Here for You by KC Ann Wright Read Free Book Online

“I don’t want to hear it.” I laugh because at least my best friend is back to her normal self. I sit back to enjoy the beautiful afternoon.
    We make it through five more innings. Despite my plan to hate the day, I’m enjoying myself. Watching men run around in tight pants is entertaining, and while my neighbor is seriously talkative, I have learned enough to completely follow the game now. I have also learned that Stan is a retired police officer and his lovely wife allows him to attend as many games as he can afford in a season. I find myself oddly interested in his life and truly enjoying his company.
    When the first batter walks up in the ninth inning, Stan turns to me. “It’s too bad you weren’t here for JC Williams pitching.”
    “Yeah, why is that?”
    “Best in the league.”
    I cock my head to the side and raise an eyebrow at him. “Oh, really? Says who?”
    “Everyone, sweetheart.” He points his finger at me animatedly. “He has five shut-outs this season and one was a no-hitter. Do you have any idea how good that is?”
    “Stan, I would love to tell you that I do, but you know you’re going to have to teach me what both of those things are.”
    “A shut-out means he pitches the entire game and no runs are scored.” He waves his finger back and forth in the air. “Not a one. And a no-hitter means no hits. Not even one!” He leans his head forward and puts his hands out to the side like, “See? I told you so.”
    I laugh because I just can’t help it. He is so passionate about baseball. “Okay, I will give you the no-hitter being a tough one, but shouldn’t pitchers be able to pitch the entire game with no runs? I mean isn’t that their job?”
    Stan laughs like I’ve said the funniest thing in the world. Thirty seconds later he’s still laughing and actually doubles over in his seat. He’s gasping for air and while I may be a little naïve about the game, I didn’t think I said anything that funny.
    “Tell you what.” He wipes a few tears from the corner of his eye. “You ever meet a pitcher face to face, you ask them why it’s so hard to pitch an entire game, let alone have a shut-out.”
    “Well, my friend here is dating the catcher, so I may have a chance to do just that.”
    Stan shakes his head at me. “Oh, I hope you get to meet JC. I would love to be there for that conversation. If you offend the guy, though, I’m not responsible.” He holds his hands up like I will really be able to hunt him down and scold him if I get yelled at by this JC guy.
    “I’m a big girl. I’ll take my chances, and if I piss someone off, let me tell you, it will not be the first time in my life.”
    He’s still laughing and shaking his head. “I wish I could watch every game with you. This has been so much more fun than sitting next to some stuffy businessman.”
    “Tell you what. Give me your number, and the next time I find myself at the game, I’ll send you a text and find out if you’re around. If my friend here keeps dating this guy, I have a feeling she’ll drag me to another game. Now,” I lean closer to Stan, so Quinn doesn’t hear me, “she doesn’t stay with each one very long, so this may be my last chance. But there’s a shot that I’ll be here for at least one more. I mean, she did call him adorable. That’s got to say something, right?”
    Stan is laughing again, and I have to say he certainly gives my confidence a boost. I feel like I’m entertaining today although that could be the drinks that I’ve consumed. I’ve actually only had a few but enough that I feel relaxed. Stan gives me his number and I type it into my phone.
    Quinn looks at me when I put it back in my purse. “Are you picking up old men now?”
    I hit her arm. “No. I’m just going to text Stan if I’m back here with you at another game. I want him to sit by us next time. The guy is fantastic.”
    Quinn leans forward to look around me and smiles at him. “Hey, Stan. Thanks for entertaining