Page 77 of Undeniably Perfect

She shakes her head but stops as Ward brings the bat back. “Please, baby Yoda and all other cute creatures of the universe, please let Ward hit a run!”

The pitcher lets a curveball fly and Ward clips it, sending it hard right into the stands. He swings a few times before stepping up to home plate again. This time, the pitcher throws a fastball. Ward swings and misses.

My knee is now bouncing uncontrollably. I feel like every fan is silent as he steps up to bat again. His face is on the big screen, and I swear he winks at the camera before the pitcher lets another fastball fly, and Ward nails it. The ball goes flying out into left field. Ward takes off and the players on third and second come sprinting around the bases to home. And just like that, they win game one.

I jump up and start screaming and so does Di. We hug and jump and cry and scream some more. My voice is non-existent after five minutes of doing this.

The crowds are crazy excited as everyone starts to file out of the stadium. Di and I stay put, waiting for things to calm down.

“Hey, honey pie!” I hear a voice say. We turn to find Kent’s grandparents, all three of them, plus Lyla’s grandmother.

We all exchange hugs while talking excitedly about the win.

“The game was great, but those boys in their uniforms,” Gran Millie says while fanning her face.

Tilly hits her in the arm. “That’s my grandson you’re ogling, Mills.”

Millie laughs. “Hon, Kent’s a sight for sore eyes, but that Ward. Every time I’m over at his house, I just break out the champagne and watch him swim laps in those little banana hammocks of his. It’s the most action I’ve seen since Roger got his prostate surgery.”

Grandma Tilly laughs. “You’re awful.”

PopPop Bob looks up at the sky and shakes his head. “I swear, all you ladies are gonna be the death of me.” As if on cue, another older gentleman walks over to our group.

“Roger, this is Kent’s lady, Tabby,” Gran Millie introduces us. Roger shakes my hand.

“Pleasure to meet you.”

“Same.”

“We better get this rowdy bunch home,” PopPop Bob says with a wink toward Di and me.

“You’re not gonna come out with us for drinks?” Di asks.

The older group shakes their head and each one stifles laughter. “Sweetie pie, you’re lucky we stayed up for the end of the game.”

I look at my watch. It’s only ten thirty.

“I ate enough hot dogs for a week,” Gran Millie says with a wink toward Roger, who rolls his eyes and slaps her ass.

I blush with embarrassment.

“Cool it, Millie. You’re gonna scare Tabby,” Nana Betty says to her, giving her a sharp look before turning back to me with a smile. “Don’t mind us old farts. Now, you two go find the others, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Your chariot awaits!” a man says to the group. I look over and find a very attractive man, offering his arm to Millie. Nate bounds up behind him and hugs Di.

“Your man is on fuego!” she says to Nate as Nate leans over to hug me.

“I know and his ass in that uniform! I swear he’s just trying to get me going every time he wiggles it while on home plate.”

Nana Betty gives him a look, and he grins. “Tabby, this is my bestie, B-Ray.”

I shake his hand. “So, this is the beauty that has captured our little KJ’s heart. I can see why, girl, you are a stunner.”

I blush again. I swear I love all these people, but man, do they know how to get my face to heat with color.

“Thanks,” I say awkwardly.

“Here’s my card, if you ever want your hair done. I love redheads,” he says with a wink as he pulls a card out and hands it to me.

---