"Play ball!" the umpire called out.
I put on my helmet, grabbed my bat, and trotted out to the batter's box. After making sure there wasn't any dirt stuck to my cleats, I stepped up to the plate and held my bat at the ready. The first pitch was fast, but right at the perfect level. I swung hard and connected sending the ball flying into left center field. While I ran toward first base I kept an eye on the ball as the left fielder ran frantically to catch it. She watched dejectedly as the ball dropped fifteen feet beyond the fence.
My teammates were waiting for me when I crossed home plate. There were hugs and high-fives all around me amidst all the cheering from them and the crowd in the bleachers. I waved to the fans as I walked to the dugout. Then I saw her. Cassie was coming down from her seat toward the fence. "What are you doing here?" I asked when she reached the railing.
"Tom told me you were playing," she said. "A home run on the first pitch of the game. You're fabulous!"
"That one was for you," I said.
"You're so sweet."
"I mean it. I told Tom last night. That was dedicated to you. I've got to go. See you tonight."
Cassie stayed for the entire game. Her presence was inspiring. I couldn't do anything wrong that day. Every ball that came my way plopped into my glove. I had a hit every time I was at bat, although no more home runs. The final score was nine to three. Yes, my team had the nine.
She came running over to me when the game ended and threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. Clearly she was excited by the outcome. "You were wonderful," she squealed. "Why don't you come over to my place to shower?"
"I don't have a change of clothes with me," I said. "The team is going to get pizza. I'd love to have you come with me."
"Okay. I was hoping to rub it into Maggie's face that I was the one having fun for a change while she does the laundry."
"She's probably using up all the hot water."
The team was its usual raucous self at the pizza parlor. Every pitch, every hit, especially my opening home run was analyzed in detail over the next two hours. All the guys were eyeballing Cassie. Since her shirt wasn't buttoned all the way up, her chest got plenty of attention, so much that some of the other women were elbowing their men to get their attention back.
We finally left the party around two-thirty. I walked her to her car. After a couple kisses and a promise to meet at the singles' club at seven, she drove off and I went home to shower. My curiosity was working overtime. I couldn't help wondering if she had the last man she picked up stay overnight. After a lot of self-debating, I decided not to ask.
I arrived at the club five minutes early. As I parked my car, I noticed Cassie's car in the corner of the lot. I went to see if she was waiting in it, but it was empty. Inside I saw her at the bar talking to a man. She was wearing a white cocktail dress that hardly covered her bottom. Her long slender legs drew the attention of many of the men. The frilly bodice displayed her ample bosom without making her look trashy. I had only taken three steps when she saw me, gave her companion a quick peck on the cheek, and crossed the room to me. "Old friend?" I asked.
"Never saw him before," she said. "Does it matter?"
"No," I said, "just curious."
"Where are we going?"
"I was thinking of Lord Winston."
"That's pretty fancy for a first date."
"Would you prefer pizza?"
She smiled. "Lord Winston is perfect."
We drove across town in my car.
I was amazed how attentive she was to me. Considering her slutty behavior the previous evening, I expected her to be eyeballing every man that came near our table. Her eyes sparkled and her crimson mouth had a permanent, yet relaxed, smile all evening. Nothing she said surprised me. I was able to mentally predict exactly how she would respond to almost everything I said. By the time our coffee came, I felt like I had grown up next door to her.
"The evening is still young," I said looking at my watch. "I hate the idea of taking you back so soon."
