An Unexpected Romance
A.J. Roye
Copyright 2020
Fantasy Mature Older Man Younger Woman
Chapter 1
"Today, I am announcing my retirement from playing professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals. As you know, the car wreck I was in four years ago has limited my ability to continue playing the game I love so much, at the level necessary to remain competitive at the professional game. My heart and spirit are willing, but, my body will not yield."
In a measured cadence and tone, James continued.
"I've had many blessings in my life, which are too numerous to mention here today. I would like to share those which have a special place in my heart. Beginning with my parents and family. They supported me when I needed them the most; both professionally, and personally. I've been blessed with the talents to be a competitive baseball player. I've been blessed with a team and city which embraced me as a player and a citizen of the community. I've been blessed with the most wonderful teammates and coaches throughout my playing career, beginning as an amateur, until this day."
James Young, 35 years old, on this beautiful November day, retires from 13 years of professional baseball for the only major league team he ever played for; the Kansas City Royals. He went on to thank the owner, general manager, and the two field managers he played for; Clyde Crosby and James Hairston. He introduced his father, Samuel Young, and honored his late mother, Margaret, who passed away 2 years ago after a bitter struggle with ALS. He also acknowledged his brother, David, and his wife, Cathy, for helping him when he began his career in the semi-pro leagues. He announced he would miss Kansas City, but, he had plans to return to his childhood home in Texas and begin a career in ranching and farming, just as his parents and ancestors had done.
"I will take questions for five minutes."
"James, you end your career leading the majors in career batting average, career on base percentage, career intentional walks, career walks, fourth in runs scored, fifth in hits, six MVP awards, eleven gold glove awards; one as a pitcher; career fielding percentage, in the top three in stolen bases each of the last 11 years, two World Series championships, and eleven All Star appearances. You played mostly at second base, but, you have played every position on the field, except catcher. Twenty one career saves from the mound, including one in the World Series. Some of these records stood for many years before you broke them. You likely will be inducted into the hall of fame in your first year of eligibility. Any comments?"
"Some of the many blessings I have received throughout my life. I am grateful for each day," James replied. He paused.
"I tried to get Hairston to put me in at catcher the last day of the regular season."
After the press corps erupted in laughter and two additional questions, James stood and held his father's hand.
"Thank you, Kansas City, for being a part of my life."
Chapter 2
"James, I'm NOT taking your money, and that's final."
"Mr. Turner, I can't let you do this work for me without at least paying you half your billing rate. It's a lot of work," James protested.
"James, as much as you've done for Kansas City and the Royals, I can't take your money. It's a small fraction what you have given in time, talent, and purse over the last 13 years. Besides, as your attorney, I've billed you plenty in that time. Particularly, over the divorce with Susan, and the contract negotiations with the Royals. Now... After I sell your house, and possessions in the house, and give it to the children's hospital, I'll feel much better about taking your money in the past. Let me do this without payment. Also, I'm obligated to tell you. One of my wealthy, and long-time clients, has offered to match your contribution, in your name, to the children's hospital from the sale of your home and possessions. He only asks your permission and anonymity."
James began to choke up.
"Your client has my permission. And, thank you, Mr. Turner."
Chapter 3
The long road from Kansas City to George County, Texas was nearly over. He was only a few miles from his childhood home, on this crystal clear, blue sky forever, March day. The post oaks along the road brought back childhood memories with his brother.
During the long drive, James Young had reflected on his baseball career and the disappointing end to the same career. James had stayed in Kansas City for a few months to address his retirement with autographs, appearances, and banquets in his honor. He finally was able to leave Kansas City and drive to Texas and his father's home. He had been competitive, all the way to the end. In his last year, he lead the majors in batting average, on base percentage, walks, intentional walks, third in runs scored. The Royals nearly made the third World Series in his career, but, lost in the seventh game of the American League Championship to a walk off base hit by the Baltimore Orioles. But, his body would no longer cooperate with the demands of professional baseball.
The car wreck.
Side swiped on I-470 by a drunk driver going 130 miles per hour. The hit flipped James' Honda Pilot two times, pinning him in the SUV. His passenger, and teammate, Milton Washington, walked away with four stitches in his left forearm. Milton did everything he could to free James, but, had to wait for the fire rescue crews to cut James from the twisted wreckage.
The drunk driver.
Killed, when his car lost control after the side swipe and slammed into a barricade beneath an overpass
Nine long and painful months of rehabilitation. A broken left femur, requiring reconstructive surgery. A torn ACL in the left knee. Two fractured lumbar vertebra, not requiring surgery. And, a tiny tear in an abdominal vein, requiring surgery to repair.
Fortunately, the wreck occurred just after the end of the season and James was able to play a brief, partial season the next year. Still playing at the elite level and contributing to the team's playoffs to the Championship series; which they lost to the Twins.
It was when he was in the hospital, James discovered how truly he was loved by the community. Get well cards, posters and get well cards from children, visits from community leaders, visits from the sick children at the children's hospital next door, where he volunteered; phone numbers left by nurses from the other floors, and flowers and cards from hundreds of women begging for the opportunity to nurse him back to health.
A tear appeared when he reflected on all his friends who all but pleaded with him to stay in Kansas City. But, his Texas roots cried for him to return.
Then, a sight up ahead shook him from his thoughts. He strained to see what it was.
"Umm," he thought. "A group of young women, along the side of the road, may need help."
Chapter 4
"Oh, no! I think it's a flat tire!"
Angela slowly and carefully pulled her father's pickup truck from the narrow two lane road to the grassy shoulder. She, and her closest friends, were returning from the movie theater in Gonzales to George County.
"OK," Angela yelped. "Let's get the spare out and change the tire."
Jennifer and Angela took turns cranking out the spare from underneath the pickup truck. When they freed it from the mount... it was flat, too. Flat, because it hadn't been used in years.
"What now?" Maria sighed.
"I'll call my Daddy. He'll come to get us," Angela replied.
Angela had called her father and was explaining the situation, when...
"LOOK! Someone is stopping to help!" Laura screamed.
A few moments later...
"Good afternoon, ladies. May I help?"
"Yes! We have a flat tire and the spare is flat. Angela is on the phone with her dad!" Jennifer replied.
Angela heard the conversation her friends were having with the man, but, she remained on the phone listening to her father. Then she heard...
"Excuse me, Miss. May I speak to your father, please?"
Angela turned, while still on the phone, to see a handsome man approaching. Her heart skipped a beat.
