Page 28 of Fastball Fever
The first thing we do is find a room at a quaint little bed-and-breakfast.A cheerful older lady greets us and asks if we need one room or two.Before I realize what I've said, I'm telling her, "One room."
Amy's brows shoot up, but her lips curl into a sweet little smile.
Our hostess leads us upstairs to a beautifully decorated room that has all the charms of upstate New York.How have I never been to Cooperstown before?It's a travesty.
After breakfast, Amy announces it's time to explore America's Hometown, the nickname for Cooperstown.It boasts less than two thousand residents, but the little village houses the Baseball Hall of Fame.Amy insists on driving because she wants me to gaze out at the scenery instead of watching for other drivers.But soon, she finds a good parking spot, and we switch to walking down Main Street to reach the Hall instead.
The adrenaline rush of being here in this place—all baseball, all the time—lights something inside me.I could live in this town for a summer and whisper sweet nothings to the stadium grass if they'd let me camp out at Doubleday Field.When I tell Amy that, she grins and kisses my cheek.Her gentle laughter makes my chest ache in a good way.We take photos next to sculptures and case displays.She stops in front of the "Women in Baseball" exhibit.
It's inspiring to see all the women who once made history, but I only have eyes for one girl.
"We should add you to this display," I joke.
"No thanks.I prefer coaching."
After an amazing lunch at a baseball-themed diner—complete with chocolate-covered waffle cones—we head back to our bed-and-breakfast to regroup.Amy insists on strolling hand-in-hand along the lake until we need to wear our jackets.The air has become crisp and cool, but I like that.It's refreshing.We head back to our room before dinner, and she pulls a bottle of wine out of her bag.
"Glasses?"she asks.
I pop open the bottle with her keychain corkscrew."We'll improvise."
She pours us each a generous portion in big ceramic mugs that says "Cooperstown or Bust!"We sit wordlessly on the bed, and I watch her sip her drink delicately as she studies me with a tender gaze.
"Charlie, can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can.Go on, ask away."
Amy scuttles closer to me on the bed."What would make you happy?Really, truly happy?"
Chapter Fifteen
Recommitment
Amy just asked me what amounts to the question of the century, in my mind, and my whole body and brain have become immobilized solely because she wants to know my deepest secret.I don't want to overthink it.So instead, I'm immobilized.Snap out of it, moron.You know what you want and need to tell her.Yeah, I do know.It's ridiculously simple.
"I'm happiest when I'm with you, Amy."
"That's sweet, Charlie."Her tone is firm but also gentle, which somehow makes sense."I meant not just right now, or just this weekend—but what do you really want deep in your soul?"
I can't help chuckling softly."Only a woman would talk about my soul.Guys aren't into all that mushy stuff."
"Cut the crap and answer my question."
Her serious expression forces me into an honest response."What do I want?To play without fear.To chase glory like I used to back when I was the fastball king."
She leans against my shoulder."I believe you will get there, sooner than you think.I believe that more than ever now."
The warmth of her breath on my neck makes me shiver just a little, and the intimacy of that sensation overwhelms me.I need to tell Amy the truth about what I've known for a while."Can I ask you something?"
"Only fair to let you interrogate me too."
I take a cleansing breath and go for it."Would you really stick with me if Philly takes this deal?Or if I get sent down to the minors?"
"You'll have a hard time getting rid of me, Braddock."
I pull her close, the scent of her soothing my angst."Don't want to get rid of you, baby.In fact, I have plans for us tonight and tomorrow."
"That sounds intriguing."She wraps her arms around my neck."What's on tap for tonight?"
