“Oh yes! Yes. We’re friends, but it still is a bit disconcerting for me to be out with someone who gets asked for his autograph every few minutes.”
She snickered when another young fan stopped at their table with a napkin and a pen. Seb greeted the youngster and signed his name before directing his attention back to Tori.
“I guess it can be somewhat awkward at first.”
“Ya think?!”
Brushing off her comment, he rested both hands on the table. “So, can you give me a hint on something Pax would like for Christmas? I have an idea, but I don’t want to do something she wouldn’t enjoy.”
“Well, you tell me your idea and I’ll let you know.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Knowing Christmas would be difficult for Sebastian, Paxson didn’t even broach the subject of coming home with her for the holiday. She decided instead to invite him over a couple of days before Christmas where they could enjoy each other’s company, then she’d go home for a few days. She didn’t worry about him as much since he’d mentioned he planned to spend Christmas day with Rangy, who also didn’t have any family.
Desiring this night to be special, she took great care with her outfit and the dinner she planned. Unless he and Rangy exchanged gifts, which she doubted, this would be the only Christmas Seb would get until his parents returned from their trip. The rose red dress she’d chosen, although simple, looked classy. She’d even put on her heels, knowing they gave her the appearance of being taller and thinner, and she’d worn her hair down. Seb mentioned a few times in the past how much he preferred it that way, and tonight, she wanted to please him.
She didn’t want to waste the time and effort on a turkey for the two of them, instead preparing chicken and dressing with all the sides she thought he might enjoy. She’d decorated her apartment with a few minimal items since she knew she would be in Alabama for the actual holiday. Finding some low-key holiday themed music on the radio, she lit some candles for the table.
Not long after lighting the candles, she heard his soft knock. Pausing at the door, she prayed. Dear Lord, thank you for this time to be with Seb. Help me do and say the right things tonight. I don’t know why, but things seem different tonight. I’m afraid, and I don’t know why.
Opening the door, she laughed. Sitting cockeyed on Seb’s head, a red Santa hat covered with a light dusting of snow complemented his outfit for the evening. She welcomed him with a hug. “Oh! You’re cold. When did it start snowing?”
“Just in the last few minutes. I don’t think it will amount to much, but it’s sure pretty to look at.” She helped him take off his coat. Taking her hands, he stepped back, looking her over from head to toe, then pulled her close whispering, “you look beautiful,” before he gently kissed her.
Blushing, she thanked him softly and broke loose of his arms to hang up his coat.
He walked through the kitchen. “Something certainly smells good. I hope you didn’t go to a lot of trouble.”
“It wasn’t trouble. I enjoyed preparing. I only hope it will be as good as it smells.”
“I don’t doubt it. You’re a fabulous cook.” Snagging her waist with his hand, he pulled her in close, tapping her nose with his finger. “Why do you think I spend all that time on the treadmill?”
Together, they brought the food out to the table in the dining room. The setting seemed perfect in front of the big window looking over the woods behind her apartment. After the meal which, Pax admitted to herself, tasted pretty good, they were content to sit beside each other at the table in silence. They watched as several deer meandered out of the woods into the snow-filled clearing behind her apartment. Occasionally, Seb snuck a kiss on her cheek or behind her ear, leaving Pax feeling breathless.
Realizing time was getting away, Paxson got up to clear the table, nerves rising. She needed to give him his gift, and suddenly she didn’t know how he would react to it. Seb seemed to notice her uneasiness. “Pax, what’s wrong? Dinner was fabulous. You seem unusually skittish.”
She smiled at him. “I guess I just want tonight to be perfect, so I’m fretting over everything.”
“Well before you get to fretting too much, how about I give you your Christmas present. Would you like that?”
When she nodded her head, he pulled her into the den, and patted the seat beside him on the couch. Next, he took two thin envelopes out of the front pocket of his shirt. “Now, I know it doesn’t look like much, but I hope you will appreciate them nonetheless. I have it on good authority you will enjoy these.”
Curious, Pax took the envelopes from his hand. Opening the first one, her mouth opened in shock. “Bash! These are tickets to the BCS National Championship game! I’ve always wanted to go! And, of course, this season more than ever.”
Sebastian grinned. “Well, I knew you’d mentioned you’d never been to a bowl game before, and with your team playing for the Championship, I thought you might like to go.”
“Oh Bash. I know it seems silly, but this is the best gift I have ever received!” She lunged to put her arms around him, pressing several kisses one after another to his cheek. “Thank you. Thank you!”
“Well, that’s not all… open the next one.”
“Oh yes! In my excitement, I forgot about the other one.” Paxson slid her finger under the flap of the envelope and peeked in. Puzzled, she slid a pack of tickets held together by a rubber band out of the pocket. Once again, she sat back in surprise. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Yes...if you’re thinking what I hope you are. I guess it’s selfish in a way, but I thought perhaps you might like season tickets to the Cardinal games next year. I would like knowing you were in the crowd.”
“Bash. I love them. Thank you, so much. Being at the ballpark for all the games, or as many as I can attend is a dream come true. Thank you.” She leaned over and lightly pressed her lips to his in gratitude.
Seb held her close, deepening the kiss. Eventually he released her, breathless. Smiling he looked around the room. “Now, would you perhaps have something for me?”
His question brought back the cloud of doubt. Leaving him on the couch, she went into her bedroom and returned with a large, flat, rectangular package. Silently, she stood in front of him presenting it with outstretched hands.
He gave her a quizzical look and tore the paper to reveal a large painting in a frame. He touched his fingertips to the raised edges of the painting. “Pax. I don’t know what to say.”
She swallowed hard and whispered. “I hope you like it. I saw the small photo at your condo in San Diego, and hoped you wouldn’t miss it if I borrowed it. I have a friend who can take photos and do oil-based reproductions. I thought you might like it for your home here.”
“It’s the most beautiful and thoughtful present I have ever received.”
He traced the outline of his daughters’ faces as they appeared in the portrait. “I had forgotten about this picture. We were at the beach just this past summer when I happened to be home for one of our West Coast visits. I had half a day before I needed to be at the stadium, so I picked up the girls from Melissa’s and we spent a few hours at the beach. I took the picture myself with the camera I found in the car. Everything about the day was perfect.”
Pax walked around to the end of the couch where Seb sat admiring the portrait, bent over and put her arms around his neck squeezing him close. “I hope every time you see it, it will bring you happy memories, Bash.”
He nodded; continuing to touch the portrait, an occasional tear slipping down his face.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Happy that Pax could spend Christmas with her family, Seb’s heart ached with loneliness. Being with Rangy on Christmas Day helped some, but even his friend’s attempts at cheering him up didn’t work. Seb missed his girls, and he missed Pax. He realized this only foreshadowed the weeks ahead when he would be in Florida for Spring Training, and the days he would be without her presence.
He and Rangy went to the
batting cages a few times and out to dinner every night, but he couldn’t shake not having Pax beside him at the table.
“You might not want admit it Seb, but you’re in love with Pax.”
Startled by the comment, Seb dropped his fork, the clattering noise causing the diners at the next table to stare. “What? Why would you say something like that, Rangy?”
“Because I’m no fool. I know part of the reason you’re down is because it’s your first Christmas without your girls, and I get that. The first holiday without my momma, I sat in my apartment and didn’t move from my chair for over twenty-four hours. But you got something else going on. You miss Pax, too.”
“Of course I do. We spend a lot of time together. I’m bound to miss her.”
“You’re trying to ignore it man, but it’s more than that. You need to figure out what you’re going to do about it. Because if I know her like I think I do, just loving her isn’t going to be enough. She’s going to want a commitment from you and not just on a relationship with her. She’s going to need a commitment on a lot of things.”
Seb stared out the restaurant window into the night. Rangy was right, but Seb knew he couldn’t fully give Pax everything she wanted. She wanted him to believe in her God. A commitment he wouldn’t give.
****
“Hi Pax.”
“Hey, Bash. How are you? Did you do something with Rangy today?”
“Yes. We hit the cages again and grabbed something to eat.”
He left it at that. The sadness in his voice reached across the phone line and tugged at her heart. She curled up on the bed in her old bedroom at her parents’ house, the pillow cushioning her head. “Everyone says hello. I’ve eaten more than I should, so I guess I’ll be hitting the treadmill with you when I get back.”
“I’ll be waiting. I’ll get you whipped back into shape in no time. Did you have a good day?”
“Yes. Rachel and her family are leaving in the morning so I guess things are winding down.”
“I know you enjoyed seeing all of them again.”
“I did.” Something in his voice worried her. “Bash, are you okay? You seem more quiet than usual.”
“I’m fine Pax. I’ve just got a lot on my mind I guess. I better go. You need to get back to your family. I…miss you.”
With a soft click, the call ended. Pax laid the phone on the bedside table and turned over on the bed, staring at the ceiling. “If only he could see what he’s missing. And I don’t just mean me.”
****
Seb awoke the next day to sunshine filling his den. Bleary-eyed, he looked around. He’d fallen asleep in his recliner, phone still in his hand. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he looked across the room at the clock on the wall. Mid-afternoon! He’d slept the day away.
His stomach growled. As Seb was padding into the kitchen to rustle up something to eat, the doorbell rang. Rangy wouldn’t just show up here, at least not in the middle of the afternoon. Not without calling first. He walked to the front door and squinted through the peephole, then threw open the door.
“Pax! What are you doing here? You aren’t supposed to be home for two days!”
“I know Bash, but after our phone conversation last night, I didn’t want to wait any longer. My parents understood, and I found an early morning flight. I hope it’s okay.”
“Okay? It’s more than okay. C’mere.” Pulling her into his arms, he crushed a kiss to her lips. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you, too. Besides, what girl couldn’t use a few extra days to unpack and repack for our trip out West after New Year’s?”
He laughed. She always knew how to make him smile, but then it struck him. In all their weeks together, this made her first visit to his home. They’d always been at her place or out somewhere else. “I feel terrible! I realize you’ve never been here before. I’m sorry. Come in, and let me show you around.”
“I know. When the driver asked me where I wanted to go, I realized going home didn’t make sense, and gave him your address. Forgive me for showing up unannounced.”
“Like I said, I’m so glad you did. Follow me, and I’ll give you the grand tour.”
Taking her hand, he led her through his home, stopping periodically to explain certain photos on the walls and pieces of furniture he’d picked up in different places. Upon reaching his den, Pax paused in front of a glass case encasing more mementos from his career. “I didn’t realize you’d have more of these. The case in California seemed stuffed by itself.”
He laughed. “If there is one thing baseball players do, it’s collect things. I’m just lucky to have some really nice items to display. Anything in particular you have a question about?”
“Well, I have always been curious to see one of those gold gloves in person. Is it as heavy as it looks?”
Opening the case, Seb reached around to pull the rather large trophy off the shelf. “Here, see for yourself.”
“Oh Seb what if I drop it?”
“You won’t. Here, take it.” He stuck the trophy out in her direction.
Accepting it, her face grimaced at the weight. “This thing is not exactly light.” She read the inscription. “’The finest in the field.’ How did they know I have the exact same thought when I see you?”
“Ha ha! I think their meaning and yours might be a little different.” Taking it from her, he replaced the trophy back in the empty space on the shelf.
“Maybe so, but I think my interpretation is the most important.”
Pulling her towards him, he pressed his lips to her temple. “No doubt about that sweetheart. No doubt about that.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Seb fulfilled his Christmas present to Pax by taking her to Arizona for the National Championship game after the New Year. Seeing her beloved university bring another crystal trophy home sent Pax into hysterics. Sebastian shook his head in amusement watching her scream with joy at the celebration on the field.
The next day at the hotel in downtown Phoenix, Pax continued to chatter about the play which broke the game wide open. “Can you believe it Bash? I thought all hope was lost until we intercepted the pass and ran it in for a touchdown! I just knew my heart would burst out of…”
Her voice trailed off when she stopped dead in the middle of the lobby.
“Pax? Are you okay?”
“Just a second. I think I see someone over there I recognize.”
Pax leaned around his shoulder, staring at someone near the front desk. “Huh. I think it is him. Come on.”
Unsure of whom, exactly, Pax saw, Seb followed after her, curious at her behavior.
Pax hesitated, before tapping the man on the shoulder. “Excuse me… Jake?”
Turning around, the man’s face lit up in surprise. “Pax!” He snatched her into a bear hug. “What in the world are you doing here?”
Pulling back, Pax’s smile widened. “I could ask you the same question!”
“I have a conference at this hotel. Today’s session ended a few minutes ago. Crazy timing with the ball game and all. And you?”
“We’re actually here for the game. Did you go?”
The man chuckled. “I would have, but you know how my work can get sometimes.”
“Yeah, I remember.”
Seb stood off to the side, not wanting to intrude on this…reunion of sorts.
“Forgive my manners! Jake, let me introduce my friend. Seb Quinn, this is Jake Temple.”
Seb stuck out his hand toward Jake. “Good to meet you. I didn’t know Pax knew anyone out here. She didn’t mention it.”
“Nice to meet you too. Pax and I, well, we kinda lost touch a few years ago. I guess fate saw fit to bring us together today.” Seb didn’t miss the look of longing Pax gave Jake at his comment. When Jake’s eyes connected with Pax, a feeling of uneasiness came over Seb. “Yeah. I guess so.”
Breaking the stare, Jake glanced at Seb. “Forgive me, you may get this a lot, but are you…?”
Putting
her arm around Seb, Pax explained. “Seb is the centerfielder for the Cardinals. I know you’ve seen him play a few times.”
“Of course! Pax would be the first to tell you I’m a big baseball fan. It’s an honor to meet you for sure.”
Dropping her arm from Seb’s shoulder, Pax grabbed Jake’s hand. “Can you join us for dinner so we can catch up? The hotel isn’t too far from your place is it?”
“No, not at all. How ‘bout I meet you back here in a couple of hours? We can eat in the hotel restaurant if you like. It’s very good, I can attest to that.”
“I think that sounds great. Bash, is it okay with you?”
For a reason he couldn’t explain, Seb wanted to tell her no, but he knew it would only upset her. “Sure Pax, whatever you want.”
“Okay then, we’ll be here. See you then, Jake.”
“See you Pax. Good to meet you, Seb.”
“Yeah. Likewise.” Watching them hug again, a strange feeling of uneasiness wrapped around Seb’s heart, leaving him feeling cold. Who is this Jake, and what does he mean to Pax?
****
Riding the elevator with Seb in silence, Pax smiled. Imagine after all this time, meeting Jake again. I’ve always wondered what happened to him.
“Pax? Pax? It’s our floor.”
Startled, she looked to see the elevator open with Seb straddling the crevice to keep the doors from closing.
“Oh, thanks.”
She walked down the hall toward her room, Seb not far behind. Reaching her door, she turned toward him. “I’m going to freshen up a bit so I’ll meet you downstairs in a couple of hours?”
“How ‘bout I just come knock on your door, and we can go together?”
“If you would rather, that will work too. I’ll see you then.” She slipped into her room and shut the door behind her.
Just a Little Faith Page 13
