Chapter 3

"If you get it over the plate, the game goes faster!" Mike yelled to his dad.

We were in the midst of the annual Greenwall family softball game. As usual, it was the adults against the teenagers. The teens had lost the last 10 games. I hadn't played in the game. Ever. They didn't let you in until you were 12, and by then I didn't really care to be involved. This year, however, Shay had talked us all into playing. Mike's dad pitched every year for the adults, and he was pretty good. Through two innings, we'd had three base runners, but none had gotten past first. I'd gotten most of the ball on my first at bat, sending it deep, but it was hauled in by the left fielder.

They, on the other hand, had already scored two runs. Some kid named Micah was pitching for us. I was in left field, Mike in right, and Shay in center. Mia was playing shortstop. I had to admit, for a girl who did the endurance runs, Shay was dang fast on the sprint. I could tell she was just a natural athlete.

So here we were, back up to bat. Since we played ten to a side, it took a little longer to get through the order. There was one out and Shay was up to bat. She'd taken three straight balls. Mike's dad, Glenn, said something to his son, who was standing in the on deck circle, but I couldn't make it out. The next pitch was long, and Shay moved to first. Mike settled in at the bat, jawing with his dad. He hit the third pitch in the hole between first and second and now we had two on.

As Mia came to the plate, I remembered she played softball in school. I moved on deck and watched as she wiggled her little tush. That made me smile. She decided to bunt the first pitch, and it was picture perfect. She was thrown out at first, but advanced the runners. Leave it to a real player to run a textbook play. Nobody really cheered, since I'm sure everyone watching either didn't recognize it for the good play it was, or didn't care. I looked around as I strolled to the plate. There were a few dozen folks watching the game, though most of those were engaged in conversations with each other.

Mia smiled at me as she passed. "I've set 'em up for you, big daddy. Now bring 'em home." Then to my surprise, she swatted my butt. I blushed and looked out at Shay, who was laughing. I settled in at the plate and Glenn stared me down.

"OK. Two on and two out," he called out to me as he messed with his glove. "You're thinking you will be the big hero if you can drive them home." That's exactly what I was thinking. "Of course, that's your problem. You are thinking. Well, like Toby Keith so aptly stated, I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was."

"Dad, if you don't pitch the ball, I'm going to miss high school graduation ... next May!" Mike hollered.

"If you don't be quiet, boy, you may not live to see high school graduation!" his dad countered.

"Just ignore him, Brody!" Shay offered. "Just do your thing." I'm not sure what my thing was. I'd only played a handful of pick up softball games. I'd hit a few out—I guess there are some advantages to having built up some upper body strength—but it wasn't like I was really all that good.

I dug in and waited. Glenn lofted the pitch high. It seemed to just float there. I'm not sure what he was thinking, but it was like he'd set it on a T for me. I swung huge just as the bottom seemed to fall out of the ball. Nothing but air. I felt an ache shoot through my elbows and shoulders. Some chatter from the field. Glenn was just grinning at me.

"Oooh, swinging for the fences! I love these cocky young guys."

"Not as much as I do!" Shay responded from behind him. My jaw dropped and I blushed. There were some laughs and some gasps at the comment. Glenn whipped around and stared at the little thing on second base. She just looked on with an innocent smile. "You gonna pitch?"

He said something I couldn't make out, and she just shrugged, the smile never leaving her face. Mike was trying to stifle his laughter, but his red face and shaking body gave him away.

Glenn turned back around, his face changed, more serious. He glared at me and I dug in again. He wound his arm and delivered his pitch, this time low and much faster than before. Still it was right there. For a split second I wondered if it would move like the last one, but then I just swung again with all my strength. I heard the crack of the bat as I felt the contact jolt through my arms. I watched the ball sail to the deepest part of the field. I took off running. There was no outfield wall, so any homerun had to be the inside-the-park variety.

Our team was screaming, and so were some of the crowd. I kept my eye on the center fielder as I rounded first. He was still running full speed to try to get to the ball as it bounced and rolled further away. I glanced towards home as I rounded second; Shay and Mike were already at home plate waiting with the rest of our team. Suddenly I heard screaming as I rounded third. A mixture of voices, all telling me something different. Stay! Run! I ran. Glenn was running behind the catcher to back him up, and I knew a throw was coming. I picked up speed and saw the catcher, some other distant cousin of my mom, making a move to receive the throw. Now I was hearing "Slide! Slide!" The catcher went low to receive the ball and I knew what to do. I jumped. Just like a hurdle. He reached for me where he thought I was going to go, but changed at the last minute, trying to tag me going over his head. He missed and lost his balance. I overstepped the plate and then it was a mad dive by both of us to reach the plate. My hand hit the plate. His glove hit my hand. There was a hush as everyone waited for Uncle Donald to make the call.

"Safe! Safe!" he yelled, his arms outstretched. A cheer went up. My teammates mobbed me. I could vaguely hear some complaining from the old guys on the other team, but it was quickly lost in the chorus from my team. Mia wrapped her arms around me, as did Shay, and they both planted loud kisses on my cheeks.

That did it for Glenn. He was frustrated and lost his composure. It was basically batting practice after that. We scored two more that inning, then four more the next. Everyone on the team got hits. The final score was 9-3. We got the homemade trophy and bragging rights until next year. As we were shaking hands with the other team, Glenn grabbed my hand hard, a scowl on his face. I just stared at him, unsure of his reaction. Then he grinned at me.

"Hell of hit, Brody!" I smiled, and he put his arm around me. "Your dad used to hit it that way. He'd be proud of you today." I momentary tinge of sadness crossed my mind, but was quickly replaced by a warm tingly feeling all over.

"Yeah, he would be. Thanks."

Suddenly, Glenn was pushed out of the way and I felt two pairs of arms going around my waist. Mia and Shay hugged me tight. I put my one arm around each girl and just smiled at Glenn. His eyebrow was raised. Then he smiled again and shook his head, mumbling something as he turned away.

"Big Papi!" Mia called out.

"Big Papi?" Shay and I asked simultaneously.

Mia rolled her eyes. "Hello? David Ortiz. Boston Red Sox." We both just stood silent. "Come on, you two. Big hitter who always seems to get the big hit. Don't tell me you've never heard of him."

"Sorry," Shay said. I just shrugged. I liked some sports, but not really to watch. Just to play. I had no idea.

"Anyway, you just seemed like him on that hit."

"Why do they call him Big Papi?" Shay asked.

"I don't know. It's just what they call him. I think it means he's a big guy."

"Well that applies to Brody, then."

"In more ways than one, Shay." That sent the two girls into peals of laughter. I couldn't do anything but blush. I looked to see if anyone had heard our conversation, but the crowds were already moving back towards the dining hall. I could see a few folks glancing over our way from time to time, so I released the girls. No point being scandalous. Neither girl would have it, though. They each grabbed one of my hands and we began walking with the crowds. As we got in the dining hall, the food line was already open. We decided to take a seat at a table and wait for the line to shorten. Mike and Ana came over holding hands, talking excitedly about the game.

Shay and Mia held on tightly to my hands under the table. It was a little awkward, especially because I had an itch on the side of my nose. But I really enjoyed the feeling. I didn't want to let go, but I really needed to scratch. I lifted my left hand, which in turn also lifted Shay's and used her fingers to scratch the itch. Shay looked at me sideways, and I smiled back at her, then let our hands fall back to my lap.

"Feel better?" she asked.

"Much."

She smiled and shook her head, then leaned over to whisper in my ear. "I've got an itch I just know you can scratch."

I blushed. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. I felt the bulge in my pants harden at her words, and since her hand was in mine just next to my package, I know she felt it, too. The blush deepened. Shay giggled. Mia glanced at her. She'd been engrossed in conversation and hadn't seen our exchange.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"This." Shay let go of my hand and reached across me for Mia's, which was still locked with mine against my outer thigh. She pulled Mia's hand lose and put it on my erection. I tried not to yelp, and tried to keep an impassive expression, but my face turned redder and my cock jumped. I smile spread across Mia's face. She gave my cock a squeeze while she turned her attention back to Mike and Ana.

Shay jumped up, grabbing Mia's hand on the way. "Let's go get in line, girl." Mia looked at Shay, then at me. Her smile got bigger and she jumped up, as well.

"Come with us, Brody."

I knew there was no way I was standing up at that moment. They knew there was no way. Evil, evil girls.

"Um, I'll just wait a minute."

"What's wrong, Brody?" Shay asked innocently. Mike and Ana were standing now, ready to get in line and were looking at me.

"I, uh, just don't want to stand in line. I'll wait a bit. You guys go ahead."

Mia shrugged. "Suit yourself, Big Papi."

Mike laughed, obviously catching the Ortiz reference. Ana just ignored the banter. They all went over to get in line.

I looked around the room and saw Mom working her way through the crowd. She eventually came to my table and slid in across from me, smiling.

"Having a good time?" she asked.

"Absolutely. I can't remember the last time the reunion was this fun."

"Having good friends to share it with helps, huh?"

"Yes. Yes, it does."

Mom got serious. "Brody, I've noticed Mia and her friend have been very ... friendly ... with you. Are you being careful?"

Careful? That seemed like a random question. "What do you mean, Mom?"

"Oh, just that a lot can happen when your emotions are high. I think seeing Mia caught you off guard."

"I'm good, Mom. Really."

"I'm more concerned about Mia, Dear."

"Why? She'd doing well."

She was hesitant for a moment, as if trying to decide how much to say. "Brody, she's had a very, very difficult time the last couple of years. Her parents said she's really been struggling with some things, and that's one of the reasons they came this year. They were hoping this would help her some."

I remembered back to some things that Mia had said. She'd been cryptic, too. "What things, Mom? What's she been struggling with?"

"You need to ask her, Son. It's not my place to say. I just want you to be careful with her. She's very fragile. Please, just be a good friend."

"Of course, Mom, always."

She smiled at me and reached out and touched my hand gently. "I know. You've always looked out for her. Her parents said they hoped that you'd have a positive effect on her. She seems happy, so I'm guessing it's working."

Now I was really intrigued. What was going on with Mia? Why all the secrecy? I looked over to the line, but they'd already disappeared through the entry and hadn't yet come out of the exit.

"Mom, did her parents say much about Shay?"

Mom was quiet again for a minute. "I'm not sure I should say anything, but Shelly and John seem to be very open about it. They always refer to Shay as 'Mia's girlfriend'. They've not come out and said it directly, but they've made enough comments for me to figure out that Mia and Shay are probably in an intimate relationship."

"They are."

Mom seemed taken aback. "You know?"

"Yeah. They told me."

"Does that bother you? I figured by your reaction when you saw Mia that you were kind of sweet on her."

If you only knew, Mom, if you only knew. "I was a little surprised at first, but I'm OK with it now. They are like two halves of the same person."

"Funny. That's exactly what Shelly said. They really like Shay. John mentioned that Shay has been a godsend for Mia."

I suddenly changed tracks, catching my mom off guard. "Mom, do you think there's just one right person out there for someone?"

"Well ... I don't know. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just curious. I mean, you've barely even dated since Dad died. Is that because there isn't another right person for you?"

She took a moment before answering. "Brody, I don't think it's a 'right person'. I think there are right types of people. And when you find one, you hold on. If that one gets away, you may or may not be presented another opportunity. You count yourself blessed if you are able to find more than one in life. I've seen widows and widowers find a second and even third spouse and be very happy."

"Why not you, Mom?"

"I don't really have time. I'm working and raising you. Those are my priorities right now. Dating can come later."

I'd been watching the food line while we talked. Now I looked at her face. She seemed sad. "Mom, will you promise me something?"

Mom's eyebrow rose. "Depends on what it is."

"As soon as we get home, will you make finding another right kind of person a priority? I'm going to be gone to college before you know it. I don't ever want you to be alone."

Mom smiled warmly. "That's very sweet of you, Brody."

"Yes, it is." I felt hands on my shoulders and looked up to see Shelly. She wasn't looking at me, though. She was looking at Mom. "I've been telling your mother that for years. I also told her to talk to you, because you probably felt the same way."

Mom was looking at Shelly, as well, and I thought I saw something pass between them. Mom stood up.

"Remember what I said, Brody. You are a good kid. Your father would be as proud as me." That was the second time in less than fifteen minutes someone had said that. I wondered if that was true, but I decided it must be. That made me happy. I loved the thought of him being proud of me.

Mom and Shelly walked away, swallowed by the crowds of people.

The kids were heading back my direction. Mia had a second plate on her tray.

"I decided to get you something to eat, since you seemed to be confined to the table." She set the plate in front of me, then sat down across from me. "What did our moms want?"

"Thanks, Mia." Shay handed me a can of pop and sat down beside me. Mountain Dew. Life is good with a can of my Dew. "Thanks, Shay." We started eating.

"So what did they want?" Mia asked again.

"Just chatting about a couple of things. Mom and Dad. You and Shay."

"Oh, what did they say?"

"Well, for one, that you and Shay are openly involved."

Mia looked at Shay and smiled. "Yep."

"How did they take that?"

"Really well, actually. My parents are pretty open-minded. They saw how much Shay cared about me, and they couldn't think of a better way for a relationship to be."

"What about your parents, Shay?"

"Well, at first they were upset, then they chalked it up to teen experimentation. I think it might be sinking in that this isn't just an infatuation. They are still a little uncomfortable about Mia talking about being with me forever, but they'll get over it. It helps that they like Mia so much."

"Well, I have to admit, you two are pretty likable." I smiled at them.

"You said you talked about your mom and dad, too," Mia said.

"Yeah." I was thinking back to the conversation and didn't say more.

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want."

"Sorry. Just thinking. Actually, I don't mind. I told Mom I wanted her to really start looking for someone else to be with. Your mom said she's been trying to get Mom to do that for a couple of years."

"Is she going to?"

"She didn't say. I'll ask her again on the drive home. I really want her to."

Shay nudged me. "That's sweet, you old softy."

"Oh, he's not a softy. Not by a long shot." Mia grinned with a mouthful of barbeque pork sandwich. Shay giggled.

"Mia!" Ana exclaimed as she pushed her sister. It was the first time I realized she was sitting with us again, Mike still in tow. "That's a little too much information!"

The girls devolved into a laughing fit.

Mike just looked at us. I could see his mind working, trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Mia and Shay. Me and Mia. He didn't say anything.

The conversation went casual after that, and soon we were out of the dining hall. Heading towards the cabins on my side of the green space. Ana and Mike headed the other direction to get their swimming suits on. They were heading to the pool. We were heading to the lake.