“I hadn’t planned on it, but uh…”
“Oh, okay,” he said, disappointment on his face. “I’ll see you around.” Walking away, he sighed heavily, wishing he had the courage to ask her out. She’s a pretty cop with a college degree and I’m a bartender from a little hick town. Why the hell would she want to have anything to do with a fucked-up me? With a glance backward, he watched a young man approached her as she was leaving he field. Narrow eyed, he turned fully around, his hands on his hips, staring.
“Ginny,” James Smithson called out.
Recognizing one of the teachers from the high school, she stopped and waited as he jogged over. “James,” she said in greeting.
“Hey, your girls were good out there today.”
Smiling her appreciation, she said, “Thanks, but they’re not my girls. We have several coaches.”
“Yeah, but you’re the prettiest,” he said, his confident smile wide and eager eyes focused on her.
Blinking, she was not sure how to respond. Is he flirting with me? He was tall, handsome in a surfer way, and she had no doubt the teenage girls loved having him for a gym teacher, but as her gaze jumped over his shoulder, she was caught by the dark, mountainous stature of Brogan, whose blazing eyes were aimed right at her.
Jerking as James spoke again, she said, “Sorry?”
“I asked if you’d like to have some lunch after the boys finish playing their game. I know a great place.”
Offering a small smile, she shook her head, saying, “Thank you, but I’ve got plans. Uh…maybe some other time.”
He grinned as he reached out and touched her shoulder. “Absolutely. You can count on it.”
Watching him walk away, her gaze followed James as she mentally kicked herself. Maybe some other time? God, why couldn’t I have just said ‘no’? Ugh! Sucking in a deep breath, she looked around, seeing Brogan still staring at her, his face unreadable, before he turned and headed over to the game.
Standing rooted to the ground, she watched him walk away, her heart pounding with the desire to spend more time with Brogan and the desire to protect her heart at the same time. Scrubbing her hand over her face, she silently screamed in frustration. Dropping her chin to her chest, she startled when Katelyn came up beside her.
“Hey, the girls did good today,” Katelyn enthused.
Grinning in return, Ginny agreed.
“So, um…are you going to stay for the boys’ game?” Katelyn asked, her smile wide.
“Yeah—”
“Good,” Katelyn beamed, linking her arm with Ginny’s as she began to walk toward the bleachers.
“Uh, I usually just sit on the side to watch—”
“Oh, there’s no need to be down there. You can see so much better from the stands.”
Glancing sideways, Ginny eyed the pretty, dark-haired sister of Brogan and Aiden. Even after a hot morning of coaching, Katelyn’s lush beauty shined through. Wondering what her motive was, Ginny quickly understood as soon as she saw the stadium seats she was being led to. Mitch’s wife, Tori, as well as Grant’s fiancé, Jillian, were sitting there smiling at the approaching women. Great…a welcoming committee of the town’s original Baytown Girls. Tori, with her red hair, always appeared put-together, her clothes and makeup just right. Jillian’s long blonde hair, tied back, showcased her heart-shaped face. Right behind them sat several more of the women that seemed to always be together. She recognized Jade, a pretty schoolteacher, and Belle, a nurse at the local nursing home, both in cute sundresses. The women all appeared natural beauties and Ginny felt hot and sweaty next to them.
Plastering a smile on her face, she allowed Katelyn to lead her directly into the middle of the women as they all scooted to make room. Sitting on the already warm bleacher seats, she accepted the winning game congratulations from the townspeople and parents sitting nearby.
Looking at Katelyn, she had to acknowledge that the girls they coached had really improved and all seemed to enjoy playing. It was satisfying to see the self-conscious ones build more confidence as they were each able to play to their skill level, all team members contributing.
Jillian smiled at Ginny and handed her a water bottle from a small cooler. “Here, I thought you could use this. I can’t believe how hot is already.”
Drinking gratefully, she took several long gulps, the cool liquid quenching her thirst. Before she had a chance to cheer for the boys’ team, Katelyn leaned over and asked, “So, what do you think of Baytown? I know we coach together and hang out at some of the same events, but we’ve never really had a chance to talk.”
Choking on her last swallow, Ginny sputtered, “Baytown? Um…it’s a nice little town…I suppose. Uh…”
Tori, pushing her hair from her face before twisting it up in a ponytail, nodded. “I agree. I used to spend my summers here with my grandmother. I grew up in Virginia Beach but prefer this little coastal town instead of the big city.”
“Grant was a police officer in Virginia Beach before coming back home,” Jillian commented. “He liked it there, but said that Baytown would always be home to him.”
Ginny, aware that the other women’s eyes were on her, felt she needed to enter the small-talk conversation, but never knew what to say, so she just nodded.
“Where did you come from?” Katelyn prodded.
“All over, really. My family moved a lot.”
“Oh, that must have been interesting,” Belle gushed, sighing slightly. “I’ve only ever lived in Baytown, so seeing different places must have been fun.”
Ginny tried to keep her expression neutral, relying on her cop-face. Moving around from one military base to another throughout her entire childhood was hardly what she would have called fun. “It was fine. It was all I was accustomed to,” she offered, attempting a smile that she knew barely hid her true feelings.
“Being in the military yourself must have been interesting as well,” Jade added, her green eyes shaded from the bright sun by her hand on her forehead.
“Here,” Katelyn said, handing an extra ball cap to Jade. “You’ve got to be prepared out here.”
Ginny noticed the small things these women did for each other—offering water, sunshade, and even friendship—things she was not used to. Blinking, she suddenly found her eyes stinging at the loneliness that sometimes attempted to drown her. How can I feel so lonely in the middle of a crowd?
“You’re different from other women—”
“Katelyn!” Jillian exclaimed, in an obvious attempt to hush her friend.
Katelyn rolled her eyes. “Oh, Ginny, I didn’t mean that badly. I know you’re one of a few women in the American Legion, so you get to know the guys, who went to war like you did. I just meant that it gives you a perspective that we don’t have.”
Glancing at the other women, Ginny saw sincerity in their eyes. “I know I’m different…I was in the Army, but not with a lot of other women. I now work with mostly men, unless you count Mildred—” at that the others snickered, imagining the indomitable Mildred Score as just one of the girls. “And being part of the American Legion and also the Legionnaires gives me a kind of double uniqueness. I belong to the former military and to the family of military.” Shrugging, she added, “And as a police officer, I don’t seem to cozy up to people very easily.”
“I think you’re wonderful,” a soft voice from behind spoke.
Turning, Ginny peered at Jade and smiled. “You only say that because I come to the elementary school and talk to your kids.”
“True, but,” Jade agreed, waving her hand toward the ball field, “look at what you do for these girls. I saw James talking to you. You’re gonna have most of the teen girls jealous ‘cause they all think he’s so cute.”
Rolling her eyes, Ginny said, “I assure you I have no interest in James. And I hope he’s careful in his dealings with the teenagers. Rumors that get started are ugly things.”
Nodding, Jade agreed. “I can image, but I haven’t heard any rumors. He’s never alone
with any of them and he’s very polite to the staff.” Winking, she added, “I think he’d make a great boyfriend.”
“Uh…not interested,” Ginny stammered.
“Not interested in James or in a boyfriend?” Katelyn asked, her voice more pointed than before.
“Um…well…uh, I guess him, I suppose,” Ginny answered, hating the feeling that she was under a microscope and every word was being analyzed. It did not escape her notice that Katelyn smiled widely, seeming to relax her shoulders, as though Ginny has passed a test.
Jillian grinned, saying, “I’ve got a wedding planning meeting coming up soon and you’re welcome to join us.”
Ginny ducked her head, a small smile on her face. “Uh…I’ve been told about these meetings. You all drink and dance in one of your houses and then someone has to come pick you up—”
“That snake!” Jillian complained. “Grant’s been telling tales!”
The conversation halted as the cheers from the crowd drowned out the others and Ginny was glad for the reprieve. It felt nice to be in the stands cheering alongside the other townswomen, but the scrutiny was exhausting. As the others’ conversations flowed from one topic to another, her gaze landed on Brogan, standing nearby, coaching third base for the boys. Suddenly he turned and his eyes seemed to search her out.
Time stood still as a silent thread of need tightened between them. Neither looked away, tied to each other, bound together until a boy running toward third interrupted their moment. Blinking rapidly, Ginny wondered if she imagined the connection.
Turning, she saw Katelyn staring at her, a slight smile on her face. “Ginny, we’re all going to Finn’s after the game. I think you definitely need to join us.”
Denial hung on Ginny’s lips, but at the last second, she swallowed it back. “Thank you,” she agreed, “I think I will.”
The crowd was already loud by the time she got there. Ginny had driven several of the girls and boys home after the games were complete, taking a minute to talk to their parents. She stopped by the trailer park on the north side of town last, taking one of her favorite children to her home.
The young girl had not started playing ball until recently but seemed to greatly enjoy the activity. Driving through the trailer park, Ginny’s observant eyes continually scoped out the area and she was pleased to see how the new owner had cleaned up the place. Each trailer appeared neat and tidy, with trash cans set to the side and flowers planted in most yards.
As they wound their way toward the back, the trailers began to appear more unkempt and ragged with weed-infested, unmown yards.
Brittany’s shoulder’s slumped as they neared a trailer in the back. “I know it don’t look good. Mama’s been kinda sick lately and hasn’t kept things up.”
Ginny smiled and said, “I’ll check into getting some help here. I know the park owner is working slowly on making things better. I’m sure he’s getting to this section.”
Brittany shrugged and said, “I don’t know. He don’t come around here much.”
Determined to check into the situation, Ginny just smiled at the young girl as she pulled up to the overflowing trash cans outside the trailer. “I’ll just pop in and say ‘hi’ to your mom.”
“Oh, no. You best not,” Brittany said, her voice rushed and strident. “Mama don’t like company, especially when she don’t feel good.”
“That might be, but I—”
“No, please, Miss Ginny,” Brittany implored, placing her hand on Ginny’s arm, stilling her in her seat. “When Mama’s not happy, she can get real…uh…extra not happy.”
Ginny listened as Brittany stammered and knew what the girl was telling her. If I attempt to go in, her mother is going to make things harder for Brittany. Plastering on a smile, she said, “Sure, honey. You go on in and I’ll see you at the next practice.”
Now, twenty minutes later, she walked into Finns’ Pub and made her way to the bar, her gaze searching for Brogan. Irish music blared from the speakers and as she pushed her way forward, she noted there were no empty barstools. In the back, she saw a group of her co-workers and fellow American Legion members.
Mitch stood with Tori tucked underneath his arm, smiling at the group in the booths. The other men known as the Baytown Boys, plus the new additions, filled the space as well. Aiden, with his easy laugh, served drinks, but Brogan was nowhere to be seen. Grant, in the corner of the booth, had Jillian leaning against his arm and Ginny recognized the smitten expression on his face. She remembered, when she first came to work at Baytown, Grant had managed to juggle quite a few women at one time, but his eye had always been on his former girlfriend. Mentally shaking her head, Ginny wondered how some men could be so stupid at times, but at least Grant got his head out of his ass and snagged the love of his life in the end.
Zac, the local Fire Chief, and Callan, still active duty with the Coast Guard station at the town’s harbor, sat at the other end of the bar, surrounded with some of the older men from the American Legion as well as a few of the CG, sharing war stories. Jason, a newcomer to town who ran the only garage and was also starting a tattoo business, was standing at the bar with a few of the locals eager to see his shop open. Jade and Belle sat to the side, laughing and talking with a few others around.
Ginny had noted some of the tattoos on Jason’s arms in the past, war memories engraved into the young man’s skin, wearing his pain. If I had my memories tatted onto my skin, I’d hate to think what they’d be. Sighing, she glanced up, seeing Gareth and Katelyn approaching from the back, both carrying platters of nachos and fish tacos, setting them down on the table in front of their friends. Everyone already seemed settled—why do I still feel like an outsider looking in?
Suddenly too tired and uncertain to interject herself into the group, she turned to leave, slamming into a brick wall. Staggering backward, she felt steel bands clamp her upper arms as she jerked her head up, seeing Brogan holding onto her. Blushing at her awkward position, she stammered, “Sorry!”
“No worries. I shouldn’t have walked up behind you,” Brogan said. He loosened his grip on her arms, self-conscious, but immediately missed the feel of her warmth. “You leaving? You just got here.”
Not giving into the temptation to consider how, with the busy crowd, he knew she had just arrived, she nodded. “Uh, yeah. Seems busy…which is good for your business, but…uh…” Shrugging, she knew the heat from her face must be evident, but she forced herself to keep her eyes on his.
“Don’t go,” he said. “I was hoping you’d come…alone. I saved a seat for you.”
Wrinkling her brow, she cast her gaze about. Not seeing an empty table, she allowed herself to be led to a narrow, spiral staircase near the back of the pub.
5
How have I never seen this before?
As Brogan undid the chain across the bottom of the stairs, Ginny eyed the structure dubiously. His massive body ambled up the spiral and, halfway up, he turned and lifted his eyebrow in silent question as he held his hand out toward her. Self-conscious in her baseball jersey and old jeans, she wiped her sweaty palms on her thighs.
Without thinking, she reached up, sliding her hand in his much larger one, allowing him to gently guide her upward. The feel of his hand holding tightly onto hers was unfamiliar and yet comforting. The thought that she would love to hold his hand more often, relishing the feel of his skin touching hers, washed over her. Curling around to the top, she was delighted to see a small loft that overlooked the pub. Even though they were no longer on the stairs, he continued to hold her hand as he led her to a table.
“We usually have live bands play up here on the weekends and keep it closed the rest of the time. It’s too hard for our servers to get drinks and food up here.”
There were two small tables with chairs but the rest of the space would easily fit a small band. Looking around, Ginny was unable to hide the smile from her face. “I really like it.”
Nodding, Brogan said, “I kinda figured you might be mor
e comfortable away from the crowd, but I wasn’t sure you were coming alone.”
She peered at him, watching his normal grimace now paired with a specter of doubt in his blue eyes. “I had no one else I wanted to be with,” she confessed, surprised that the words left her mouth. The sense of vulnerability usually had her keep her mouth shut, but seeing the uncertainty in his eyes made her want to reach out. She watched in fascination as his shoulders relaxed slightly.
Brogan glanced down at their group of friends, some smiling up at him and others trying to hide their smiles. Sighing, he added, “Always a crowd, isn’t there? Anyway, you got stuck in the bleachers with my sister and her gaggle.”
“Gaggle?” she repeated with her lips quirking, sitting in the chair he indicated.
“Yeah,” he shrugged. “You know? They’re all good and stuff…but sometimes, they like to get into everyone’s business.”
Fiddling with the napkin on the table, she shrugged. “They’re fine…actually, they’re great. It’s just a little weird…you know. Being an outsider and all.” Immediately wishing she had not given away that tidbit, she rushed on, “But, it’s all good. They’re…uh…good.”
Erupting in a chuckle, Brogan said, “You gonna keep trying to convince me or yourself about that?”
Ginny’s eyes jumped to his, realizing she had never heard him laugh before. The sound was deep and reverberated through her even with the Irish music playing in the background. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, surrounded by dark, scruffy beard and her mind emptied of all thoughts other than those perfect lips. Hearing him clear his throat, she blinked. “Oh, sorry. I lost my train of thought for a second.”
“Yeah, I kinda got that.”
Shaking her head ruefully, she tried to get back on track. “No, really. Your sister is nice and I like coaching with her. I’m getting to know the others through the AL Auxiliary, but,” shrugging again, “my job doesn’t allow a lot of socializing time.”
Nodding, he commiserated. “Yeah, same here. Always something to do.”
Finding Peace: Baytown Boys Page 4
