Star-Crossed in the Outfield (All About the Diamond #4)

by Naomi Springthorp

Text from Kristina - Like my all time favorite song or my favorite right now?

  Text to Kristina - Both

  Text from Kristina - My all time favorite is “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode.

  Text from Kristina - Right now I love “Dive” by Ed Sheeran, I think it’s Sherry’s fault.

  Text from Kristina - Is there a song that makes you think of me?

  Text from Kristina - What’s your favorite thing to eat?

  Text from Kristina - What’s your favorite color?

  Text to Kristina - There are a few songs that make me think of you.

  Text from Kristina - What are they? All of them.

  Text to Kristina - “Feels Like the First Time” by Foreigner.

  Text to Kristina - “Just Like Heaven” by the Cure.

  Text to Kristina - “Won’t Stop” by OneRepublic.

  Text to Kristina - “Turn It Up” by The Wrecks.

  Text to Kristina - Pizza

  Text to Kristina - I really like the blue color in my bedroom, but lately I find I’m fond of the warm green I see when I look into your eyes.

  She had an oversized hoodie with Cross and the number 17 on the back of it left at her cubicle, she told me she loved it and felt like it was hugging her. She even sent me a picture of her wearing it and nothing else. I managed not to get in trouble today and she didn’t tell me to be with another girl, so I think that’s progress.

  Kristina

  I never thought I’d say this about a guy, but I miss him. I love how he leaves presents for me. He doesn’t have to do that. I want to be with him and I’d be happy to have him in a small apartment alone even if he wasn’t a baseball player. I don't care if he has money or any of the rest of it. He’s all that matters.

  The days while the team is away are standard, full of basic prep duties and nothing exciting. It’s an early game and a short day for me. I see the lineup and there’s no Cross. I guess everyone needs a day off. I wish we could spend our time off together. I wish his arms were around me right now.

  Chase

  Road Trip Day 3: Thursday - Game 3 in San Francisco

  Luckily, I was back in the lineup. I hated being away from Kristina and not playing. What’s the point? We swept the series, winning three out of three games. I hit two home runs, and brought in five of my teammates to score—that’s 7 runs batted in. Every single one of us got at least one hit. I’m not usually a home run hitter, but the ball connected with my bat effortlessly. I didn’t realize I was a triple away from a cycle until I reviewed my stats after the game. We won 14-2, a total massacre. It was awesome. The only thing that would’ve made it better is if she was here to celebrate with me. Woah! Who am I? Dude, be cool and give it time. She’s yours.

  I want to call Kristina in the morning again, but decide not to poke the tiger.

  Text to Kristina - Good Morning, Sweetness. I don’t to want to wake you up again. Let me know when you can talk.

  Text from Kristina - You can always call me. :)

  I call her and we talk about plans for the day. She’s going to Sherry’s after work to bake and I hope they save some for me. The game is earlier than normal because it’s a getaway day and the team flies to Houston after the game today. One of the reasons I want to talk to her, in case it’s too late later. But, that’s been vetoed. She wants me to call her either way, no matter how late.

  Text to Kristina - What are your favorite flowers?

  Text to Kristina - What’s the first thing you want to do when I get back?

  Text to Kristina - Is there a song that makes you think of me?

  Text from Kristina - Daisies

  Text from Kristina - 2 songs… “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “Dive”

  Text from Kristina - Right now, I want you to hold me all night and let me spend the night with you. This could change though.

  Text to Kristina - I’ve been hoping you would stay over with me again. I want to hold you every night.

  Text from Kristina - Which side of the bed do you prefer to sleep on?

  Text from Kristina - What’s your favorite home cooked meal?

  Text from Kristina - What’s the first thing you want to do when you get back?

  Text to Kristina - Left Side, closest to the bathroom and the bedroom door.

  Text to Kristina - I love pasta and pot roast.

  Text to Kristina - Hug you tight and smell your hair.

  Text from Kristina - You might get tired of me staying over. I’d invite you to my place, but my roommate has already proven that your place is easier.

  Text to Kristina - I’ll never get tired of you. I want you with me every night.

  Kristina

  I never get two short days in a row. It’s nice and the fact that I’ve been sleeping well the last couple of nights makes it better. I’m going to Sherry's right after work for baseball and baking.

  Text from Sherry - I used up some of my baking supplies. I needed cookies. Don't tell Rick I was baking. I only made a small batch for me and the baby.

  Text to Sherry - I’ll pick up on my way. What do you need?

  Text from Sherry - Eggs, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, unsalted butter.

  Text from Sherry - Tamales from the delicatessen would be great, too. :)

  I laugh knowing it’s a pregnant request.

  Text to Sherry - I’m sure I can manage all of that.

  Text to Sherry - I’ll pick up on my way.

  I walk into Sherry’s with her requested supplies and tamales. The game is already on and she’s focused on it with her hand resting on her belly. I put away the groceries and meet her in front of the TV with tamales. She nods at me in appreciation and we enjoy some baseball talk while we spend time with our guys. It’s funny, I never thought of it as spending time together when I watch the game until Sherry said it. She’s right. In the stadium with them or not, it’s experiencing part of their life with them and making it our own. We cheer for them and I don't miss Chase so much when I watch him playing. I love the smile on his face when he looks up to see the ball he hit go out of the park.

  I knew he was special, but it may be more than I expected. I want to be what he wants.

  Sherry tells me about how she met Rick and how everything went so fast. She’s happy and wouldn’t change a thing. She never wanted to get married and never considered having a child, but Rick changed those things for her. There’s nothing she wants more than the life she has now.

  The game is over and it’s time to bake. Sherry has a stool in her kitchen where she sits and gives me directions. She goes through everything step by step and I make chocolate chip cookies. I clean up after myself as I go and when I put the cookies in the oven, she instructs me on how to make brownies. It’s not hard, but I need to follow instructions and Sherry does everything from memory. I make notes in my phone as we go, so I can try to replicate the process on my own later. The kitchen smells delicious and I made it that way. I can’t wait to bake for Chase, I’m leaving these with Sherry.

  Kristina

  I get home for the night and I haven't heard from Chase. I call him, but he doesn't answer, “Hey baby, I’m home from Sherry’s and going to bed. You were great tonight. Please call me. I miss you.”

  Chase

  We land in Houston late. We had to wait on the plane and getting to the hotel took longer than it should’ve. By the time I call her, she’s already asleep and I knew she would be because of the message she left me. I was hoping to hear about baking and get to talk sweet to her when I climbed into bed for the night. She did answer the phone in a quiet voice and I could tell she was sleeping, so I talked sweet to her, “Hey Sweetness. I wish I were there with you. I want to hold you and kiss you. I want to feel your body against mine, our hearts beating together.” She made some sweet little noises. “Sleep and remember you’re my girl. Goodnight, Sweetness.” I made a kiss noise at her through the phone and hung up.

  Kristina

  I wake up early and feel spoiled a
s I put on my new Seals T-shirt that says “Cross” on the back. I take a couple selfies, front and back, and send them to Chase. His name on my shirt and cutoff short shorts only covering my ass. Nothing I’ve ever done before Chase. But this morning I’m happy and nothing can dim the light glowing in my heart. I’m proud to wear his name and waiting impatiently for tonight’s game, so I can watch him play and spend some time with him. He’s my guy and I’m his. I’m falling for him.

  Chase

  Road Trip Day 4: Friday - Game 1 in Houston

  Friday morning we didn’t have practice and didn’t have to be at the stadium until noon. We slept in. I woke up to pictures of Kristina wearing the T-shirt with my name and number on the back, eating chocolates and texts. Fuck she’s hot in my number.

  Text from Kristina - Good morning, baby. :)

  Text from Kristina - You don’t need to keep giving me things.

  Text from Kristina - The chocolates are delicious.

  Text from Kristina - We’ll talk about Houston and baking tonight.

  Text from Kristina - Thank you for the shirt and candy… you really don’t need to keep giving me things, but I do like it. :)

  Text from Kristina - Which stadium do you like playing in the most?

  Text from Kristina - Did you have pets when you were growing up?

  Text from Kristina - Have you ever been in love?

  Text to Kristina - What’s your favorite thing to eat?

  Text to Kristina - If you picked my walk up song, what would it be?

  Text to Kristina - Did you pick media or is that just what the internship is for?

  Text to Kristina - The stadium closest to you.

  Text to Kristina - Yes. Two dogs, both Labs. My parents still have one of them.

  I don’t know how to answer her last question. This is not how I want her to find out I love her. If I say no, that means never and includes now. I don’t want to tell her I don’t love her, and honestly I think it would be a lie. At the same time, if I say yes, she’ll ask me when or who or something. Can I blame it on the dog?

  Text from Kristina - I picked Media. It’s what I want to do.

  Text from Kristina - Comfort food like waffles, pizza, stew, pasta.

  Text from Kristina - Walk up song is serious business. It needs to have some intensity to it and some type of meaning. It needs to get you pumped up and send a message to the other team. I love the sentiment behind “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” but I think it should be harder rock. Maybe even punk. I need to think about this one.

  Text from Kristina - You never answered the third question.

  Text to Kristina - Yes, I was in love with my dog when she ran away.

  Text from Kristina - I meant with a human being.

  Text to Kristina - I don’t know.

  Text from Kristina - If you don’t know, then who does?

  Text to Kristina - I meant that I don’t know what that kind of love feels like. I just know how I feel.

  Text from Kristina - Oh

  Text to Kristina - What does love feel like? Is it the sparks and the fireworks? Is it always wanting to be together?

  Text to Kristina - Are you asking me how I feel about you? That’s not something I’m going to text you about, Sweetness. You know how I feel about you when we’re together. You know I miss you and want to hold you.

  Text from Kristina - Okay. Chase, you know love when you feel it. It could be the sparks and fireworks, or it could be something else.

  Text to Kristina - When your heart rolls over in your chest helpless and bare because you need someone and want someone so much that it physically hurts?

  Text from Kristina - I think it depends on what exactly you need and want.

  Text to Kristina - Or, maybe it’s just the person and you take whatever you can get just to be with them.

  Text from Kristina - *jaw drop*

  We go to the stadium and do our workouts. The team is in a good mood because we got the chance to sleep in and relax. The game is going to be a pitcher’s duel between Houston’s ace and Rhett Clay. I probably won’t even see a ball in center field.

  Text from Kristina - I’m watching the game with Sherry tonight… Make it a win! ;)

  Text to Kristina - Anything for you, Sweetness.

  Text to Kristina - Make sure Sherry is relaxing and not doing much, okay?

  Text from Kristina - I’m on that… picking up dinner on my way.

  Text to Kristina - You’re the best. Beautiful inside and out, Sweetness. <3

  Walking out onto the field at game time I point my gloved hand at Seno and wink, “Make it a win!” as I stretch and warm up. He smiles and nods. I can see him physically relax at the words and think that I need to say them before every game until Sherry’s here.

  The game was horrible. It was long, a test of endurance and patience. I caught myself staring at the stars while I was in the outfield, knowing she’s closer than the stars and we’ll be under them together soon. I need to stay focused and not let down time in the outfield get the best of me. All four of the balls that make it to the outfield land in my glove. Martin hit a double, knocking in me and Mason in the first inning, but Houston answers back in the second with a single and home run. We’re tied at 2 in the second inning and it stays that way until the top of the ninth when I get to be the hero, hitting a home run and driving in Clay and Brandt. We win 5-2. Seno and Clay work the complete game together with precision, the relievers are thankful to get the night off.

  Kristina

  My day was crazy and all I could think about was Chase. I pick up Sherry’s favorite tamales for dinner and get to her place in time for the second inning. I sit down in front of the TV with her and she starts in, obviously searching for something to distract her.

  “So, how’s things with Chase?”

  Not sure how to answer, “Good. We haven’t been able to talk much.” I turn to her, “I bet you miss Rick.”

  “I do. I want to be there with him, but I know this is more important to both of us right now.” She wraps her arms around her belly and offers a shaky smile.

  I’m out of my zone here, but I want to be helpful, “I’m sure he misses you, too. He seems like a great guy.”

  “He is. He’s perfect. I can’t imagine being married to anyone else and I wouldn’t want a family with anyone, but him.” She rambles on, “Family is very important to him and I’m so happy to be giving him something he’s wanted for so long. I still have to pinch myself to make sure this is my life. It’s been such a roller coaster ride. I’m sure you are starting to see what the professional athlete world is like, being with Chase. You two are young, but when it’s right it’s right. I wish I’d met Rick sooner. I envy you meeting Chase so young. You two can do anything together and start your lives together.”

  I black out there for a minute listening to Sherry talk about my life with Chase. Suddenly all I can focus on is that she’s pregnant, huge and uncomfortable. I flash back to mounting him bare and not caring about what might happen, simply needing him and having him was all that mattered. How could I be so stupid! I know he says he’ll protect me, but he’s still a guy. Damn it! I did it myself! It wasn’t even him. He tried to stop it. I wanted more. I steer Sherry back to the game and try not to think about it. She needs calm company, I can be that for her tonight. We can cheer for our guys together.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chase

  Seno and I have fallen into a routine, phone calls with our women and room service every night. We decide to stick with it since we’re on a winning streak and you never fuck with a streak. I hesitate to even think the word streak because it could jinx it. It doesn’t matter, we would be in our room and talking to our women even if we’d lost. We both change into sweatpants and dial our women at the same time.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Sweetness. I made it a win for you. Did you see my home run?”

  “Yes, baby! It was a moon shot! We were both yelling at the TV!”
>
  “Are you having fun baking and watching baseball with Sherry?”

  “Yea, I’m staying with her tonight. Helping her get some things done that are hard for her and we’re going to stay up and watch movies, because she’s having a hard time sleeping.” Her tone is different.

  “Is something wrong? Are you okay?”

  “Hold on a second.”

  Text from Kristina - She needs her Mom here or somebody. I don’t know about this stuff. She’s okay, but she’s nervous and worried.

  “Sorry, my friend was texting me.”

  “That was sly.”

  “I try.”

  I get Seno’s attention across the room and signal for him to cover his phone, “Kristina’s staying at your place tonight and thinks Sherry needs someone to stay with her that has more experience with pregnant stuff. Says she’s okay, but looks nervous and worried.” He nods at me and gives me a thumbs up.

  “So, Sweetness, what did you bake? Did you have any surprises left for you at your desk today?”

  “There was a baseball cap embroidered with your number on it in the regular team colors left for me today, thank you. I’m starting to feel like I’m getting a whole new wardrobe and everything has your name and number on it. Are you marking me?” She giggles.

  “Yes. I want everyone to know you’re mine. I’m proud to have you as mine and I don’t want anyone else even thinking about having you.” Fuck me, I’m starting to sound possessive like Seno. Maybe we shouldn’t room together.

  “Wow.” Her breath hitched, “The way you said that gave me chills.”

  Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, “It’s simply the truth, Kristina. Good chills?”