Third Base (The Boys of Summer 1)

With a deep breath, I pick up the basket and head to my SUV. As soon as I pull up in front of her apartment, I realize that I forgot to buy her some flowers, and it’s too late to get some because she’s there, leaning up against the wall, waiting for me.

She’s in the car and leaning over the console before I can even get out and open the door for her. I hate when she does that, but understand that she’s in a hurry because she doesn’t want me to get a ticket for parking in the no parking zone. I know I’m pressing my luck when I park here, but it’s worth it.

“Where are we going?” she asks, weaving her fingers with mine. The console gets in the way and I wish I had a truck with a bench seat or something so I could pull her close. Even though we’re in the same car, she seems so far away at times.

“Well, since it’s an off day and I have absolutely nothing to do today or tonight, I thought we’d go to the lake. Bainbridge owns a cabin with a private beach.”

“Okay, two things,” she says, turning in the seat to face me. “One: I don’t have a swimsuit. Two: Will he and his wife be there?”

I don?

?t have a suit either and as nice as it is outside, I forgot that we needed them.

“So, my plan isn’t perfect.”

She leans over the console and gives me a quick kiss, trying not to interrupt my driving.

“And no, they won’t be there,” I say, answering her second question. “I do, however, have some wine and food in the back, along with a blanket. I thought we could sit out and just enjoy the quiet and maybe skinny dip.”

“I’m so not going skinny dipping.”

“What?” I scoff. “Why not? It’s private, no one will see us.”

She turns and glares at me. “That’s how you get infections and shit. I don’t need a parasite invading me.”

“I’d like to invade you,” I say wiggling my eyebrows at her.

Daisy shakes her head and tells me to watch the road. Every few seconds, her thumb rubs along mine and she lets out a heavy sigh. I don’t know what’s on her mind, but have learned over the past month or so that sometimes it’s better to wait her out rather than ask. More and more, she’s been opening up about things, but if I prod she shuts down. Unfortunately, patience is not my strong suit.

Daisy startles awake when the terrain turns bumpy. I have to let go of her hand to navigate the small driveway. If this is Bainbridge’s idea of keeping his in-laws away, he’s doing a fine job of it. I’m about ready to turn around and say, “Screw it”.

“This is it?” she asks incredulously.

The way she asks the question mirrors my own thoughts. If we were expecting a grand home with large picture windows facing the lake, we were sadly mistaken.

I put my car in park and slowly exit. The slamming of Daisy’s door makes me jump.

“What the fuck is this place?”

“Are you sure it’s the right house?” she asks, as I nod. “What a shithole.”

“You can say that again.” I take her hand and walk us toward the shack that looms in front of us. This house is not a representation of a highly paid major league baseball player, but one of a bum who has fallen on hard times and can’t afford the upkeep on his house.

“I don’t even want to go in there,” Daisy says, and I agree. By the looks of it, the walls will come tumbling down any minute.

“Fuck this bullshit,” I mutter, but feel her hand tighten around my arm. I look down at her and see her green eyes shining from the sun.

“We still have a picnic and each other.”

And just like that, what could’ve been a shitty day has turned around because she’s so optimistic about everything.

“Stay here, don’t move,” I say, leaving her standing there in the middle of whatever this is that Bainbridge calls his yard while I run back to the car and grab our stuff.

I grab her hand and pull her along my side until we reach the water. I don’t want to know what’s growing in there and am thankful she isn’t willing to chance it either. I’m game for seeing her naked, but not in this water.

Daisy spreads our blanket out and kneels down to pull out the food. I stand back and watch her, wondering what it will be like once I tell her how I feel. How much will change? And what’s our next step?

The way the sun is bouncing off her blonde hair and kissing her skin tells me this is the moment.