the locker room was empty. “Was that your first stalker?”
“Yeah. I guess.” Johnny was glad he sat when he did. His legs were starting to shake. “Can you believe someone would do such a thing?”
“Wonder where she put your DNA. She probably hid it in her underwear drawer.” Bryce pulled up another chair, and plopped down next to him.
“That’s just sick.” Johnny couldn’t help but smile at his friend’s attempt at cheering him up. It worked. A little. “So what’s the weirdest thing a fan has done to you?”
“We’d better order a pitcher. I have quite a list.” Bryce helped him up. “Of course, some of it was not so much stalking as revenge.”
“Alright. I want to hear your stories.” Johnny stood. “I could use some laughs.”
“You got it.” Bryce grinned. “Dinner and drinks are on me.”
“I think it’s my turn.” Johnny had lost track of who had picked up the tab last.
“No, man. You’ve got a family to take care. Let me treat.”
“Mr. Scottsdale. Can we get a statement before you go?” One of the security officers returned before they were able to clear out.
“Sure.” Johnny relayed the details as best as he could. The security guard didn’t even bat an eye when he told him about the paternity test. At this point, Johnny didn’t give a damn about his reputation. He just wanted to make sure this didn’t happen to another family.
He and Bryce took a cab to a popular Tex-Mex restaurant. Over margaritas, Bryce entertained Johnny with tales of wild and crazy things women had done to get his attention. Everything from mailing their panties to showing up at his hotel rooms wearing nothing but the team’s flag. The idea was to cheer Johnny up, make him laugh and get his mind off the crazed fan who’d turned Johnny’s life inside out.
“You gonna be alright, man?” Bryce insisted on paying the bill and Johnny let him. He’d have more than enough time to repay the favor.
“Yeah. I just wish I’d been a bigger man when I got those false results.”
“You were pretty upset.”
“I didn’t have to push them away.” Even though he’d been devastated by the news. And even now, he didn’t know for sure if Zach was his kid. “I shouldn’t have let my feelings depend on a stupid piece of paper.”
“So now you know how much they mean to you, what are you going to do about it?”
“Grovel.” Johnny hoped it would be enough.
“Somehow I get the feeling you haven’t had much practice.”
“Nope. Any advice?”
“What makes you think I know anything about groveling?” Bryce flashed his trademark devil-may-care grin.
“Just a hunch.”
“I guess I’ve had to get down on my knees once or twice.” Bryce laughed.
“Damn. I wish she wasn’t still in San Francisco.”
“So, figure out a way to get her down here.”
* * * *
Dinner with the Harrisons had never been more awkward. No one wanted to talk about Mel’s sudden retirement. He hadn’t gone willingly, but he hadn’t put up a fight, either. After spending his entire adult life working in the high pressure environment of the finance industry, he didn’t seem to know what to do with himself.
He’d also had to change his diet, so the meal itself was different than what they were used to. Lean fish instead of roast beef. A single glass of wine instead of his usual before and during and after dinner cocktails. A hearty salad replaced his crusty loaf of sourdough bread.
At least they ate on familiar china, in the usual dining room.
And one other thing was the same as always.
Zach was still their grandson.
“So how’s school?” Frannie asked, trying to draw Zach out of his funk.
“Fine.” He’d been sullen and withdrawn since they found out the test results.
“Any big tests or projects coming up?” Frannie kept trying.
“No.”
“So, I bet you’re looking forward to baseball tryouts.” Mel tried to steer the conversation to Zach’s favorite subject. “Especially since you’ve been working with the best.”
“I might not try out.”
Shocked silence filled the room.
“What do you mean you might not try out?” Mel picked up his fork. “Baseball is life. At least that what all your t-shirts say.”
“I don’t want to play anymore,” Zach mumbled before shoving food into his mouth.
“Why not?” Alice had a feeling it had everything to do with Johnny.
“Because.” He gulped down a big swallow of milk. “Because I just don’t, okay? Why does everyone have to get on my case about it?”
“No one’s on your case.” Frannie kept her voice calm, sounding like this was any other conversation at any other dinner.
He shoved back from the table. “May I be excused?”
Zach didn’t wait for an answer before leaving the dining room. He headed for the door. One thi
ng about living two doors away, he could walk home if he wanted to. It seemed like he wanted to right now.
“Let him go,” Frannie cautioned. “He’s just lost his hero.”
True, but that didn’t give him the right to be rude.
“I need to go after him.” She stood, getting a little lightheaded. She felt feverish, her palms clammy, and then the room started to spin. She made a mad dash for the powder room, barely making it in time.
Hello, morning sickness. Even if it was evening.
Oh joy. Because her life wasn’t complicated enough. No. Maybe it was about to become really simple. She loved Johnny. And she was going to have his baby. This time, she was strong enough to go after him.
As soon as she stopped puking.
Alice rinsed her mouth and reappeared in the dining room. She had a plan. Now she just needed a few pieces to fall into place.
“Are you alright, dear?” Frannie’s concern showed on her face.
“Yes. I’m fine. I think maybe I’ve been overdoing it a bit.” She wanted to make sure Mel overheard the conversation, but didn’t want to make it too obvious. “I’ve been so busy with Zach’s school and sports schedules. Getting ready for his graduation coming up. Now with Johnny coming back into our lives and then leaving again. Not to mention, all the work I have for the foundation.”
“You do have a lot on your plate.” Frannie kept her poker face. She must have sensed where the conversation was heading. “And it really is a shame that Johnny is all the way in Arizona. I think you two could work things out a lot easier if you could only spend more time together without all these distractions.”
“Yes, but Zach needs me and I have to start working on next year’s camp. We have a good start on the fundraising, but maybe there’s a way to do more. Serve more kids.” She did her best damsel in distress imitation. Hopefully she didn’t sound too melodramatic.
“Do you have to do it all right now?” Frannie asked, completely and purposefully ignoring Mel.
“I have to meet with the major donors. It’s the personal touch that keeps them coming back.”
“It’s too bad there wasn’t someone who could help with that part.” Frannie cast a glance in Mel’s direction. “Someone with ties to the foundation. Someone who believes in it.”
“I could do it,” Mel volunteered. “I’ve got nothing better to do.”
“Oh, I couldn’t ask that of you. It’s more than just meetings face to face. It’s writing thank you letters and making phone calls.” Alice held back a smile. “You should relax and enjoy your retirement.”
“I’d enjoy it a lot more if I had something to keep me busy,” Mel said. “Besides, I’m sure you kept such good notes, I could step right in and not even skip a beat.”
“You know she has. In fact, she could probably even step away completely and we could keep it going. Couldn’t we?” Frannie smiled sweetly at her husband.
“We could.” If Mel had caught on to their scheme, he was willing to play along. “If our girl needed to pursue other interests.”
“Why don’t you take a few days, dear. We’ll look after Zach and the foundation. You look after Johnny Scottsdale.”
“Thank you.” Alice didn’t even help with the cleanup. She practically ran home. She’d pulled up the airline’s website on her phone and by the time she unlocked the door, she was ready to type in her credit card for the next available flight to Phoenix.
“I’m sorry I ran out like that.” Zach came out of his room when he heard her arrive. “I just couldn’t pretend like nothing happened. Like I didn’t get my hopes up only to find out that Johnny isn’t my dad. And I don’t want to feel bad for feeling bad about it.”
“It’s okay to feel bad. But it’s not okay to take it out on the rest of us.”
“I know.” He looked down at his feet, kicking at the carpet.
“And we all understand that you’re feeling disappointed.” She put her hand on his shoulder. She had to reach up to do it. “What we don’t understand is why you would want to quit baseball.”
“It’s just too hard. Thinking about Johnny and everything.”
“It’s even harder to give up something you love because you don’t want to get hurt.” She should know.
“I guess.” He let out a long sigh.
“I’d like to stay and talk to you about this, but we have to pack.”
“Pack?”
“Yes. You’re going to stay with your grandparents, and I have a nine o’clock flight to Phoenix.”
“You’re going to go get Johnny back?” His face lit up.
“I’m going to try.”
“Good. Because it’s lame for you to give up someone you love, just because you don’t want to get hurt.” He repeated her words of wisdom.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Besides, even if Johnny’s not my dad, he’d still make an awesome stepfather.” He sounded a tad uncertain, like maybe he didn’t want to get his hopes up too much.
“You know, I think you’re right.” Her own hopes were soaring.
“Do you want to take my lucky glove?” Zach offered. He put his arm around her shoulder and started walking her toward her room.
“No. I think I’ll rely on something better than luck.”
“Hard work, preparation and dedication?” He dropped his arm as they stood at her door.
“I was going to say love.” She gave him a big hug, holding on longer than usual. “But a little hard work, preparation and dedication can’t hurt.”
21
Johnny was a spectator for the first three innings of the next spring training game. The Goliaths had a 3-0 lead when his number was called. He didn’t need to be perfect. He just needed to do his job and let his defense do theirs. And hope he could lay down a bunt if he got to the plate with a runner on and less than two outs.
He threw his warm-up pitches and bent down to pick up the rosin bag. A ritual he’d performed so many times in his career. He was ten years old the first time he threw a pitch. In the past twenty-five years, he’d honed his delivery to maximize velocity, pinpoint control, and fool the opposing batters well enough to make a decent living at it.
He adjusted his cap, took his position on the mound, and started his windup.
Focus.
Just concentrate on what was most important. For the first time in his life, Johnny realized it wasn’t baseball.
Breathe.
He needed Alice like he needed air.
Let it go.
He couldn’t let her go.
He’d finish this game. Then he’d figure out how to win her heart once and for all. He wouldn’t pitch again for at least four more days. If he couldn’t convince her to come down here, he’d fly home. He was entitled to up to three days paternity leave, but since the test had been tampered with, he didn’t think it would count.
Besides, it really didn’t matter if Zach was his kid or not. He was Alice’s son, and a fine young man. The two of them had formed a bond, and unless Zach wanted to know if it was biological, Johnny was satisfied with that.
After three innings, Johnny was done for the day. He’d had a solid outing. Not perfect, but respectable. He’d given up a solo home run in the sixth, but thanks to Baxter’s bat, they were up 5-2 and it was up to the bullpen to hold the lead. He’d leave the game feeling like he’d done his job.
He could do this job for one more year. He’d made a commitment to the team. If he remained healthy, he would take the field. Every time he was asked to. He had to set an example for Zach, and for all the kids he worked with. As much as baseball was just a game, it had given him so much more.
Johnny knew what he wanted to do when the season was over. He wanted to open up his own baseball camp. As much as he enjoyed the work he’d done at the minicamp, it was only the beginning of what he wanted to accomplish. He could help a lot of kids. He’d share his experience. The good and the bad. He’d let kids know that no matter where they started in life, where they
ended was up to them. With hard work, discipline and perseverance, anything was possible.
The philosophy had served him well on the field. He just hoped it would work in his personal life, as well. He’d find out soon enough. He hadn’t known for sure whether he was going to get in today’s game or not; otherwise, he would have already booked a flight back to San Francisco for tonight.
Johnny held his head high as he walked off the mound. Bryce Baxter came up behind him, put a hand on his shoulder and then gave his a hearty clap on the back.
“Hey, check out that blonde behind home plate.” Bryce chuckled.
“Not interested.” He should know him by now. Johnny headed straight for the dugout.
“Trust me. You want to see what she’s got to offer.” Baxter shoved him just enough, he was forced to stop. Or else topple over in front of the sold-out ballpark.
Johnny looked up in the stands.
Alice stood three rows behind home plate. She held up a large hand-lettered sign that read I LOVE YOU, JOHNNY SCOTTSDALE!
The word love was surrounded by a heart and covered in glitter.
When she caught him smiling at her, she turned the sign over. She’d written, Ask me again.
Johnny dropped to one knee, removed his cap and shouted as loud as he could into the stands.
“Marry me, Alice. Make my life complete. Make it better than perfect.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, whistles and applause. So loud that he couldn’t hear her response.
She opened the sign to reveal a Goliath sized YES!!!!! covered in glitter and surrounded by hearts.
She made her way down to the edge of the stands. She climbed over the railing and Johnny pulled her into his arms. He leaned down and kissed her long and hard and didn’t stop even with the crowd going wild around them. At the moment, he didn’t care if there were ten thousand people watching. He didn’t care if their picture ended up on Bay Area Sports Net or even ESPN.
The only thing he cared about was having Alice in his arms. And in his life.
“I don’t have a ring.” He would remedy that as soon as possible. “But I do want to marry you. I mean it. I love you Alice.”
“I love you, too.” She leaned into him as he escorted her off the field.
Better Than Perfect Page 25