“You can’t or you won’t?” His tone is soft. “There’s no such thing as a completely safe driver. That doesn’t mean we should all stop driving, stop flying planes, and start walking everywhere. You didn’t kill them, Abigail, and it wasn’t your fault.”
“Will you be there?” I whisper, half hoping he didn’t hear me. “If I try again, will you be there?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. So, what do you say?” He takes a step closer to me.
“I will try one more time, but if no progress happens, I’m getting that chauffeur’s hat for you and then you’re stuck with me,” I joke with him.
“There will be progress, I’m sure of it. You can do it.” I can feel his body heat because he’s so close to me.
“Thank you, Felix. I’ve really missed you.” I lean in closer to his lips.
“I’ve really missed you.” Felix’s warm breath makes my skin sizzle.
I close the distance between and we both moan at our connection. He fists his hands in my hair. I open my mouth wider and our tongues entwine. I feel his hardness growing between my legs and I rock my hips, teasing him.
“Please tell me you have a condom.” I lay my forehead against his.
“In my wallet.”
I pop my eyes open. “Take me to the bedroom, Felix.”
He grasps my thighs and lifts me up. I wrap my legs around his hips and he carries me off to the bedroom.
Felix tosses me on the bed and we both strip out of our clothes as fast as we can, only pausing for a quick kiss or touch. Once we are completely naked, there isn’t time for foreplay. That can come later, because right now, we need animalistic sex, not sweet lovemaking. It’s been over three weeks for us both and our hormones want this as much as we do. Felix rolls on the condom as I take off my thong and lie on the bed, waiting for him.
“I really should take my time with you, but I don’t want to.”
“Felix,” I arch myself closer to him. “Please, I need you now.”
He says nothing else. He positions himself at my opening and slams me into me. I’ve never been one to have rough sex, but after these past weeks without him, I’d let him do just about anything he wanted to me at this point.
We quickly find our rhythm and it’s almost like we’ve always been connected to each other. Our love surrounds us as we both find our release in a few short minutes. I knew we wouldn’t last long. Not because of the roughness or the quickness of our motions, but because we missed each other so much.
“Sorry,” Felix pants in my ear.
“For what?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.
“The second round will last longer.”
“Well, my legs aren’t shaking because I didn’t get off; I can tell you that much.” I giggle and Felix laughs.
THE TENSION THAT has been present in my muscles every game since Abigail broke things off with me is completely gone as I take my place on the mound. In fact, my body feels loose as if I just had a full-body massage. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m relaxed and confident because Abigail is among the crowd. Still, I roll my shoulders, fiddle with my hat, and take a deep breath.
Blake gives me the signal and I pitch, hearing the sweetest sounds in the world. The thump of the ball landing in the glove followed by, “Strike!” I try not to get too excited. My terrible playing these past few games could be all my fault. I could still play subpar today. But who am I kidding? My lucky charm is here and losing while she’s here is rare. Plus, I can tell this is going to be a good game.
If Blake, with his nickname of Grumpy, can walk into the locker room with a wide grin on his face for the first time ever, I mean, come on. How can we lose when that guy comes in happy? We make it through the first few innings with little issues. Even my batting is better than it was at the start of the season. Granted, I have been working on it more.
I steal glances at Abigail when I can and wink at her. I’ve been full of happiness since we worked things out. She told me two days ago when we’re going for her to drive again. She asked if I wanted her to remind me, and I told her no. I’m certain I would have remembered the first time around had I been listening. I heard her this time and I won’t forget about it. I set up an email alert and posted sticky notes in my bedroom, bathroom, locker, and in my car as a precaution though.
With a shake of my head, I clear my thoughts. I need to focus on the game right now. Sweat trickles down my back causing my shirt to stick to my skin. Damn, it’s getting hotter by the second out here. My dry throat makes me wish I’d had some water before we took to the field again. I roll my shoulders, turn the ball over in my hand, and wait for Blake to give me a sign I like.
His chin lifts slightly. I rub my palm on my pants, sneaking a glance at the player on second. Something in me doubts he’ll make a run for it. I find the grip I want on the ball, relax my shoulder, and throw a fastball. The batter swings too late and misses.
Strike three.
Game over.
Back in the locker room, I’m grinning like a fool. Hector slaps me on the shoulder as he heads to his locker. “About time you learned how to pitch a decent game,” he jokes.
“He doesn’t deserve the credit. His lucky charm showed up. Give her our thanks,” Blake says with a chuckle.
I smile, deciding not to reply. I will definitely show Abigail how thankful I am for her later. Once we’re dismissed for the day, I drive to the complex, park, and take off to Abigail’s apartment.
Tomorrow is the big day. She’s going to drive. I’m excited for her because this is a big step, one she probably needed to take long before now. It doesn’t matter though, because she is moving forward. I jog up to her floor and knock. When she answers, I grin. Abigail smiles in return and steps aside for me to come in.
“You have to be a believer now,” I say, taking a seat on her couch.
Abigail sits down next to me, rolling her eyes. “Yes, I believe I’m your lucky charm.”
“The team sends their thanks.” She laughs. I lean toward her to give her a soft, slow kiss. “So do I.” I lean against the back of the couch and take her hand. “How nervous are you about tomorrow?” Her eyes widen just a little and I add, “Did you think I’d forget twice?”
“No, but you can’t blame me for being unsure. I’m really nervous already. Are we sure I should do this?”
“Don’t be nervous. I’ll be there and it’s a super short driving trip, so nothing will go wrong. Don’t you think you need to do this?” At least if she thinks she does, then she’ll be a step closer to being ready and losing just a bit of her nervousness.
Abigail sighs. “Knowing that I need to do it doesn’t make me want to do it.”
“Yeah, but just think, you don’t have to drive from here to California tomorrow. You’re taking baby steps, so it’ll easier to do.”
She nods. “You’re right.” After a moment, she says, “Let’s talk about something else now. I don’t want to think about it any more than I have to.”
I stand, pulling her up with me. “How about we celebrate instead?”
Abigail smiles before leading me to her bedroom.
WE’RE IN AN abandoned parking lot, leaning against the driver’s side and waiting for her therapist to get here. Abigail has her arms folded across her chest, her foot tapping against the ground. She hasn’t spoken since we arrived almost five minutes ago. I move to stand in front of her, unfold her arms, and wrap them around my waist as I hug her back. I’m hoping to somehow pass along a little strength since the therapist is running late.
“Here she is,” I say when she finally arrives. “Ready?” I ask, glancing down at Abigail.
She looks a little pale, and she shakes her head. I give her one last squeeze before letting her go as her therapist approaches us.
“I’m sorry I’m late, Abigail.”
“It’s fine.”
She turns toward me. “You must be Felix. I’m Tamara. I’m happy you’re joining us today.”
; “Nice to meet you,” I tell her, shaking her outstretched hand.
“How about we start by just sitting in the car, Abigail?”
Abigail nods. I open the driver’s door for her and Tamara tells me to leave it open for now. Then, I take the seat behind Abigail while Tamara takes the passenger seat. Her eyes find mine in the rearview mirror and I smile.
“How are you doing?” Tamara asks after a few minutes.
“Okay, I guess.”
“Let’s shut the doors then.”
We close our doors and Abigail takes a deep breath. Tamara waits another few minutes before asking her how she’s doing again. When Abigail gives her the same answer, Tamara’s next step is putting on our seatbelts.
“You’re doing well, Abigail,” I say, earning a grateful glance from her.
“Yes, you are,” Tamara agrees. “Let’s crank it now.”
I can hear the keys rattling in her shaky hand, but she starts the car.
“I don’t know about this,” Abigail tells us, the nerves clear in her tone.
Tamara beats me to reassuring her. “Yes, you do. Look around, Abigail. There’s no one else here but us. You are in complete control. You got into the car, put on your seatbelt, and started the car. When we take the next step, you’ll have the power to move it into gear, drive however far you want to go, and then stop.”
“I could hit your car,” she tries.
“You could, but you won’t because you’re steering.”
Abigail lifts her hands to the steering wheel. She grabs it for a couple of seconds before letting her hands fall back into her lap. Tamara seems to be waiting for Abigail to take the next step on her own.
I lean forward to poke my head between the seats. “What’s your plan if you do drive?” I ask. “Where are you going to go in the lot?”
“Oh, um.” She seems to think about it. “We could go down to that lamp and then turn around.”
I’m impressed and proud she’s willing to go that far. “Sounds good to me.”
Now, it’s whenever she’s ready. Abigail’s hands return to the steering wheel. She runs her hands around it as if she’s getting a feel for it. The moments drag by until her hand goes to the gearshift and she moves it into drive. She takes another deep breath, her hands taking position at ten and two.
I grin widely when the car inches forward as she lets off the brake. Her knuckles are white with her grip, but she hasn’t stopped yet.
“Just to the lamp and back,” I remind her of her plan.
She nods, but doesn’t reply. She puts pressure on the gas, just a little, and picks up speed. We’re probably only going ten miles an hour. It doesn’t matter though. Abigail circles around the lamp until we’re back where we started. Her stop is smooth and she quickly shifts it back into park before getting out of the car, the engine still running.
I get out as well and wrap her in my arms. “See? Piece of cake.”
She laughs. “Yeah, if you say so.” Her hands are trembling even though she’s trying to hold them steady against my back.
“Doing okay?” I ask anyway.
“Just give me a second,” she mumbles into my chest.
By now, Tamara has come over to where we are. She’s smiling like I am. Our girl did well and we know it.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper.
She briefly squeezes me tighter before taking a step back.
“You did great, Abigail,” Tamara starts. “If we meet here about once a week or so, we’ll be able to get you comfortable and back on the road soon.”
“Once a week it is, then.” They say their goodbyes, and then Abigail faces me again. “Thanks for coming with me, Felix.”
“I’m glad I was here to see you do that. Your sisters are going to be happy to know you did it, too. As long as my schedule works out, I can come with you for the rest if you want.”
“Thanks. Let’s go home now.”
“Wanna drive?”
She laughs and shakes her head. “No, I like having a chauffeur. I need to milk it while it lasts.”
I SMILE STARING at the screen. Grades are officially in and I passed all my classes with flying colors. I lean back in my kitchen chair and think about the beginning of this semester. I had no boyfriend. I sure as hell wasn’t going to attempt driving a car. Nope, neither one of those crossed my mind.
Now look at me. I have Felix in my life, we’re happy, and I drove. Well, I didn’t drive far, but I did a little bit. My smiles falters when there’s knock on the door. Annie and LA are here and we have one thing on our to-do list we haven’t touched since our parents died.
Today, we’re going to do it.
When I open the door, they both are dressed similar to me: shorts and a tank top. It’s hot outside and I know all the moving we’re planning on doing is going to make it much worse.
“Ready?” LA asks and I nod, grabbing my keys.
The three of us head off to LA’s Nissan and I sit in the back. As we take off toward the other side of town, none of us say anything. We know this is going to be hard for us, but we’ll do it together.
Annie, who can’t stand the silence, begins telling us about her class and all of the end of the school year stuff she has to do. I still haven’t spoken as LA turns into the storage building’s parking lot. The three of us get out of the car and walk down the long alleyway toward the orange garage-like door that houses our parent’s belongings.
Annie unlocks it and the metal clanks and bangs as she yanks it up. We stand next to each other as we stare at the dusty boxes and furniture.
“Why haven’t we done this already?” LA asks.
“Because we were busy,” I answer.
“Because we have careers and lives,” Annie adds.
“Because we’ve been avoiding it.” As always, LA tells the truth. “Well,” she takes a deep breath. “Let’s start.”
LA picks up the first box and opens it. I look over at Annie and she nods at me. With shaking hands, I walk in next and open a box.
After two hours, several tears shed by all three of us, and a lot of sweating, the moving truck pulls up. We decide to donate everything we don’t want to a local domestic shelter. We’re keeping the pictures, home movies, and a few other things. LA’s keeping the china because Annie and I don’t want it. I’m keeping a blanket that laid on the back of the couch. Annie’s keeping a few of Mom’s purses.
“Want to get some ice cream?” LA asks as we load everything into the trunk. Annie tells the manager we were finished and our building is now empty.
“We’re a sweaty mess. I don’t think they would let us into any establishment like this,” I tell her.
“I agree with LA.” Annie comes up behind me. “Ice cream sounds really good right now.”
“Fine.” There is no point in arguing. I’m hoping I don’t see anyone I know.
We pile back into the car and LA drives us off to the ice cream parlor. Again, it’s quiet and I know we all are reflecting on everything we just went through. We closed the final door of our parents’ lives and we closed the final door on our lives before they passed away.
I think about my parents. They were both amazing and loving. I couldn’t have asked for two better people in my life. Being in the car and driving the short distance I had, I remember what LA told me before. My parents wouldn’t want me to not live my life. I know in my head it was an accident, but my heart still hurts over the fact I had been the one driving the car. Tamara keeps telling me I will always feel this way, but it’s how I deal with it that will help me get back on track.
I follow LA and Annie into the very cool ice cream parlor and Annie giggles.
“Well, looky looky,” LA turns back to me and winks. “Seems like someone took an earlier flight home.”
“Huh?” I don’t understand what she’s saying until I look over her shoulder and see Felix sitting with Harry at one of the tables. He smirks when he sees me, and Harry waves his hand, showing five cups of ice cream sitt
ing in front of him.
My heart skips a beat and I rush over to Felix. He’s exactly what I need at this moment. Yes, I love my sisters more than anything, but Felix has become my rock. He stands as I reach him. He engulfs me into his arms, and instantly everything is better.
“You weren’t supposed to be here until tomorrow.”
Felix pecks my lips. “I took the morning flight. Harry just picked me up a little bit ago.”
“I’m really sweaty and dirty right now.”
“No big deal. I’m washable.” He winks.
I giggle as I take the seat next to him and he hands me a cup, which has two scoops of vanilla ice cream in it. Annie and LA take their seats and Harry hands them their cups. LA’s right, the ice cream was a good idea. The coolness soothes my body heat.
“Did you ladies get everything done?” Harry asks.
“Yes,” LA says sadly.
“The truck picked up everything we didn’t keep,” Annie further explains.
Harry rubs LA’s back and she leans on him. “Did you keep anything?”
“Mom’s china and some pictures.” Her voices cracks and it breaks my heart to see LA, the strong one, sad.
“Overall, it was a good day,” Annie tries to be upbeat.
Felix squeezes my hand and I smile up at him. “Did you keep anything?”
“A few things.”
“Well, I don’t need to keep anything because my memory of asking your father for Leigh Ann’s hand in marriage is forever burned in my memory.” Harry chuckles.
Annie gasps. “I was there that day. How could I forget?”
“What happened?” Felix asks.
“At first, Dad tried to make sure Harry understood how wild LA really was.” Annie giggles.
“I told him how much I loved her and I could handle anything she threw at me.” Harry kisses LA’s temple and a small blush crosses her face. “Of course, he finally gave his blessing and we now have our happily ever after.”
Annie and I ‘awe’ Harry’s sweet words.
“Now, she’s a housewife,” Annie jokingly pinches LA’s arm. “Who would have thought that?”
“Hey,” LA points at her. “I’m a good at my job and my job title is housewife extraordinaire.”
Felix (The Ninth Inning #1) Page 17
