Throwing Love

by Nella Tyler

  Chapter Four

  What a beautiful day to be at the ballpark. We walked into the stadium, and it was just bustling with excitement. It wasn't open to the public, of course, it was just for the players to practice. But there was still that buzz in the air of something great being created just a few feet away. I followed my father to the hot dog stand where we ordered our regular meal of hot dogs and a beer. I was pretty sure my father thought of me no differently than if he had had a son. I was just someone he could take to a game and drink beer and eat hot dogs with.

  Steve passed me two hot dogs wrapped in tin foil. “Thanks, Dad.”

  “You're welcome, sweetheart.”

  I proceeded to put on mustard, relish, and ketchup. I avoided the onions for obvious reasons. My father, however, piled on so many onions that I hoped he had a breath mint in his pocket. The beer was ice cold and the day was hot. I couldn't have been happier. We headed to the seating area and took a seat where we could see the field and watch the players practice. There were a lot of men out there and everyone was working really hard.

  I was excited for the game to start, but I was also glad we got there early so my dad could get a good look at Bennett practising. It took me a moment to place where he was, but when I saw him, my heart skipped a beat.

  God, Emmi, what's wrong with you? You have never even met the guy. Get a hold of yourself.

  I couldn't allow my father to get a load of my crush, that would be enough reason for him to forget all about Bennett. My dad wasn't one of those men that were happy when his daughter dated someone in sports. In fact, he didn't like when I dated period. He was very overprotective and the thought of me dating anyone made him uncomfortable. I was obviously old enough to date, but I think my dad had a hard time seeing that anyone could be good enough for his daughter.

  “Bennett there has really good form,” Steve said as I took a sip of my beer. I almost spit it out I couldn't believe what he said.

  “Well, what did I tell you? The guy is going places, Dad.”

  “Yes, well, we will see.”

  My father began peppering me with questions about Bennet again and I tried to answer questions as best I could. I knew he was becoming more interested in Bennett the more I talked. If he was ready to say no, he wouldn't be asking me questions at all about him. I went through batting averages and his home run scores. Bennett's stats were impressive, so they really spoke for themselves. My father was just making me go through hoops because he couldn't argue against Bennett at all. He was just that good. I was pleased with myself that I could answer all my father’s questions to his satisfaction. He didn't stump me on any of them. I knew a lot about Bennett, maybe too much. I could be considered a stalker for the amount of times I looked up his stats, memorizing everything to give information to my dad.

  “You know your stuff, girl, that's for sure. What you don't know is that I have been thinking for awhile about bringing Bennett on board to my team.”

  “You're joking? Then why did you make me go through all that?”

  “Because your passion is intoxicating, it's fun to watch. Plus I think if you're going to try to ram a player down my throat, you better have a good reason for it. Being in sports is all about knowing your stats and you clearly have your finger on Bennett.”

  “So is that a yes?”

  He laughed. “Not yet.”

  Chapter Five

  As I looked around the stadium, I knew the game was getting close to starting. There was that buzz in the air from thousands of electrified fans ready to see a good game. The stands were completely jam packed, and I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. I loved this stuff! Being in the stands drinking beer with my dad was just part of making incredible memories together. This is where it's at, a ball field – it doesn't get much more fun than that. There wasn't really a bad seat in the house and considering the stadium was packed, it was a good day for revenue, as well.

  I took a drink of my beer, my hotdogs already at home in my stomach, and I was now considering nachos. I really was blessed as I could eat virtually anything and not have to worry about weight gain. I tried to eat as best that I could, but I did indulge because let’s be honest – you only live once. When I was at the ballpark, I ate the food that I ate when I was a child going to games with my father. It brought back the best memories.

  The game began to get underway and the players took their spots on the field. My dad leaned in to get a better look even though we had the best seats in the house.

  Bennett was up on the mound first and I watched in awe as he struck the guy out his first shot out. I clapped my hands excitedly. Even from a distance, the man was gorgeous, and I had been right about him all along. Which made it that much better.

  As we watched the game, I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. Everything was going far better than I had expected. I was hoping that Bennett would have a good game because then the decision would be easier for my father. I wouldn't have to fight for Bennett. But I didn't have to because he was having an extraordinary game. Maybe he was aware that Steve was up there watching him and recording his every movement, but either way, he was playing like a true all-star. Every time Bennett went up to the mound, the strikes were flying and the outs mounted. The guy was truly on fire and I almost giggled watching him.

  The only time I wasn't watching him was when I went to retrieve a couple more beers to have with my dad. He liked drinking beer while watching the game. I didn't want him to miss a second of the game, I wanted him to see all of the glorious hits Bennett was making. He hadn't made one mistake throughout the game and I was even more impressed than I was originally. Meaning my dad had to be impressed, as well. He just had to be.

  There wasn't a pitch that Bennett couldn't handle and there wasn't a batter that came up that he didn't outsmart with ease. The guy was a machine, and he was making headlines as we watched. The sportscasters must just be talking nonstop about Bennett. He would be that night’s news to be sure.

  As far as I was concerned, my father had already hired Bennett. I learned everything I needed to look out for in a pitcher from my father, and Bennett was everything a manager could ask for. My father would have to be an outright fool not to snap Bennett up, and my father could be many things, but he was never a fool. He was a smart businessman who always made strong choices for the team. Bennett could take our team farther than we could even dream.

  My father was so focused on Bennett that he had stopped making comments to me. I just sat back in my seat and enjoyed my beer. That's how I knew my dad was interested, his body language said a lot. He hadn't said anything to me, however, about his choice so I knew I would have to wait him out.

  I was more thrilled at how well I had chosen, and I knew that my dad had already taken note of my good taste in pitchers. He would remember how I had essentially hand-picked Bennett on my own.

  We finished the rest of our beers in silence as we watched the end of the game and the players leave the field.

  Chapter Six

  Steve and I headed down to the field to speak to the players. We took our time as we knew the players would be talking to their coach first. We made our way down the stands and as an afterthought, I turned to my dad and asked, “Dad, did you bring any gum?”

  “Ya, why?”

  “You need it.”

  He raised an eyebrow and then started to chuckle. I could smell the onions off of him a mile away and I wanted him to make the best impression possible. Not that he had to, Bennett would probably fall at his feet if he was covered in onions. My father was a well-known man and many players obsessed about being on his team.

  Steve dug in his jacket pocket and pulled out some gum. He popped a couple in his mouth and then offered me the package. I took a piece of and chewed it. Feeling better about our breath, we headed down the field towards the group of players that just won their game.

  Steve made a beeline for Bennett with me right behind him.

  “Bennett, Steve Fisher.�
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  Bennett turned to my father and his eyes widened. “Of course, Sir, no need for introductions. How the hell are you?”

  “Fantastic, you played one hell of a game out there.”

  “Thank you, Sir. I'm glad you came out to watch.”

  Bennett was polite, and I could tell it wasn't an act. He had a great deal of respect for my father, that much was obvious. My eyes trailed down from his face to his feet, noticing his strong legs and nice butt. My eyes lingered on his arms before I returned to his face. He had a strong jawline that made his face appear more rugged. God, he was a handsome man. As my father and Bennett talked, I couldn't help but notice that while I watched Bennett, his eyes turned to me more often than not. I was starting to wonder if he was losing interest in talking with my dad because he kept making eye contact with me. I smiled at him and his eyes stayed on mine for a beat too long. Steve turned to see what Bennett was looking at and I smiled sweetly back at my father. He looked confused for a moment before he returned back to Bennett who had a blush on his face. I stifled a laugh and watched Bennett more intensely to see what he would do.

  It was a good thing that my father didn't notice as I was fairly certain he would call Bennett out on it. Bennett, however, was sticking with the conversation and giving Steve all the right answers, so Dad was none the wiser of his admiration of his daughter. I liked the fact that Bennett was speaking passionately about how much he loved the sport. Those words would ring true for my father because there was a time when that was exactly how he felt, as well. I thought Bennett and Steve would get along swimmingly if he was brought onto the team.

  “So Bennett, where do you see yourself going?”

  “To be honest, Sir, all the way to the top.”

  “What's the top, Bennett?”

  “Can I speak candidly, Sir?”

  Steve nodded. I could tell by my father’s demeanour that he was impressed with the way that Bennett carried himself and spoke. He was professional and courteous and just seemed like an all around great guy. I was trying not to be biased, but my God, look at the guy and then listen to him. I was enthralled, but so was my father. What Bennett didn't know was that was a really good thing. He was doing everything right and he had no idea that my father wanted to literally take him home and adopt him at that moment. Hey, I wasn't going to complain.

  I forced myself out of my daydream and back to the conversation. I couldn't keep my eyes off Bennett, though, and the fact that his eyes flickered back to mine regularly sent a warmth all over my body. Could he really be interested in me, as well?

  “The top to me, Sir, is your team. I would be honored to play on a team as well managed as yours.”

  Steve nodded smugly. “Thank you and that's good to know, Bennett. I was very impressed with how you played your game today. My daughter has been hounding me to hire you, but it's just not the way I do things. I like to think my choices over for a bit to make sure the people I chose are truly the right fit for my team.”

  Bennett looks over at me surprised. I knew my face was a bright red because I could feel my skin had heated up. I couldn't believe my father had said that and right in front of me. Steve had no idea I had a crush on him so he probably thought nothing of saying it, but by the look on Bennett's face, he was reading more into it.

  I smiled awkwardly as I silently cursed my father.

  “This is my daughter Emmi, she's at college training to be a sportscaster, actually. I'm very proud of her, so you will probably be seeing a lot more of her in the sports area.”

  “Wow, really? That's great. It's nice to meet you, Emmi.”

  I just nodded. The embarrassment had not passed for me.

  “Oh Mr. Fisher-”

  “Please call me Steve.”

  “Of course, Steve, I totally understand the process. I would be happy to talk with you again in the future.”

  “Well it was great meeting you. I'm going to have a chat with the other players.”

  “Sure thing.”

  They shook hands and I watched my father walk away as I slowly died inside. I probably should have followed him to avoid further embarrassment, but for some reason I could not move my feet away from Bennett.

  Chapter Seven

  I couldn't imagine what held me in that spot because I couldn't have been more mortified by the fact that my father completely outed me to Bennett. He didn't even know about my crush and yet he still succeeded in embarrassing me. I guess that was a father's job, to continually mortify their children no matter how old they get. I sighed.

  I lingered there with Bennett and once my father walked away he turned to me with a grin on his face.

  “So do you think he's thinking of taking any of the other players?”

  I smiled, thankful that he wasn't going to bring up my embarrassment. I didn't want to have to change my opinion on him being a nice guy. I was determined to not embarrass myself any further at that point, my father had done enough.

  “I doubt it. I'm pretty sure he already knows who he wants to take. He just likes to put on a show.”

  “So I guess putting in a good word for me was a good idea, wasn't it?”

  Oops, I guess I was wrong. He was going to bring it up. Men! Didn't they know when to stay quiet!

  I blushed deeply again and chuckled. “Let's make something perfectly clear here, Bennett, I recommended you based off of your stats and nothing else. IF you get hired, it will be because my father agrees with those stats and nothing more.”

  Bennett nodded. “Yeah, I know. I'm just playing with you,” He said with a smile.

  Phew! There was a part of me, however, that wanted to choke him a bit. But I would let that feeling pass for the moment.

  I looked over at my father talking to the other players. He shot a look over his shoulder at me, surprised that I had not followed. The look on his face was telling me to get over there, but still I stayed.

  “So, a sportscaster? That's pretty incredible.”

  I smiled, “Thank you. I cannot wait for school to be over so I can dive right in.”

  “I gotta say, I'm a little surprised. What made you choose to get into sports?”

  “Well, I've lived it my whole life.”

  He smiled. “Yes, I know. I have done my research, too, Emmi. There aren't too many players out there that don't know about the legendary Steve Fisher's daughter. Everyone knows you were practically raised in a ballpark. It's a pretty cool story, actually.”

  “You think so? My friends don't understand it or me at all. I think they find the whole thing tragic, actually.”

  “Well, you don't seem any worse for wear, so I think you turned out alright.”

  I laughed. “Well, I have no idea what my life would have been like otherwise, but by no means was I an unhappy child. My dad was great, attentive, and I loved every minute of being around baseball. So I guess that answers your questions. I love it, that's why I'm doing it.”

  “I guess everyone just expected you to go into the family business.”

  I smiled. “You have no idea how much I have heard that. But it's just not my passion. Someone else will have to run that area of things I'm afraid.”

  “Well, you definitely seem to know what you want.”

  I looked him steadily in the eyes. “I do.”

  I was glad that we got off the topic of my father. He was respectful enough not to ask anything about what my father was thinking. After his initial joke, he let the whole thing drop, although he was probably dying of curiosity as to whether my father was going to take him or not. In fact, he seemed far more interested in me at the moment which was very refreshing, to say the least. We talked naturally with each other and I couldn't believe how easily I was able to talk to him about my dreams and growing up on the ballfield. He was extremely easy to talk to which was definitely a good sign.

  “You did play a pretty great game out there today. You even impressed me and I was already routing for you.”

  He laughed. “Thanks.
I just try to put my all in. I'm not going to lie, there were rumors going around that your dad was coming to this game, so I wanted to put my all into it. But I really try to put my all into it no matter what. It's what I love and I want to be the best at it.”

  “Well that's obvious by your track record. You have been playing hard for awhile. It wasn't just this game.”

  He winked at me.

  “So have you always wanted to be a baseball player?”

  “Well for boys, it's just something you fall into ya know. You learned from an early age whether you have a talent for it or not. As soon as you first start playing catch with dad, you know. And when you see that glimmer of hope in dad's eyes, you know it's over for you.”

  I laughed, it was so true. Dads were always hoping their boys had sports talent that would take them to the top.

  “My dad saw it for sure, and the next thing you know it's no longer a fun game, you are now training for the big leagues. For the boys who don't have that extra spark of talent, it just becomes a fun sport you sometimes play with your friends on the weekend. For me it wasn't like that anymore. It was now going to be my job. Not that I ever minded. I love baseball and why not do a job you love to death, ya know?”

  I was momentarily speechless, I couldn't believe he had spilled his guts like that to me. It had just seemed to burst forth and the whole thing surprised me. He must have noticed the look on my face because a sheepish look crossed his face.

  “Wow, I'm a real talker today aren't I? Sorry about that. There's just something about you that makes it easy to say these things. Maybe it's because of the fact that you were raised the same way.”

  “Maybe...” I whispered.

  “Sorry ‘bout that.”

  I smiled. “Please don't be, I love hearing stories like that and you're absolutely right. Many players have the same experiences with their dads. Sometimes dads want to relive their dreams through their children. As long as you are happy, that's all that matters.”