Third Base (The Boys of Summer 1)

Seems @TheRealEthanD didn’t bother exchanging numbers...

There’s an image attached and I’m almost afraid to scroll up to see it. I can tell by the small sliver showing that there are people in the background. I down the rest of my drink, letting my thumb hover over my screen. When there isn’t a drop left, I push down, dragging my thumb up.

Fuck me. It’s a picture of Daisy holding a sign that says “Call Me”. This has to be what Bennett was referring to during the game when he said she wants a second chance. I shake my glass for a refill and look over at Kidd, who is engrossed in his phone. We’re a sad, sad example of single men. Once my drink is refilled, I down it, needing the liquid courage to read Daisy’s text message.

I close Twitter and click on the green message button. My mom, dad, sister and Sarah have all texted, along with my agent, but it’s only Daisy’s message that I’m interested in. The first line is visible without even opening the message.

Daisy: Sorry…

That’s all I can see without opening the rest. It makes me wonder what exactly she’s sorry for. The sign? Or the fact that she mentioned rumors? The guy that wanted to get to know her yesterday wants to hear what she has to say, but the asshole in me doesn’t care. She’s just another chick in the pool of millions. Unfortunately, I’m my own worst enemy and I love to torture myself.

Daisy: Sorry…

I’m sorry for the stupid remarks I made, how closed off I am & the sign. I tried calling you but couldn’t bring myself to actually press your name. I thought the sign would work but I guess it didn’t. I just wanted to say thank you for breakfast and I’m sorry.

I read and reread her babbling message. She’s sorry for being closed off? Doesn’t she realize that most of us want to be like that, but our privacy is invaded? We’re followed, spied on and can’t do a simple thing like go to the mall without being hounded. She’s lucky that she can be closed off, especially from ridiculous media agencies. They tell the world everything and would probably even like to document when we take a shit if they could.

“I’m going to head out,” I tell Kidd, who nods. We both throw a couple of twenties down on the bar and tell the bartender we’ll see him later. He’ll likely be our best friend for the next couple of nights. “I need to call home,” I tell Kidd as he turns for the elevator. I walk toward the door, slipping off my sports coat as I step outside. The grounds of the hotel are expansive and illuminated by ground lighting. I walk down a path until I come to a bench and sit down.

I look at my phone and read her message again. This time I don’t hesitate when I think about calling her. I press down on her name and listen to the ringing on the other end.

“It’s two a.m.” her voice is hoarse, sexy. The sound of her on the other line is like music to my ears and sends chills down my spine. I know in this moment that unless I cut her off completely and ignore her, I’m going to fall hard for her. There’s something about her that I can’t put my finger on and it’s driving me crazy. I don’t know if it’s the innocence in her eyes, the pinkness in her cheeks or the fact that she’s a baseball fan, but she’s doing something to me and I’m not sure I’m going to survive whatever it is.

“You didn’t specify what time you wanted me to call you,” I tell her, trying to keep things light when I really want to ask her what she’s wearing and if she’s been thinking about me.

“Hmm, I guess I didn’t.” The way she hums sends a jolt to my system. I adjust the way I’m sitting to circumvent any building pressure.

“Do you want me to hang up and let you get some sleep?” Please say no. Please stay on the line and give me some hint that we can go on a date, or at least get coffee.

“No, I wanted you to call.”

I let out a sigh but hold back the “thank God” from escaping my lips.

“Oh yeah?” I ask.

“Yes, I need to apologize. I was wrong to assume. And I’m very closed off, but for good reason. I thought that maybe I could treat you to breakfast when you get back?”

“I’d love that,” I tell her without hesitation. We talk for another hour until we’re both yawning and trying to find the words to continue.

“Sweet dreams, Daisy,” I say as I hang up. I hold the edge of my phone pressed against my chin for a beat longer before I tell the world how I feel.

EDavenport @TheRealEthanD

I’m falling…

The Renegades are BACK!!

The second major road trip of the season didn’t go in our favor. Tampa Bay came out ahead, winning two of the three games and the Renegades didn’t fare much better against the Orioles. Sunday’s game against the O’s had us giving up eighteen runs.

Three weeks in and we’re giving up more runs than scoring: 108 earned / 114 given.

Manager, Cal Diamond, chose not to speak to the press after Sunday’s game. Could his time be coming to an end in Boston?

First baseman, Kayden Cross, is the only notable player from this road series. He had a hit in every game and drove in at least one run a game.

The Renegades are 12-10 going into this nine-game home stand with two days off. Let’s hope those days are spent on the much needed … well... everything.

GOSSIP WIRE