“He won’t mind,” Audrey said with the confidence of someone who had no idea what she was talking about. “Right, Daddy?”
The guy chose that moment to turn back, leaning close to Emily again, looking me dead in the eye. “Do you guys mind? We’re trying to watch the game.”
Emily flinched. That settled it. With my eyes locked on Emily’s, I said, “You’re welcome to join us if you want. We’re just up a few rows. I always get an extra seat for the space, so there’s room for you.”
She flicked the guy a look, then turned back to me. “Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude on family time.”
“You’re not!” Alice grabbed her hand, and just like that, my simple afternoon was over.
Two minutes later, Alice was patting the seat between her and my empty spot. “Emily, you can sit here. Right in the middle.”
Right in the middle. Right next to me.
Perfect. That was sarcasm, in case you’re wondering.
Emily slid into the seat, setting her bag down at her feet. The girls settled on her other side, already pulling her attention in different directions with questions and observations. I reclaimed my seat and suddenly felt desperate for a beer.
“Thanks for the rescue,” she said quietly, leaning slightly toward me.
She smelled good. Really good. Fuck. Why did I have to notice that? “Happy to help.”
“So do you guys come often?” She asked once we’d settled into our seats.
I shrugged. “I’m trying to get the girls into it, but I’m not sure that’s working out. And I’m not interested in coming on my own. So we don’t come as often I’d like to.”
“They’ll probably love it when they’re older. And they’ll love the memories you’re making, either way.”
I caught the note of sadness in her tone. What was that about? And why did I care? “My dream is to go to Yankee Stadium.”
“Oh yeah, for sure.”
“That would really be something special, don’t you think? It’s totally on my bucket list. I mean, I’m not a Yankees fan, per se. The Knights have my heart and always will, but to be there, whew. Yeah, it would be such an experience.”
Before my addled brain could come up with a reply, the announcer’s voice boomed through the stadium, welcoming everyone to opening day. The crowd roared as the players made their way out.
Emily leaned close to Audrey. “See that guy?” She pointed to a guy standing at the edge of the field.
Audrey peered down. “Yeah, who is he?”
“That’s Smyth. He’s amazing. Last season he had a batting average of .287 and thirty stolen bases.”
“Is that good?” Audrey hadneverbeen this interested in baseball.
“Yeah, it’s really good. Getting a hit is really hard. The ball is moving super fast and you have to judge exactly when and where to swing. Even the best players fail more than they succeed.”
I ate my apple slices and tried not to stare.
The players took up their positions on the field. Emily leaned forward in her seat, attention locked on the game. “Okay, here we go.”
The pitcher wound up. Released.
Strike one.
“Good pitch. His changeup is deadly this season.”
I glanced at her. “You usually go to opening day?”
“Every season. This is my twentieth one.” She didn’t look away from the field. “I’ve missed exactly three home games in the last two years.”
