Page 19 of Love's Home Run

“Me, too,” she said quietly, realizing how much it meant to her.

“You’re a decent ball player, you know?” Ross said. “I can’t believe you held onto that ball. Our team won by one run. That run belongs to you.”

Feeling her cheeks grow hot, she waved away the compliment. “We were a team. Everyone tried their best.”

“True,” said Ross. He shifted in his bed and let out a soft groan.

She jumped to her feet.

He waved her back down. “I’m okay. I’d just as soon get the show on the road and get this surgery over with.”

“How about something to distract you? Should I change channels on the TV?”

At his nod, she clicked through several channels until she came to a country music show.”

“There, that’s it,” said Ross. “I’m a fan of country western music.”

Melissa gazed at him wide-eyed. “How about classical music?”

He shook his head. “It’s not my thing.”

After Ross showed signs of falling asleep, Melissa rose. “I’m going to leave. I’ll check in with the hospital tomorrow morning.” She took hold of his hand. “If they decide to operate before I see you again, I’ve asked them to call me. I wish you the best. I like your doctor, and I’m sure it’ll turn out fine.”

He squeezed her hand. “Thanks, Melissa, for being here. It means a lot.” He tugged on her hand to bring her closer.

She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. When she stood, Ross’s eyes were closed.

###

Melissa was leafing through one of Nettie’s cookbooks when Nettie walked into her condo.

“Melissa! Such a pleasure to see you! I’m sorry it’s under less-than-perfect conditions, but I’m happy you’re here.”

Melissa felt like a giant as she hugged Nettie, who was five feet four inches tall compared to her five feet nine inches.

Nettie stepped back and gave Melissa an approving look. “You look lovely as usual, even though I know you won’t agree with me. Seriously, there’s something different about you. Is it a man?”

Melissa couldn’t stop a huge smile from spreading across her face. “I’ve met someone I’m excited about, someone I could see myself with in the future. He’s a new dentist in town. Very caring. He even likes classical music.”

“Well, well. Let’s pour a glass of wine, and you can tell me all about him,” said Nettie. Goodness radiated from her as she beamed at Melissa. She made up for her short, curvy stature by seeming larger than most people around her with her natural energy and excitement about life. She usually wore her curly black hair tucked into a Red Sox baseball cap whose visor almost met her big blue eyes. She’d taken her cap off tonight, and her curls bounced as she walked into the kitchen to get their wine.

Melissa followed eagerly. Nettie always made her feel good about herself, and she couldn’t wait to tell her about Dirk and learn more about her friend’s upcoming wedding.

“I’m settled in the den and have already made up the bed, so you don’t have to worry about it,” said Melissa.

“I knew you’d make yourself at home. Tell me more about your neighbor and the accident.”

Nettie poured them each a glass from the bottle of red wine that Melissa had picked up on her walk. She handed a glass to Melissa and raised hers. “Here’s to friends. We may not see each other that often, but I know I can always count on you to be there for me.”

“True,” said Melissa. “And you for me. That’s what friends do for one another.” She thought of her friendship with Ross. Theirs was shaping up that way.

They walked into the living room and sat down facing each other on the couch. “Okay, spill, girlfriend,” said Nettie, sipping her wine. She held up the glass and inspected it. “Nice legs on this one, and the taste is fruity and lovely. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s one of my favorites. A Chandler Hill Inn pinot noir.”

“I must remember to tell Jason about it,” said Nettie. “We’re always looking for something special.”

“How is Jason?” Melissa asked. She’d always thought he was perfect for Nettie. He offset Nettie's darker looks with his sandy hair, hazel eyes, and height. A native of New Hampshire who’d attended the Hotel and Hospitality Management program at UNH, he was ambitious and hardworking at the small restaurant he partly owned.

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