All night I watched Daisy’s grandfather observe the game. You could tell by the way he participated between innings that he was in his element. If given the opportunity, I’d like to sit him down and ask if he played when he was younger. Some people enjoy the game, but those who grew up playing ball in streets until the streetlights came on, they love the game. It’s a different kind of love than the kind one has for a family member or friend – it’s hard to explain. For me, the game means everything. As for Daisy’s grandfather – well I’m not sure I’ll ever know.
Bringing Daisy’s grandfather to the game was Sarah’s idea. We stayed up most of the night talking about Daisy and how I feel. I thought it would be weird to discuss the girl I want to be my girlfriend with the girl who used to be my girlfriend, but it actually wasn’t. Sarah said a grand gesture was needed. I thought roses being sent to school would do the trick. That thought earned me a slap on my bare shoulder as Sarah and I lay side-by-side in her bed, fully clothed and not touching, after she had been satisfied by Bob. It was Sarah who suggested that Daisy’s grandfather come to the field and if it weren’t for her, tonight wouldn’t have happened.
During the game, the batboy for the Rangers gave him a ball and the BoRe Squad made sure he “caught” one of the shirts they hand out. The shirts are cheesy and often filled with sponsor promos but it’s the excitement of having one land in your hands that makes it worth it. Each time I checked, I purposely avoided eye contact with Daisy. I didn’t know what to expect, so I thought it best that we not look at each other. I could’ve pissed her off with this stunt. I’m hoping that I haven’t, but at least I was able to help her grandfather see a game - one that she probably wouldn’t be able to get him to. I’m tempted to call her, but I’d really like her to make the first move. I want to hear her voice. I’m not looking for a thank you. I am only looking for the door to open again.
Shutting the water off, I step out of the shower and reach for my towel. The doorbell rings as I run it over my hair, trying to dry it off as much as possible. I curse myself for not drying fully as I leave a trail of water behind me, but I’m more worried about who is at the door over ruining my floors. A quick glance at the clock tells me its half past eleven and I know I didn’t order any food. Kidd was threatening to have a “nurse” stop by and visit me later tonight, and if he actually called for an escort I’m going to string him up by his balls.
Everything moves in slow motion as I pull open the door and stand naked, except for the towel that is cinched around my waist, staring at Daisy. The soft glow from my porch light makes her look angelic and peaceful. She looks at me, opening and closing her mouth as if she’s unsure about what to say. I know what it’s like not being able to find the words that you need to say to someone. It took me far too long to reach out to her and once I started, she ignored me. My hand absentmindedly rubs over my chest, causing her mouth to drop open. I can’t help the smirk that forms as she watches me.
It’s as if time stands still as her gaze slowly meets mine. I don’t know if it’s desire or hatred that I see. Her fists clench at her sides, her shoulders are square and her luscious lips are in a thin line making me want to throw her over my shoulder and put her down on my bed so I can have my way with her. My thoughts drift back to the night of the rotary dinner, of her naked and on my bed. Her body responds to my touch so easily, giving into the temptation that both of us were feeling.
“I’m wicked pissed at you,” she blurts out, interrupting my recollection of the other night.
“Huh?” is the most intelligible response I can come up with because right now I’m very distracted by picturing her in very compromising positions far from my front porch.
“You,” she says angrily as she points toward my bare chest. My hand covers the imaginary spot that she stabbed as I step back, away from her dagger. “What you did…”