Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) Read online

  Is that normal? It can’t be. What person in their right mind forgets everything when a guy, and an overbearing guy at that, simply looks at you? It had to be the alcohol still in my system. It’s the only explanation.

  “Done.” Storm turns off the tattoo gun and begins to wipe down my calf and tells me all about the after care. It’s not like I don’t know how to take care of a new tattoo, but he’s required to do it every single time.

  I look down at my new, fresh ink and read the words:

  No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow.

  Maya Angelou

  I love this quote and it seems to stick with me more and more throughout my life. My life has been amazing, but there always seems to be a small dark cloud lurking around the corner behind me. Following me, because I never got to know my parents, because my aunts gave up their lives to take care of me, and because I lack the talent to become a paid artist.

  Storm wraps my calf, and after I pay him, I head back to my apartment. I check my phone as I walk up the stairs. Aunt Lanny tells me about her award-winning roses. She and Aunt Minnie drove all the way to the Indiana State fair to win that large blue ribbon. I smile at the cheesy picture of them, but they look so happy and in love.

  What better role models could a girl ask for?

  The next text is from Hector. The Angels had come home early this morning from another set of road games.

  Hector: All done with practice. What are we doing today?

  We? He’s calling us a we? Are we a we?

  Hector: What about lunch?

  I stare at the cell phone screen a little bit longer. I think about the past week or so with him. He’s a nice guy. He makes me laugh and is great to hang out with, but there isn’t a we. He’s very handsome, and while I’m sure he and I aren’t compatible enough to be in a serious relationship, he would be a great friend. He is a baseball player who travels all the time. I don’t even think he’s home enough to be in a relationship.

  Hector: Are you ignoring me?

  Yes and no, is what I want to type. Yes, because my epiphany just knocked me on my ass. No, because he’s really a good friend.

  Damn it.

  Hector: I can see that you are in fact ignoring me.

  See? He sees me? I look to the left and then my right, and there he stands. Tall, dark, and handsome, it’s like a black and white movie scene as he strolls toward me.

  “Are you stalking me again?” I finally find my voice.

  “More like I was overly hopeful about doing something with you today. Why weren’t you answering?”

  “Um…” Oh, stop being some shy teenager. You’re an adult, and he is too. It’s not like he’s trying to take advantage of you. If that were the case, he would have when you were passed out. “I was going to. I just got back from getting a new tattoo.” I point down to my freshly wrapped leg.

  “What’s the story behind this one?”

  “My whole life, I guess. It’s a good quote to live by.” I hide the sadness from my voice and shrug away the emotions.

  He nods. “So, are you up for some Hector time?” He grins.

  I’m thankful he doesn’t push on the issue. It’s something I like about him. He doesn’t push me and waits for me to open up instead.

  “Sure, I think I can handle it.” I softly giggle.

  I follow him to his Jeep. He holds the door open for me and then he drives us to a popular diner toward the edge of the city. On the way, Hector talks about practice and his new weight-lifting regime. While exercise plans don’t exactly thrill me, Hector’s enthusiasm is catching, and I am not bored by the conversation.

  After he opens the door for me, he guides me inside with his hand on my lower back. He keeps it there until I slide into the booth, and he takes his place across from me. My skin tingles, actually tingles, at his touch.

  Yes, none of this is normal.

  The waitress comes over and Hector and I both order hamburgers, fries, and water. I’m adding the fact that we order the same thing to the list of strangeness of all what’s happened between us so far.

  “How are your aunts?”

  I laugh, thinking of the events of their latest adventure. “Aunt Lanny just won a ribbon for her roses at the Indiana State Fair.” I pull out my phone and show him the picture Aunt Lanny sent me. “She’s over the moon right now. It’s very funny.”

  “Well, congrats to her. When do I get to meet them? Wouldn’t Minnie want to meet your muse?”

  “You…you…you want to meet my aunts?” My mouth drops in shock.

  “Of course. The way you talk about them, they sound like two amazing women I shouldn’t miss out on meeting.” Hector’s face says it all. He’s telling me the truth.

  “Wait, are you serious? I mean, are you really serious?”

  He doesn’t answer right away as the waitress brings our food and refills our glasses.

  “Yes,” he answers when she leaves. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

  “Hector,” I try to find the words. The right words that will help him understand my shock. Maybe I shouldn’t reveal a lot. On the other hand, I’m not going to hide either. I’ve never done it before, and I’m not starting now. “No other guys have wanted to meet them. Once they hear my story, they pretty much run in the other direction. I have a few friends who have met them, but I’ve never, ever brought a guy to meet them.”

  Hector stares at me for a moment. I’m not sure if he understands what I’m saying or not. “I think I’ve already proven it’s going to take a lot more than a pair of women to make me run away from the girl who made me wait two months to learn her name.” He raises a brow.

  “Oh, Hector.” I put down the fry I’m holding. “Where did you come from? You’re not like anyone else I’ve met. You seem…real. You can read me and make me open up like no one else. How is that? Why is that?” I look deep into his brown eyes and try to see if there is something else going on, but all I see is a great guy.

  “Honestly, I have no clue. I just want to know you. That’s all I’ve been trying to do.”

  “Why? We come from different planets, and you can’t deny it.” I take a large gulp of water to soothe my dry throat.

  “Haven’t you ever heard the phrase opposites attract? Stop questioning everything, go with the flow, and enjoy it.”

  “Go with the flow? Is that your motto?” I giggle at the ridiculous motto.

  He smiles. “Yep, it makes life a lot easier.”

  “Then I guess I can,” I pause to let it sink in, “go with the flow. I don’t think I’ve ever done that. In fact, I know I haven’t ever done that. It even sounds strange.”

  “I’ll help you adjust. Tell me some life goals.” He takes a large bite of his burger and watches me for my answer.

  “Wow, diving right into the deep end, huh?” I take a bite of my food and think of how I need to go with the flow. “My life goals are simple. I want to be happy. I want to be able to say I’m not a starving artist and that’s about it. I’m not really complicated.”

  “Don’t fool yourself; you’re complicated,” he teases. “What about traveling? Any places you want to visit?”

  “I’ve traveled all over the world with my aunts. They really have the travel bug. But I would like to visit South Africa again. I was there once when I was about eight or so. I loved it and would like to go back someday. What about you? Do you travel?”

  He chuckles. “I travel all the time. I wouldn’t mind doing more international trips though. What about your time at school? What memorable moments do you want to share?”

  Keeping a straight face has to be the hardest for me. I loved everything about school, except the students and other parents.

  “I don’t have a lot of school memories. Well, I have one. I was six and in the first grade. Everyone had figured out my aunts were a couple and I had dead parents. The kids really picked on me a lot and the parents gave my aunts a hard time too. Us
ually, my aunts let that sort of stuff roll off their backs, but I started coming home every day crying.” I do my best to keep it together, but I’m not sure if I can make it through it but I continue. “The three of us agreed that I should be homeschooled. Aunt Lanny quit her job and stayed home to take care of me. I owe them so much.” I mentally pat myself on the back for not crying through the memory.

  “I’m so sorry you went through that, Zoey. I don’t even want to imagine what it must have been like.” Hector reaches across the table and firmly takes my hand. He rubs his thumb across my knuckles, and the tingling sensation is back.

  “It’s over now. My life is better because of it. I still went to college and had an amazing childhood. I wouldn’t change it.” I hold tightly onto his hand and the feel of his warm skin against mine calms me.

  “What did you like about college? Did you go wild and crazy?”

  “Ha,” I laugh. “I think my tattoos are as about as crazy as I got. Well, that’s not completely true. I did go skydiving and bungee jumping while in college. It’s wild and crazy. Mainly, I studied and worked. I dated a few guys here and there, but it never amounted to anything more than sex.”

  “I don’t think I could ever go skydiving or bungee jumping. Flying in a plane, sitting safely in my seat, is crazy enough for me.” He leans back and releases my hand.

  I sort of feel empty when he let’s go. I push the thought out of my mind and continue the conversation. “What happened with go with the flow? It’s the most amazing experience ever. Some even say better than sex.” I wink at him.

  “I doubt that. And going with the flow has nothing to do with flinging yourself out of a plane or free falling from anything. No, thanks.”

  “First, you don’t fling out. You simply fall out of the plane. And now, it’s my mission to make you skydive.” I give him a determined look. I believe everyone should try it at least once. It’s the most freeing experience, and it’s hard to explain.

  “Fling, fall, same thing. Never going to happen, Zoey. The closest it’ll happen is you making a sketch of it.”

  I let it go for a moment as we continue to eat. How can this strong and confident baseball player be worried about skydiving? “Do you care to make a wager then?” I ask the question before I even realize it.

  “Do you really want to set yourself up for failure? I’m interested in hearing what kind of wager though.” He pushes his empty plate away and wipes his mouth.

  “Okay, let me think.” I ponder all the best possible ideas as they pop through my thoughts. “If I can get you to skydive, then you have to spend an entire day with me doing whatever I want. Now, if I can’t get you to skydive within the timeframe, then I’ll do whatever you want for one full day. No matter how crazy, silly, or nutty it seems. Although, I veto anything that would be illegal or end up on YouTube.” I can see him asking me to run naked through the street or something of that nature.

  “What’s the timeframe?” Hector smirks.

  “Well, it’s July right now, so let’s say Labor Day. How does that sound?”

  “I’m agreeing for two reasons. One, because I know I’ll win, but two, because I’m curious as to how you’re going to convince me.”

  I gaze at him with hooded eyes, flirtatiously. “I have my ways, Hector.”

  He smiles his bright sexy smile. “I have no doubt about that.”

  The waitress comes and refills our glasses and clears out our empty plates.

  “You’ve had to do something crazy in your life.” I eye Hector. “What is it?”

  “I don’t think I have. I play baseball and hang out with people. That’s as crazy as I get.” He shrugs.

  “So, stalking a bartender for two months doesn’t constitute crazy?” I joke with him.

  “I wasn’t stalking! I simply visited my favorite bar and made conversation with those who work there,” he tries to explain to away.

  I laugh loudly since I know he’s making it up. “You’re lying, but okay. Stick to your story, Mr. First Baseman.” I can feel more giggling bubbling up.

  “What does it say about you that you like an apparent stalker then? You relented in the end and now, you miss me when I’m not around.” The corners of his mouth twitch.

  The blood rushes to my cheeks. I’m not one to blush easily, but his words hit me. “I have a serious question.” We need to get this out in the open. We’re both adults, and I want to know the truth. “Doesn’t it seem strange that we’re here right now? Does it seem to be moving fast for you? First, you stalk me, and now,” I stop. Just say it! I yell at myself. “I may miss hanging out with you when you are not around.”

  “Strange how? Because you think we’re not compatible and it’s turning out we are? It’s not moving fast. I’ve known you, what, three months and I’ve yet to take you on a date or kiss you. Where’s the rush in that?”

  He makes a valid point. We haven’t even come close to that level yet. Heck, I’ve moved faster with other guys and didn’t know them as well as I know Hector.

  “You’re right; I guess it’s not that strange. We’re friends, and I like that.”

  “I missed hanging out with you, too.” Hector smiles again. He’s always happy.

  I gasp and cover my mouth, mainly to hide my smile. “You should miss me; I’m awesome.”

  He bellows out a laugh and I follow suit. If anyone saw us right now, they’d think we were crazy. “Yes, you are.” Hector’s laughter dies out and for a second, I think he looks nervous. “I know you’re not a fan, but I was wondering if you’d want to come to the next home game. It might be more fun with a personal connection.”

  “You want me to come to one of your games?” He thinks it might be more fun for me since I know him. Would it be? Then I realize he’s asking me to come watch him work.

  “If you want to go, I’d love to have you there.”

  I’m not sure what to say. It’s true I’m not a huge sports fan. I know things about baseball, not everything, but some things. I bite down on my lip and I know Hector wants my answer. Then the best idea hits me. “I would love to, Hector. Heck, maybe I’ll bring my aunts and we can grab a bite to eat?” I’m unable to hide my nervous tone.

  “Really?” Hector’s shoulders relax and his smile is back. “That sounds great.”

  “WHAT’S WRONG WITH you?” Blake asks as I pace in the dugout.

  Who knew I had a nervous habit? I didn’t because I rarely get nervous. But today, I feel like my life weighs on this game, which is crazy. Zoey and her aunts aren’t even fans and the only reason they’re here is because I asked them to come. I wasn’t planning on asking Zoey, but I felt like she’d opened up so much and I felt like this was a way for me to keep the momentum going.

  We aren’t spending this time together, but we are sharing something. And knowing she’s here with her family is pushing me over the anxiety edge. The girl is driving me crazy. I didn’t even know I could get nervous, much less this nervous!

  “Nothing,” I answer.

  “Bullshit. Suit yourself,” he shrugs, facing the field where Roman is up at bat.

  I’ve been fine while I’m on the field, but back in the dugout, my mind runs wild. Taking a deep breath, I stop pacing and stand next to Blake. “Zoey is here with her family.”

  Before he can stop himself, he laughs. “Is she why you haven’t been coming over to raid my fridge lately?”

  I glare at him. “I didn’t realize you missed me.”

  He ignores me. “I didn’t realize you could get nervous over a chick.”

  “Me either,” I mumble. “They aren’t even fans.”

  Blake laughs again and I’m tempted to shove him. “Just enjoy the game, Hector. There will be plenty of time for you to turn into a girl later.”

  “Thanks for being so helpful.”

  Roman’s fly ball gets caught in center field, earning us the third out. Grabbing my glove, we shuffle out, and I take my place on first. The heat and blazing sun feels good today. Don’t
get me wrong, anyone who steps outside breaks out into a sweat, but it feels good to me. There’s still a few innings to play, more chances for us to turn this game in our favor.

  It’s a tight one now and the other team has a slight advantage. Of all the games we could lose, I don’t want this to be one of them. Not when I actually have people in the stands watching. I finally remember why I don’t particularly like my family coming to games. They distract me and make me unnecessarily anxious.

  As the first batter steps up to the plate and Felix gets ready to pitch, I push any non-baseball thoughts out of my head. The guy hits the ball with ease, sending it soaring. It’s over the foul line though. I shift my weight from foot to foot while Felix prepares for the next pitch. This time, the guy doesn’t swing, missing out on a beautiful fastball.

  He hits the next one, but he only makes it to first. The crowd starts getting a little louder and I smile when I catch them doing the wave. For a moment, I wonder if Zoey and her aunts are taking part. I shake my head and turn my attention to the game just as the next batter swings for a ball, missing it.

  The runner on my base is an eager guy, that’s for sure. He keeps taking steps farther and farther from the base, itching to make a steal. I eye Felix since he seems to be taking his time with the next pitch. The guy is far enough away that if Felix wanted to try and get him, it’d be a good gamble.

  I flex my fingers in my glove, hoping he takes the opportunity as the guy moves one small step farther away. In the blink of an eye, Felix is throwing me the ball. His aim is spot on, the ball making the sweet thunking sound into my glove, and then the even sweeter sound as my glove connects with the runner’s chest as he tries to come back to base.

  I smile to myself. If we lose, at least I can say I played well. The rest of the world effectively falls away after that. There’s a few times I wonder if we’ll win, noticing there’s a lot of back and forth in this game. We’re soon down to the last inning and we’re behind by a run. I’m up at bat. The sun has started lowering in the sky, providing the perfect angle to glare in my eyes.