Swing and a Kiss: Carolina Waves Series Book 4

by Tina Gallagher

  Hannah usually sits with me at the games and we interact regularly through the season to discuss my availability. Jack’s friends...mostly Dan, Dale, and Cal...also treat Jeremy like he’s one of the guys. And somewhere along the way, Dale Montgomery asked me out. It’s all so surreal.

  I’m just a regular person who married her junior high sweetheart, had a baby, and ended up a young widow. Stuff like this doesn’t happen to people like me.

  Directing my attention back to the conversation, I heard Jack say, “Thankfully Cal and Barb got together before the wedding or he and Monte would have been fighting over Mrs. Button.”

  “And wouldn’t she have just loved that?” Hannah asked around a chuckle.

  “He has a picture of the two of them at the house in Aspen. When I first saw it, I thought maybe he’d given up baseball to become a gigolo,” Penny said.

  “In all seriousness, I think that’s the most fun I’ve ever had at a wedding,” Dale said.

  Oh my heart. Not only is he nice to children, his kindness also extends to the elderly. Well, at least one elderly woman.

  Hannah looked at her watch. “It’s almost nine-thirty. Are you all ready for cake?”

  Honestly, I’m still full from dinner, but the guys seemed eager. Besides it is getting late and the sooner we have cake, the sooner I can remove myself from Dale’s magnetic pull. The car was bad enough but when we were in the elevator together, I thought we were going to start a fire with all the sparks flying between us. And I can feel it every time he looks at me, which he’s doing right now.

  “So what are you doing while Jeremy is away?” he asked when I glanced his way.

  “I have work, but other than that, I’m not sure. I’ll probably just enjoy staying home instead of running to baseball or whatever activity is happening.”

  “It’s gotta be tough, being a single mom.”

  I shrugged. “I’m pretty fortunate to have a job that allows me to work around Jeremy’s schedule most of the time. When I can’t, either my sister-in-law helps out or I make arrangements with other parents. I’m also very lucky that Jeremy is such a great kid and I don’t have any issues with behavior or anything.”

  He was about to ask something else when Hannah announced that the cake was ready to be served. She lit the candles as we all made our way over.

  Dale moved to the head of the table and if I’m not mistaken, he’s blushing.

  “Do you have to sing?” he asked. Almost whined, actually.

  Instead of answering, Hannah just started singing Happy Birthday. Dale laughed and shook his head while we sang the song out of unison and slightly off-key.

  When we were done, Penny said, “Make a wish!”

  Dale leaned over but instead of facing the cake, looked at me as he put all the candles out with one blow. Everyone did the obligatory clap and Penny gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. He kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and watched as Hannah cut the cake.

  Even though I’d asked for a small piece, the plate I was given held a ginormous one. Still, it was delicious and I ate the whole thing. Thankfully I’m wearing a loose dress.

  “That was so good,” I said. “Where’d you get it?”

  “I made it,” Hannah said. “It’s kind of a hobby of mine.”

  “Well it was amazing,” I added. “Chocolate cake with whipped cream icing is my favorite.”

  “Mine too,” Dale said as he forked the last of his cake into his mouth.

  “I’m going to pack slices up for everyone to take home,” Hannah said. “The icing is delicious but after a day it’s not so great.” She looked at Dale. “I’ll make a plate for Dan that you can drop off on your way out.”

  Dan had gone directly to his place right after dinner. He had a call with Sabrina and the kids.

  Hannah carried the remaining cake into the kitchen and finished slicing it. “Dale, you have to open your gift from Karen,” she said as she worked. “I want to see what it is.”

  It’s really just a silly little gift but I didn’t want to show up empty-handed.

  We all watched as Dale placed the bag on the table and pulled out the tissue paper with a dramatic flair. Then he reached in and pulled out the six-pack of glasses. He examined them then looked at me.

  “You got me glasses with characters from The Office painted on them?” It’s obviously a rhetorical question but I nodded anyway. “They’re awesome.” He held them up so everyone could see and read the quotes. “Michael Scott’s quote is obviously ‘That’s what she said.’ Dwight Schrute’s is ‘Would an idiot do that?’ Jim Halpert’s is ‘Congratulations universe, you win.’ Pam Beesly’s, or Pam Halpert’s if you prefer, says ‘The ice melts...and then it’s like second drink!’ Stanley Hudson’s says ‘Did I stutter?’ and Creed Bratton’s says ‘Let’s put a smile on that face.’”

  “Those are so cool. Where did you get them?” Penny asked.

  “There’s a little store in a strip mall near my house named, Courtney’s Craft Corner. She makes a lot of hand-painted items, including glasses. Some of her stuff is really neat.”

  “I love them,” Dale said. “Thank you.”

  He went to put them back in the bag and realized there was something else in there. Reaching in, he pulled out the mug that was an impulse buy. A slow smile spread across his face as he read it and started to laugh. My heart had been pounding because I was unsure of how my gift would be received. Now it’s pounding for a whole other reason.

  Holding it up, Dale said, “This is a Dwight Schrute coffee mug and it says ‘Fact. You’re a better baseball player than most have ever been or ever will be.’”

  Jack looked at me. “You know he’s gonna be a pain in the ass with this now, right?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. These guys are so great and I love their relationship. It really does remind me of mine with Chloe and Hope.

  “Hey, it says it on the mug so it must be true,” Dale boasted. Then he looked at me and turned serious. “Thank you again. These really are perfect.”

  With his denim-blue eyes on mine, I couldn’t turn away. Everything and everyone else disappeared into the background and it’s just us. And that’s when I knew. He’s going to ask me out again, I could feel it.

  I also knew that attending this party put me smack dab in the middle of a crossroad. In one direction is my old safe life and in the other is a new adventure with Dale. I just hope I pick the right way.

  Chapter 7

  Dale

  * * *

  “Thanks again for the glasses.”

  “You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what to get you then I saw those and I thought…” Karen trailed off and shrugged. “It wasn’t much but I didn’t want to show up empty-handed.”

  I leaned against the wall and shoved my hands in my pockets. That Fifty Shades scene is coming to mind again. But I should at least take her out on a date before I pounce on her in an elevator.

  “Just you being here tonight was present enough.” I stood straight as we reached the ground floor. The doors opened and I waited until Karen stepped out then I followed her to her car. “But I really do appreciate the gift. It’s perfect. How did you know I like The Office?”

  “I heard you quote it a couple times.” She looked at her car, at the ground, and pretty much anywhere but at me. “You know, after the games, when Jeremy and I were there.”

  I smiled at both her shy glance and the fact that she remembered something I’d said, no matter how silly it might have been.

  “So does the fact that you recognized the quotes mean that you’re also a fan?”

  She fiddled with the strap of her purse and finally looked me in the eye, then nodded.

  “It’s actually one of my favorite shows. And now Jeremy is starting to enjoy it too, which is kind of fun.”

  Leaning my hip against the side of her car, I asked, “Who’s your favorite character?”

  “Oh geez, I have no idea. There’s someth
ing about all of them that I like. I don’t think I could pick a favorite. What about you?”

  “I kind of feel the same. They all play off each other making them better individually. But if I had to choose, I’d have to say Michael. Just because he’s the one who sets the tone for the whole crazy place.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “What about your favorite episode?”

  “You’re really asking the tough questions today.” Her laugh echoed through the parking garage making my stomach do that roller coaster thing again.

  If she thinks those questions are tough, wait until I spring the one I really want to ask on her.

  “Okay, I’ll tell you mine first. The one where Jim puts Andy’s phone up in the ceiling and Pam keeps calling it so his Rockin’ Robin ringtone sounds through the office. It’s just funny and reminds me of something Dan, Jack, Cal, and I would do.”

  “Of course, that’s when Andy went crazy and punched a hole in the wall.”

  “Well there is that.” I chuckled. “But they had to do something to give him time off to film The Hangover.”

  “That’s true,” she said, looking much more relaxed. “Mine is Jim and Pam’s wedding. It was so sweet, especially when he’s talking to the camera toward the end.”

  “Not to mention that Kevin managed to get six numbers there. One more and he would have had a complete phone number.”

  “And his tissue box shoes.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Poor Kevin.”

  “Yeah, it’s definitely a great show.” I could talk about and quote The Office all day, but I need to make my move here before she closes up again. “So you mentioned that Jeremy is away. I was wondering if you’d want to go out to dinner with me Tuesday night.”

  Her eyes rounded and she sucked in a quick breath then started to choke.

  I took a step toward her. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, looking embarrassed. “Sorry about that. Two of my talents are falling up steps and choking on air.”

  “I don’t remember ever choking on air, but I’ve fallen up steps many times. A camera caught me once when I face-planted as I was running out to the on-deck circle. I’m sure you can still find the video on YouTube.”

  “Then I don’t feel so bad. At least no one’s ever gotten me on camera so that’s something.”

  “Glad I could point out a bright side.” I raised my brow. “So what do you think about Tuesday?”

  Karen bit her lip, looking up at me through her lashes.

  Rubbing my sweaty palms against my shorts, I held my breath waiting for her answer. I swear I haven’t been this nervous asking someone out since middle school. Which seems kind of silly considering the number of women I’ve dated in my life. Then again, those were all so superficial they didn’t really count. This does. For the first time, I’m asking a woman out who has the potential to be really important to me, who can change my life in a major way.

  “Dinner sounds nice,” she finally said.

  “Okay. Great.” I cleared my throat, pausing a beat to control my excitement just a bit. “I have an afternoon game that should end around five. Does seven o’clock work for you?”

  “Yes.”

  I pulled my phone out of my pocket and added her name to my contacts then handed it to her.

  “Key in your number then I’ll text you so you have mine. I’d appreciate it if you give me all seven digits.” I flashed a quick smile.

  She laughed and quickly typed before handing my phone back to me.

  “All seven are there, I promise.”

  “Perfect.” Her phone dinged with my return text. “Now you have my number, too. Can you text me your address as well?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to just meet you wherever?”

  “I’m sure.”

  She didn’t look so sure but didn’t push. That settled, I opened the car door and shifted to the side so she could sit. Once she got behind the wheel, I leaned forward with one hand resting on the roof and the other on the open door.

  “Thanks again for the awesome birthday gift. You have my number if you need me beforehand, but otherwise, I’ll pick you up at seven on Tuesday.”

  “I’ll see you then.” She clicked her seatbelt into place.

  “There’s a sensor on this side of the gate so it’ll just open as you approach.”

  Karen nodded, her gaze locked somewhere in the vicinity of my ear.

  Bending farther down, I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before straightening. She held her hand against the spot where my lips had touched and finally looked me in the eye. Slowly her stunned look evaporated and her mouth curled up into a small smile.

  “Have a good night,” I said and closed the door.

  She offered a quick wave before shifting into reverse, backing out of the spot, and driving out of the garage. I just stood there watching the empty space where her car had been, unable to wipe the goofy smile off my face.

  Karen

  * * *

  “Guys focus! He’ll be here in a half hour and I’m a wreck.”

  Chloe and Hope stopped their mindless chatter and stared at me through my phone screen. I should have taken them up on their offer to come over and help me get ready again but I honestly thought I’d be okay on my own. Seriously, all I need to do is pick out something to wear that isn’t too real estate agent or too baseball mom. But apparently everything in my wardrobe falls into one of those two categories.

  “What about this?” I held up a pink blouse and slim khaki shirt.

  Hope wrinkled her nose. “It’s a little better but still too work-ish.”

  I sat on the floor of my closet clutching the blouse to my chest.

  “I should just text and tell him I can’t go.”

  “No!” That single word burst from my phone in stereo.

  “You have to go,” Hope added.

  “This is the first guy you’ve been interested in,” Chloe said. “It’s one date. If you don’t have fun you don’t have to go out with him again.”

  “You’re assuming he’s going to ask me out again.”

  “How many times did this guy ask you out? If he wasn’t really interested in you he would have stopped when you turned him down the first time.”

  Logically I know that Hope has a point, but let’s face it, my emotions have kind of taken over here.

  “Guys, I’m thirty-four years old and have never been on a real first date. Not like this anyway.” I rested my head against the wall and stared at the ceiling. “Back in middle school Jason and I hung out with a group for years and by the time we went out alone we were way past this whole awkward thing.” I looked back at the phone where my best friends were watching me with wide eyes. “I don’t even know how to act. How do you guys do this all the time?”

  “Just relax and be yourself,” Hope said. “From what you’ve said, Dale seems like a nice guy.”

  “He is. I just wish he wasn’t…” I trailed off trying to figure out how to put what I mean into words but wasn’t successful. So I just said, “Dale Montgomery.”

  Thankfully they understood.

  “He’s just a man,” Chloe said.

  I snorted at that.

  “He is,” Hope added. “Yes, he’s hot as hell and a professional baseball player, but he’s a person just like you. No better.”

  “Don’t think about him on the field or in the media. Remember him racing on the slide with Jeremy or partnering with an old lady at a wedding.”

  “Okay. I can do that.” I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Thank you so much guys. I really don’t know what I’d do without the two of you.”

  “Same goes,” they said in unison.

  “Shit! I’m down to twenty minutes. Guys, what am I gonna wear?”

  “Turn the phone around so we can see what you have again,” Hope said.

  I did as she told me. They asked me to pull out this item and that, vetoing them all until I was nearly at the end of the line
.

  “What’s that?”

  “What?”

  Hope pointed, as though I’d have a clue based on that.

  “The spot of blue I see tucked between the brown and black blazers.”

  “This?”

  I pulled the sleeveless cobalt wrap dress I’d bought on sale a couple years ago. The tag is still on it because I’ve never had an occasion to wear it. It always seems too bright.

  “Why haven’t I seen that before?” Hope asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  “It’s perfect!” Chloe said.

  “Are you sure? You don’t think it’s too bright?”

  “Seriously? That color will look perfect with your hair color and skin tone. Plus it’ll make your eyes pop,” Hope said. “Put it on.”

  I held up the dress, still not convinced.

  “The clock is ticking,” Chloe said.

  I walked out of the closet and propped my phone on the dresser then peeled off my T-shirt, careful to not ruin my hair. Removing the dress from its hanger, I slipped it on then fastened the inside closure and wrapped the tie around the outside, securing it with a bow at the side of my waist.

  “What do you think?”

  “Go to the full-length mirror so I can get the full effect,” Hope said.

  I walked to my bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, turning my phone so they could see.

  “That’s the one,” Hope said. “Wear your strappy silver sandals, add another coat of mascara, and use that lip stain I put on you the other night.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  I shifted my eyes to Chloe.

  “What she said.”

  Seems I’m out numbered.

  I was about to end the call, but they said they wanted to see the finished product. It’s probably more like they want to make sure I follow their instructions. Which I do to the best of my ability.

  Once I finished, Hope told me to pan the camera across my face and thankfully gave me a thumb’s up.