The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game 1)

“Me too. Talk later, love you. ” I could hear Jack’s smile in his voice as he said good-bye. I smiled back and dropped my hand holding the phone, before tilting my head toward Lesslie.

“Was that your superstar boyfriend?” she asked with a grin, her straight brown hair blowing in the breeze.

“Uh-huh,” I responded, my mind a million miles away as I thought about what to pack for the weekend.

“So what are you asking about after lunch?” She elbowed my arm.

“If I can take Friday off or not. He wants to fly me up there for the weekend. ”

“Oh, Tom’s not going to care. Offer to work a half day, and he’ll tell you to take the whole thing off. ”

“Really?”

“Really. Don’t even stress about it,” she said and I exhaled with relief. “That’s sweet of your boyfriend to fly you up. Most guys probably wouldn’t want their girlfriends around, let alone pay to bring them there. ”

I stiffened. “Why would you say that?”

“Oh, I don’t mean anything by it. It’s just that I know that scene. And there are a lot of girls waiting in the wings to get in on that action,” she said with a crooked smile.

“The groupies. ” I nodded my understanding.

“Yeah. ” She nodded back, frowning her disapproval.

“I know. I’ve already dealt with my fair share of them at school. They’re pretty brutal. ” I winced at the memory.

“And those girls are nothing compared to the ones who chase after the professional ball players. Consider the girls in college amateurs and strap your big girl pants on, ’cause you ain’t seen nothing yet. ” She gave my shoulder a friendly squeeze.

“How do you know all this?” I asked, my thoughts drifting.

“I used to photograph a minor league team in town. I saw a lot of things I wish I could un-see. ” She laughed with a shudder. “I’m just saying be careful. I’m sure your boyfriend’s a stand-up guy and all, it’s just those girls definitely aren’t. ”

“And you definitely haven’t met my boyfriend or you wouldn’t describe him as a stand-up guy,” I joked with a snicker, doing my best to change the subject.

“Well, you have the right attitude. I’m sure you two will be fine. ”

“I’m not really worried about it,” I lied.

“We should head back in. ” She stood before reaching out her hand to help me up.

*****

I headed down the escalator in the airport and saw Jack standing there holding a sign that read: Anyone seen my Kitten?

I laughed so loud when I read it, I scared the poor guy in front of me. “I’m sorry,” I whispered to the irritated stranger before quickly covering my mouth with my hand. I stepped off the moving stairs and ran into Jack’s waiting arms.

I knew that I missed him, but being in his arms reminded me just how much. He tilted my chin and leaned down to kiss me. “I’ve missed you,” he said with another kiss, his lips brushing against my ear.

“Me too. ” I wrapped my arms around his body and squeezed, the sound of suitcases rolling past us.

“Do you like my sign?”

My body let out a loud, quick ha that could wake up an entire building. “It’s adorable. And hilarious,” I answered, trying not to laugh but failing miserably.

He reached down, grabbing my carry-on bag with one arm and swinging it behind his shoulder. “Do you have a suitcase?”

“Just this. ” I smiled, pointing at the bag he carried.

“Really? You’re my dream girl. ” He tossed his free arm around my shoulders and led me out of the airport.