Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6) Read online

  “I can’t believe that,” she says with shock, “especially because you’re not too hard on the eyes. I mean, you’re very nice looking.”

  I grin. “You’re very nice looking, too.” I wink. “What’s your name?”

  “Right. Sorry.” She holds out her hand, and I shake it. “I’m Ariella Craft. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you, too.”

  “Sugar Daddy!” Spencer calls out, and I wince. “We’re here. Oh, sorry to interrupt,” he adds as he and Roman come to stand next to us and he notices the girl next to me.

  Ariella is laughing, probably because of the stupid nickname. “Sugar Daddy?” she questions, still choking on her laughter.

  “I have terrible teammates,” is all the explanation I offer. “Ariella, this is Spencer and Roman. Guys, this is Ariella. She’ll be the detective assigned to the case when y’all are found murdered for continuing to call me Sugar Daddy.”

  She leans in close and jokes with a grin. “I think it’ll be classified as self-defense. Pretty open and shut case.”

  “I knew I would like you.” I hate that I have to leave her, but I do. Plus, I don’t want to intrude on her night either. “I’ll leave you to unwind. It was nice meeting you, Ariella.”

  “Very nice meeting you, Colby.”

  A table has opened up and we are quick to snatch it before someone else does. Once the guys have ordered their drinks, they’re finally ready to hear what I have to say.

  “Okay. Let’s hear it. You must be desperate to ask for our advice again,” Spencer jokes with a laugh.

  “Don’t remind me; I might change my mind.”

  “So, what’s up?” Roman asks.

  “As y’all love to remind me, I’m old.” As old as an athlete can be at thirty-two. “Online dating definitely wasn’t part of the scene when I was in my early twenties. There’s one girl I want to meet, but I don’t want to word it wrong or something.”

  “How long have y’all been talking?” Roman asks.

  “A few weeks, I think. She doesn’t seem crazy and we talk often, but you can only learn so much about a person online. Well, at least, there’s only so much I can learn.”

  “Just ask her if she would like to meet. Tell her she can pick the place, so she doesn’t think you’re some psycho luring her into the woods to murder her. That’s it,” Spencer tells me.

  Yeah, it sounds simple when you say it aloud. I pull up the app on my phone, might as well make sure it’ll sound fine while they’re here. I find the thread of our messages, seeing one from her.

  Sporty35: Hope your day was better than mine.

  I type up my message and then read it aloud to the guys. They nod in approval, so I hit send.

  BaseballGuy31: Wasn’t too bad. Sorry to hear yours wasn’t good. I was wondering, though, if you’d like to meet? You can pick the place and I’d meet you there.

  It doesn’t show her as online anymore, so I’ll have to wait for her to read it for my answer. Hopefully, she says yes.

  I SPEND THE majority of my afternoon in a courthouse, listening to an overpriced attorney spew out a bunch of big words, none of which made sense, to confuse a jury into thinking his client isn’t guilty.

  It worked, and it pissed me off.

  After I have a glass of wine at Big Blue, I do my best to stop thinking of Mr. Brown Eyes. I need to vent, so I hop into my car and drive to Alizeh and Duke’s house.

  Thankfully, the traffic isn’t too bad, and I don’t have too much time to think about my shitty day. When I pull into the driveway, my phone is flashing and I check my messages. I’d sent BaseballGuy31 a message earlier because...well, I’m not sure why. He seems to be the easiest person to talk to right now. However, as I stare at the screen, my mouth dries up, and I’m not sure what to make of it.

  I rush into my sister’s house, and she’s sitting at the kitchen table with Lil D in her arms.

  “Hey, girl.” She beams at me and then realizes I’m not having the best of days. “There should be some beers in the fridge.” She nods over to the other side of the room.

  “I need to talk to you.” I sit across from her. “I’ve had a bad day, but I don’t really want to burden you with it. However, I need some sisterly advice.”

  “Okay. I’m listening.”

  “Several months ago, I signed up for online dating. Of course, I registered for a lot of them, but I’ve been chatting with this one guy. He seems nice and I know, before you even say it, I shouldn’t believe everything I read online, and people aren’t who they seem. However, I have a good feeling about this one.”

  Alizeh stares at me. “I know lots of friends who’ve signed up for online dating. Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “Because I feel as if it’s desperate or something only crazy people do.”

  She laughs. “You know neither one of those is true. There are a lot of decent, good people who are looking for the same things you are.”

  I shrug. I suppose she’s correct, but my brain keeps drifting to the forty-five-year old living in his parents’ basement.

  “So, tell me about the guy.”

  “I know he works for the Angels, although I don’t know what he does. He doesn’t know I’m a cop, but we talk about a lot of things, and he seems interesting.”

  “I feel as if I’m not getting the whole story here, Sissy.”

  “He wants to meet.” I hold up my phone and show her the message.

  “How wonderful! When are you going to do it?” She beams and even Lil D smiles.

  “I...I…”

  “No. Oh no, Ariella. I don’t want to hear one um, ah, or I don’t know coming from your mouth. I mean it. Tell Mr. BaseballGuy31 you’ll meet him in a very public place and go.”

  “What if he’s horrible in person?”

  “What if he’s Prince Charming? What if he’s the man of your dreams? Do you think you could not do this and not regret it?”

  I sigh and stare up at her ceiling. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date?”

  Alizeh reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I know, and you’ve had a list of shitty men, but what if he, Mr. BaseballGuy31, is the one who can make all the others disappear?”

  I hate when she’s right. I’m the older sister and I should be right, but then again I haven’t done well in my personal life. Alizeh seems to be the one who gives the greatest advice with the men I’ve dated. Of course, I never really listen to her at the time, but in the end, she’s right.

  I’m thirty-six, and I need to be an adult and take control of my romantic life. I can’t keep dating screw-ups and find him. It seems childish to still believe in Mr. Right, but I know it’s true because of my parent’s and my sister’s relationships.

  “Okay. Where would you meet him?” I hit the app and get ready to send a message to BaseballGuy31.

  “Starbucks.”

  “Seriously?”

  “It’s a perfect place. There are a lot of people, no one will bother you, and you’ll be more relaxed. I know you, and you’ll be all uptight and panicking. This way, you’ll be calmer and won’t freak the guy out.”

  She thinks she knows me. Well, guess what...she’s right. Again. I take a deep breath and pick a Starbucks across town, away from my home and the station.

  I can do this.

  My hair looks horrible. My makeup is melting off my face because of the heat outside. I think my outfit is too tight, and I should have ordered decaf because I’m already shaking, and I’ve not even taken one sip of my iced coffee yet. I rub my hands together and count to ten and try to calm down.

  I told BaseballGuy31 I’d be wearing a purple tank top and skinny jeans, which, on me, is an oxymoron because I’m not skinny, but Alizeh says I look good. She told me what to wear, actually, and I took her advice. However, I ditched the heels and went for flats. I’m not good with heels. I didn’t tell him my name. Hell, I’m not sure if he’ll even show up because I haven’t logged in si
nce I sent him the message.

  I glance at the door every time it opens, but I don’t know why since I have no clue what he looks like. I don’t even know his name. I rub my temples and take another deep breath. I watch people on the sidewalk, my leg begins to bounce, and I’m hoping it’ll release some of the anxiety I’m feeling. I close my eyes and count to five. I need to find my center.

  “Please, tell you’re the one I’m supposed to be meeting.”

  I open my eyes to see Colby Wilson staring back at me. My mouth drops. “I’m...I’m meeting someone.”

  “Who are you meeting, Ariella?”

  The heat rises to my cheeks. “A friend.”

  “Someone you’ve already met?”

  I shake my head. I need to pull it together. I’m a police detective, and I’m acting like a lovesick teenager who can’t form a sentence.

  “So, you’re meeting BaseballGuy31?”

  You can knock me down with a feather at this point. There’s no way he can know this unless…

  “I take it you’re SportyGirl.” He sits down across from me.

  “I...I am.” I finally force out the words. “I can safely say I didn’t think you’d be showing up.”

  “I could say the same. Makes it a little less nerve-racking now that we know it’s us, though, right? We sort of already know we’re not crazy people.”

  “Depends if I’ve had sleep. If I don’t get sleep, I’m a bit batty.” I try to joke with him. “When you said you worked for the Angels, I didn’t think you were a player. I thought maybe in the background more so.”

  “Sorry for the bit of deception. It’s easier to weed people out if I say I simply work for them rather than saying I’m a player.”

  “It’s not really a lie, per se. I understand. I don’t usually run around telling every guy online I’m a detective. Surprisingly, it’s a turn off.”

  “Really? Maybe it’s because they’re easily intimidated? Or scared? Are you a scary detective, Ariella?”

  “I can be. But I think they’re mostly afraid of the gun and the fact I can probably beat them up.” I smile.

  “Their loss then.”

  “So, why is Colby Wilson dating online? You shouldn’t have any problems finding a girlfriend.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t, but I do. A few of the guys talked me into the whole online dating thing,” he laughs. “I sent the message about meeting you the night we met while I was at the bar with them.”

  I did my best not to giggle. “Are you telling me the Memphis Angels baseball team sits around and discusses each other’s relationships? I never thought of y’all in that way.”

  “We’re around one another a lot, so we’ve become friends. We talk about things friends would talk about. Plus, sometimes personal things interfere with work, so that’s one way we end up talking about it, too. What did you think we do away from the field?”

  “The young girl in me thought of steam rooms, a lot of walking around shirtless, and abs. Lots and lots of abs,” I joke. Although, I do love abs.

  He chuckles. “There’s some of that. So, tell me more about you.”

  “Well...um...where to begin?” I think for a second on where to begin. “My father is a retired officer and my mother is a lawyer. I have a younger sister, who happens to be married to my partner, and they decided to make me an aunt a few months ago. I have an Alaskan malamute named Buster who is my pride and joy, and I’ve been a cop for almost fourteen years. I think that’s it.”

  “What made you want to become an officer?”

  “I’ve been around law enforcement and the legal system my entire life. My sister picked the same path as our mom and became a lawyer. I followed my dad’s.”

  “That’s nice. I’m assuming you love it to still be doing it after fourteen years?”

  “It has its downfalls, but yes, I love it. Now, what about you? Tell me all about the great Colby Wilson.”

  “Baseball is pretty much all I know. It’s been my life for as long as I can remember. My parents are retired from their jobs and they travel as much as possible. I have a younger sister who lives in Maryland. That’s pretty much it, I think.”

  “Did you grow up in Maryland?”

  “Michigan, actually. Her husband’s job led them to Maryland. Are you from Memphis?”

  “Born and raised. It hasn’t always been pleasant because of my parents and who they are, but I love it here.”

  “What do you mean? About your parents?”

  “Oh.” I shook my head. “Sorry. My dad is black and my mother is white. They met in the 70’s when my mom was working for the DA. Her parents quickly disowned her and I’ve never met them. But, my sister and I have put up with a lot being mixed, but my parents love each other more than anyone I’ve ever known. They’re soulmates, and it’s why I believe so deeply in it.”

  “You believe in soulmates?”

  “Yes. Don’t you?”

  “Not sure. My parents, though, have always insisted on it, said that they were, so it’s kind of interesting that you believe in it.”

  “Mom and Dad have been together for thirty-eight years and still look at each other as if they were still dating. All lovey-dovey. It’s sweet, and considering the men I’ve already dated, I wish for it.”

  “That’s what you want, too? The fairy tale love story with big house, white picket fence, and 2.5 kids with a dog? Is that what led you to the online dating?”

  “Not entirely. I did it to find companionship. I’m not talking about sex either. I just wanted someone to talk to who had the same interests in me. Someone who would like to go out to dinner or a movie, maybe take long weekends with me, and most definitely watch sports with me. Hopefully, he likes the same teams I do. I just want...a companion. If it leads to more, well, that’s way down the road. I’m thirty-six, and I don’t believe in instant love. I think soulmates thrive in a relationship.” I didn’t mean to blurt out my age. But it’s not like he can’t see I’m not twenty-one.

  “It’s good that you know what you want. What other sports do you like?”

  “I’m a sucker for hockey and football, but my whole family are huge Angel’s fans. We go to games a lot.” I pause. I wonder if I should ask him the same question he asked me. “What are you looking for Colby? Just sex? Relationship? 2.5 kids and a dog?”

  “I’m ready to settle down and find someone to be with. That’s what I’m looking for. I don’t like being too specific because then I feel like I’m being picky, and what I’m looking for might not be what I need.”

  “You know, this a deep conversation for a Starbucks and first true meeting.” I laugh. “But, thank you for being honest. I tend to know when someone is lying.”

  “I’m a terrible liar anyway. I’m really glad it ended up being you.” He grins.

  “I’m glad it’s you too. Now, the question is what’s next? I mean, this is seriously not how I thought this would go.”

  He shook his head. “Me either. What do you want to happen next? I’d love to take you out, if you’d like to go.”

  “I believe you have a game tonight, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, it just so happens I have tickets. What about after? Or is that too much, too fast? We can do it next week if you want?” I’m rambling because I do want to see him again and soon.

  “No, no. After sounds good.”

  I beam and try my best to control my enthusiasm. Colby gets up and grabs a cup of coffee, and I do my best not to reach for my phone and text my sister. When he comes back, we briefly talk about baseball again. He loves it as much as I do. I tell him all about the police-firemen team I am on. Of course, it isn’t the same as a professional league, but I enjoy it a lot.

  “I hate to do this, but I need to go.” Colby looks down at his watch.

  “Right. Yes. Of course.”

  “Ariella, I’m looking forward to tonight.” We both stand and he walks me to my car. I’m not expecting him to kiss me or anything. Although, I
won’t mind running my hands through his sandy-brown hair.

  “See you around eight, unless there’s extra innings.”

  “See you then.”

  I watch him walk away, and I enjoy the view from the backside too.

  My dad, Mom, Alizeh, and Duke are all sitting around with me in the private box Mom’s law office has. Normally, we would be in the nosebleeds. Alizeh and Duke had his parent’s watch Lil D so we all could go and have a family night. Lil D is still too little for games.

  “Ariella, how come you didn’t go with your sister and me for our nice girl’s day? You don’t have many days off.” Mom sips her water.

  “She couldn’t because she was on a date,” Alizeh pipes in.

  “What?” My entire family looks at me. I know what’s about to happen.

  Dad is the first to start. “Who is he? Who is his family? What’s his job? Has he been previously married? Give me his name and social and I’ll run a background check.”

  “Dad—”

  “Ariella, how could you not tell us?”

  “Mom—”

  “I think you should have told us.”

  I open my mouth to try and defend myself, but I’m not as fast as Alizeh. “She met him online in one of online dating sites.”

  This sets Dad into a very long-winded speech about murders, rapists, and kidnappers who lure females to their homes from those sites. Again, I try to say something, but I’m cut off. This time it’s Mom, discussing the cases she’s seen in the DA’s office about men who torture and kill women.

  “Stop!” I throw up my hands. “I’m a homicide detective. I’m well aware of the dangers in the world because I’ve arrested them. I met this guy in a very public place. I didn’t tell him where I lived or anything; however, he’s extremely nice and a pillar of the community. I pretty sure he isn’t going to kill me.”

  Dad mumbles under his breath, and I know it’s a bunch of cuss words.

  “I’m not some fourteen year old girl who met the guy on Twitter. Okay? I know what I’m doing.”