Page 2 of Love's Home Run

Melissa thought about it. “Yes and no. Working together is easier than handling other personal interactions with them.” She chuckled. “Mothers and daughters. That’s the tough part at times.”

“I have only brothers, so I wouldn’t know,” said Ross.

“How many?” Melissa asked him. It was the first time he’d mentioned them.

“Three older brothers, all working in the New York City area in successful careers. I was the little bro who wanted to play ball all the time. At least, that’s what they tell me. They were surprised when I informed them I intended to play professional ball when I got older.”

Mike grinned at Ross. “You’re a natural.”

“My high school played Ross’s once. I knew then that he’d make it,” said Ben, nudging Ross playfully.

JoEllen Daniels came into Jake’s and walked right over to them. “Hi, guys. How’s it going?” she asked, smiling at the men ignoring her.

Melissa kept quiet. Everyone in her circle knew JoEllen, Brad Collister’s ex-sister-in-law, had thought she could manipulate Brad into marrying her after his wife’s death. Now that Brad was happily married to Dani Gilford, JoEllen had her eye on any man she could get to pay attention to her.

“We’re just sitting here chatting with Melissa,” Ross said pointedly.

“Oh, yes, hi, Melissa,” said JoEllen, not perturbed by Ross’s comment. “I’ve got tickets to see one of my favorite bands, ‘Neverland,’ this weekend. Anyone want to go with me?”

The three men glanced at one another and shook their heads.

“Guess not,” said Mike. “Thanks, anyway.”

“Maybe another time,” said Ben.

Ross remained quiet.

“Oh, okay. I’ll just find someone else.” JoEllen flounced off as the waitress headed their way.

“Anyone want another drink? They’re on me,” said Ross.

“Thanks, but one is fine for me,” Melissa said.

“Mike and I are going to Stan’s to check it out,” said Ben.

Ross turned to her. “Hey, neighbor, want to give me a lift home? Ben is borrowing my car, and I need a ride.”

“Sure,” said Melissa. “You’re welcome to come with me.”

“Thanks,” said Ben. “I have a meeting in Portsmouth tomorrow morning. I’ll return the car in the afternoon before I fly back to D.C.”

The group broke up, and Melissa and Ross walked back to Fins to pick up Melissa’s car.

“JoEllen has a nasty habit of ignoring the women in a group in her pursuit of men,” said Melissa.

Ross grimaced. “I try to stay away from her. In the past, she’s made a lot of moves to try and get my attention. She makes me uncomfortable.”

“I understand,” said Melissa. “But what does someone do to get a man’s attention?”

“Who are you talking about? Dirk?” asked Ross, giving her a steady look.

Melissa sighed. “I like him a lot and want to get to know him better. But I can’t just go up to him and blurt it out.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Will you put in a good word for me now and then?”

“Do you mean like a Cyrano de Bergerac thing?” he asked, his eyes widening.”

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