Page 37 of Love's Home Run

Ross accepted the drink from her and said, “I told your mother at the fire scene I’d help in any way I can. That’s why she called me.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“She and your father are not doing well,” said Ross. “Otherwise, I’m sure she’d be here herself. She told me they might take a long break after this.”

“They’re thinking of retiring but won’t make a move until they’re sure about what I want.” She sighed. “I don’t know what that is. I feel as if the world around me has vanished. The only thing keeping me grounded right now are friends like you.”

“At least you have that,” said Ross. “Everyone is rallying around the idea of your running the next restaurant, but it’s because, selfishly, we’ll all miss Fins.”

“Believe me, I know. But that can’t be a reason for me to make a life choice.” She heard her note of despair and became silent.

“I’ve had to go through an unexpected life change, too, so I know how you feel,” Ross said. “For now, I suggest you forget it. Just bide your time.”

“You’re right. I’ve got to stop worrying about it. Answers will come in time.” She studied him. “How did I ever find such a friend as you?”

Ross shrugged, though his cheeks colored. “Good friends help whenever or however they can.”

“Well, I appreciate you,” she said. “I’ll be very happy to take you to your rehab center. It’ll give me something to do while I try to recover and will be only a small measure of my thanks.”

“I enjoy your company, but the sessions won’t last too long. Margo says I’m doing very well.”

“She’ll be sad to see them end, I’m sure. She enjoys your sessions.”

“She’s excellent at her job. That’s all that matters to me,” said Ross.

Melissa was impressed that Ross wasn’t the kind of man who would take advantage of a beautiful young woman helping him to recover. Some professional athletes seemed to fall into that trap.

She and Ross talked about what the fire might mean for other restaurants in the area.

“Maybe Crystal will keep the Lilac Lake Café open for dinner now,” Melissa said.

“You could help her if you want to keep busy.”

Melissa let out a long sigh. “So many things to think about. For now, I will take your suggestion and just chill out. Nothing must be decided yet.”

Ross got to his feet. “I’ve got to get back to my house. I’m working on some ideas for the sports center. Mike wants me to meet with him in Florida as soon as I can to look at a center down there. But it’ll be a few weeks before I can even consider it.”

“How would you get there?” she asked.

“I’m not sure,” he said. “The trip depends on my dad and how he’s feeling.”

“If I can help, you know I will,” she said.

Ross gave her a little salute. “Thanks. See you later.”

Melissa watched as Ross made his way to his house next door. When she’d built her house, she’d had no idea what good friends they would become.

###

That evening, she went to visit her parents. Ross had told her that they were not doing well with having their lives shattered. Her mother, usually so strong, was weepy about the future.

Her dad was quiet as he grilled steaks for dinner. But when they sat down, he said, “We need to make a list of items lost for the insurance people. We haven't lost much in food because we buy fresh things and keep little as a backup. I went down to see the restaurant this afternoon. Our big freezer was destroyed, and there wasn’t anything salvageable. I talked to one of our restaurant suppliers, and he said we shouldn’t even try to rescue heavily damaged equipment, food items, or anything affected by the fire.”

“That will add to the cost of rebuilding,” her mother said. “After twenty-five years in the business, we’ve collected many useful utensils, special appliances, and even things like unique seasonings that will be hard to replace. The thought is overwhelming.”

“We can start new,” her father said. “Maybe make Fins even better than it was.”

“I want whatever is best for you, Melissa,” her mother said. “I thought you were set for life, knowing you’d eventually own a restaurant as successful as ours.”

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