Sometimes There IS Crying In Baseball...(closed)

[singlemom89]

Erin Larkin checked her clipboard again as more children showed up. Her seven year old daughter, Layla, tugged on the hem of her t-shirt and Erin looked down at her.

“Mommy, is everyone here yet? Is everyone here for our first practice?”

Erin gave her a patient smile. It was their first baseball practice of the season, and Erin had been roped into coaching. It wasn’t her plan, when she signed Layla up to play, to become the coach, but when the President of the league had texted her, saying they were desperate for more coaches, Erin had relented. After all, she had played softball all the way up through college… surely she could coach a few seven year olds!

“It looks like we are missing just one little boy.. a little boy named Max” she told her daughter. She glanced to the right and could see a small figure making his way across the grassy field, coming from the direction of the nearby neighborhood that bordered their ball field. Erin was alarmed to see that this child was alone. Where were his parents?

“Actually… I think our last player is coming now” she said, pointing towards the little boy. Layla squealed, showing her impish smile, with the two front teeth missing on the bottom row. Erin’s heart melted. The enormity of the amount of love she had for this child was mind boggling sometimes.

“Alright everyone!” Erin said in her best teacher voice. “Everyone come over this way!”

Five of the eleven kids on her team came flying over immediately. Three were still in the outfield running in circles, two were drawing in the dirt, and one was clinging to her mommy, unwilling to join the team. Erin couldn’t help but laugh. As a kindergarten teacher, she was used to the ways of children. She noticed that the little boy, Max, had joined the group immediately and, although he was standing kind of off to himself, he was paying rapt attention.

Erin took the time to introduce herself, as well as have the children introduce themselves to each other. Several already knew each other from school, and Erin already knew most of them from school as well. After the introductions, Erin had all of them line up and they started with a drill involving running the bases.

Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, the hour long practice was over. Erin called over all of the children and beckoned for the parents to join them as well.

“Alright moms and dads!” she said. “Now’s your turn. I have a paper here for signups for snacks. Moms, this usually falls on you” Erin said with a wink, drawing a few chuckles from the crowd. “If you don’t mind, would everybody please choose a game, in which you will be responsible for bringing an after-game snack and drink?”

Erin watched as the parents lined up and began filling out their names and the dates they wanted. She noticed Max standing back and looking shy, and decided to walk over and chat with him.

Squatting down, so she was eye level with him, Erin gave him her best smile. “Hey man, i saw you walking over from the neighborhood. Where’s your mommy?”

The little boy looked at her with eyes that were so sad it nearly shattered her heart.

“I don’t have a mommy” he said simply.

“Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. What about daddy? Grandma? Grandpa?” Erin asked.

“Me and my daddy live in that house right there” Max said, pointing to a pretty cape cod style home near the field. “Daddy was going to bring me, but right before it was time to come over, he had a bid-ness call come in, so he asked me to come on over myself”.

Erin felt herself growing angry. How could someone just send their child unattended across a field, into the hands of strangers that they didn’t even know?! Sure, all coaches had background checks run on them, but for all this man knew, she could be a crazy person who was good at hiding it! Probably just another parent looking to use baseball and the coach as a babysitter for an hour every other day.

Layla had joined her by then, and parents and kids alike were shouting bye as they began to depart. Erin glanced back at Max.

“Well,” she said softly. “Let’s get ready and walk back over to your house, maybe Daddy will be done his call by now”.

“Oh he is!” Max replied. “Here he comes now!”

Erin stood up, and looked towards Max house and saw a man hurrying across the grass. Arms crossed under her pert breasts, eyebrow raised, Erin waited for the man to approach. It was obvious, from her stance, that she didn't approve of his parenting choices at all.

 

[Homerun2611]

Not Exactly An Ideal Introduction

Richard (Rick) Higgins had thought he had the perfect life three years ago. He had a beautiful young wife, Melanie, a healthy and happy 4 year old son, Max, and a child on the way, a daughter. They had met in their first job out of college, consulting with a top global firm. The long nights had ended up with many late evenings together. They were both young, smart and attractive and they were married within a year of when they first met. Max had arrive a year later, and it had been a fairy tale, a dream in many ways, until it became a nightmare.

It was two months before the baby was due, Mel had awoken them both screaming, Jeff had never seen so much blood. He raced her to the hospital, she had lost so much blood. Her carotid artery had somehow ruptured. She had lost consciousness before they reached the hospital. When Jeff saw the looks on the ER attendants faces, he knew it was bad. Before they whisked her into OR, he leaned over and kissed her cold clammy skin. "I hope you can hear me my love, rest and wait for me, I will raise our children and give them everything I can". He had turned away confident he had lost his wife, less than 20 minutes later he learned he had lost his unborn daughter too.

Since then his life had turned upside down. He had to quit his job. His elite consulting gig required frequent travel, often international, and he had made a promise to Mel, a promise to himself to take care of Max. He was now making less than half of what he had, but they had a nice little two bedroom house and it was right on the park. Max loved playing and when they could be outside the house seemed so much less lonely.

He had planned to take Max to practice, they had talked about it for weeks. Daddy had played college ball at the University of Texas, a utility infielder and Jeff was his little guy's hero. No matter how little of a hero Jeff felt lately. He had such good intentions, but he always did. His boss had called, and his job was increasingly on the line. They had gotten him from the big firm with an offer of lifestyle flexibility, albeit at far less pay. However, Max's measles, and his desire to be at his key events, work from home and cook home cooked meals whenever he could was wearing thin with his employer. That had been the topic for the last hour on the phone, but at least he was still employed.

He was still in his suit, and came running out, almost killing himself as his dress shoes slipped on the grassy hill that lead from his back yard to the small field. Shit he thought as he saw the last of the children leaving, parents in two. There was his little guy, standing next to his coach. Normally, he would have been stunned by her natural beauty, but he didn't have the luxury of enjoying. He had tail firmly between his legs, barely able to look the beautiful young teacher in the eye. He had noticed her cocked brow of criticism.

He came up and put his one arm around his son, and the other he extended. "I'm so sorry, I thought it would only be a minute, but..." He stopped and looked up...."I'm not one of those, no matter how it looks...I love my son...I had actually come to see if I might help you when I can...I played college ball and I love little kids and spending time with Max" Why he had felt a need to confess, he didn't know, except Max was his life and he couldn't stand anyone thinking that wasn't the case. Finally he looked up, and really looked at her, their eyes locking...she was beautiful...and he felt even more embarrassed!

 

[singlemom89]

Erin eyed the man critically as he extended his hand, and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. People got busy sometimes. It just frustrated her when people took advantage of others in order to pawn their children off, and she saw it happen a lot, in her line of work.

Erin shook his hand. "Hi, I was chatting with Max here, a little. I'm Erin, by the way" she said, giving him a hesitant smile. She eyed him critically. He was a handsome man, even if he was a little frazzled looking.

"You want to help me coach?" she asked, surprised by the offer. "I played softball in college, as well. I was a catcher. I miss it sometimes, so when they said they really needed coaches, I decided to give it a shot".

Layla pulled on her shirt then. "Mommy, I'm hungry" she whined, and Erin gave her a patronizing smile. "We will go get something to eat in a second, hunny" she told her.

Turning her pretty eyes back to Rick's she smiled at him and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. "I'd love to get together sometime and talk about you helping out, if you want. I'll take all of the help I can get". She laughed, a soft, throaty chuckle.

"Our next practice is Tuesday night, maybe we can get together before then?"

 

[Homerun2611]

An Olive Branch and A Tribute To A Music Genius

"Nice to meet you Erin, and you too little lady", he winked at the little girl whose little smile and twinkling eyes were beaming up at him. There was something sweet about them both, even though he knew Erin was looking at him with great questioning. He actually liked it, her protecting Max, doubting him, his actions deserved doubt, doubt he hoped to eventually erase. "And who are you?" he went down on one knee and held his hand out to her. Standing proud, a testament to her mother, "I'm Layla", and he smiled, "Well, you've got me on my knees, Layla...I am very glad to make your acquaintance", he smiled, quoting the famous Eric Clapton song, and watching the little girl giggle at his attention.

Sooner than he thought, Erin gave him an opening. "I'd love to get together, actually, could I offer to buy you and Kayla here dinner. It's the least I can do for making you wait for me...." He looked directly at Kayla,"...Max and I love Charlie's...they have great burgers, hotdogs, and milkshakes..." He raised his eyebrows as he mentioned the last item, and looked straight at Kayla. He might not know how to deal with older women, but he knew that ice cream was the quickest way to win the heart of a child. "...and they have a jungle gym, don't they Max?" His son was beaming too, he didn't know that Rick had planned this surprise, and Rick winked at his son. He hadn't known it either, but inspiration had struck in that moment. He stood up, "We can discuss how I could help you..." and then suddenly he realized, how could he have been so thoughtless, "...unless your husband would object, that is?"

 

[singlemom89]

Erin couldn't help but be impressed when Rick got down on one knee before Layla and offered her his hand. He flattered the little girl, and Erin could tell Layla was beyond pleased. Her father had left both she and Erin high and dry when Layla was 2, and she had no recollection of him at all.

Ever since then it had been just Erin and Layla against the world. Erin had never really dated- finding a man wasn't her priority, and to be honest, she wasn't sure she could trust another man after how Gregory had left her. She had woken one morning to find a note on the counter.

Erin, I'm sorry to do this, but McKenzie and I have decided to move to San Diego. I have a job opportunity there, and McKenzie and I are going to get married. I'll be in contact.

And that was the last she had ever heard from him. She heard through the grapevine that he and his secretary, McKenzie, had indeed gotten married and were living in San Diego together, as happy as can be. Meanwhile, Erin was playing both mom and dad to Layla, who thankfully, didn't realize what had happened to her father. Erin was perfectly content to keep it that way, but because of a lack of a father, Layla wasn't at all used to men being so flattering to her. Which brought Erin's attention back to Rick. Maxwell was all but bouncing with excitement at the idea of going to Charlie's. He really was an adorable little boy.

"I don't have a husband" she stated with a smile. "We would love to go to dinner. It's ok though, you don't have to buy...". Her stubborn pride wouldn't allow her to take handouts, no matter how small. "I know where Charlie's is. We can follow you, if you'd like?"

 

[Homerun2611]

Winning The Little Heart, First!

"I don't have a husband" The response was quick and to the point. She didn't say it sad, if anything there was a touch of disdain. The incredibly, natural and beautiful woman was single and said it in a way that made it clear she was fine that way. But her tone turned and became friendly and warm as she accepted his invitation. The little girl however, was all sunshine, so he focused on her a bit.

"So Layla, I' not sure they will have anything you like, all they have are hotdogs and milk shakes, and sundaes and french fries...I'm assuming you prefer spinach, and brussel sprouts and lima beans?" The little girl, cute as a button, who had captured his heart almost instantly at hello, scrunched her little nose, "Milk shakes and hot dogs are my favorites Mister and I do not like brussel sprouts or lima beans!" She had her little hand on her hip, making a stand, but a mischievous grin on her face. Rick stood up and ran his hand down the bridge of her nose, smiling and winking down at the already adoring set of eyes. "Well thank you, I stand corrected, and I will keep that in mind. Milk shakes and hot dogs YES, brussel sprouts and lima beans NO" He was laughing and turned to Erin, "We can argue over the check at the restaurant...maybe even play a game to see who covers it...I take it you are a competitor, and I am too! Do you really want to take two cars? It isn't far from here, I can drive or we can hop in with you as long as we loop back here when we are over....and if you're good Layla, Max might even introduce you to Irish our 10 year old Irish setter and the lady of our house!"

 

[singlemom89]

First Looks Can Be Deceiving

Erin couldn't help but sit back and be incredibly impressed with the ease in which Rick handled Layla. He had a natural charm about him that was hard to resist. Erin began to believe that maybe today really HAD been just a fluke with the baseball practice. She was surprised when he suggested they ride together. He seemed trustworthy enough, so she nodded her head in agreement.

"Sure... that would be great. I don't mind driving" she said, and the kids cheered, making them both laugh. "I even have an extra booster seat if Max needs it, sometimes I drive my nephew around".

They made their way to her sporty SUV and all climbed in. She was thankful that it was relatively clean for once. George Strait was playing on the radio as they got in, and she turned it down so they could hear each other and talk. Max and Layla were already in the back, chatting animatedly about Irish, the setter.

Erin started to drive and struck up a conversation with Rick. "So you played all the way through college also?" she asked, impressed. "I miss it so much it hurts sometimes" she admitted, laughing at herself. "I'm just happy Layla seems to like it, as well. Have you guys lived here long?" she asked. She was curious about Max's comment about not having a mom, but she didn't want to pry and figured maybe eventually it would come out on its own.

 

[Homerun2611]

Starting To Open Up!

She was such a Mom, and Rick loved it! There was no finer compliment he could give. He had been married to an amazing Mom, and he knew how hard that job was and how rare it was to find a woman who truly embraced the often overlooked, but invaluable role. "Really, you have an extra car seat? That would be incredible. I have a feeling you may just be incredible." It was a cheesy line, but he hadn't meant it that way, he was honestly impressed with her preparedness. Not to mention how god damned adorable she looked in jeans and a baseball cap, which for him was so much sexier than a formal gown.

The kids safely tucked in and already getting along like life long friends he held her door for her to get it and then hopped in to the passenger side. Chuck's was only five minutes away, but it did give them a couple of minutes before they would need to be focused on the kids. "Hmmm, George Strait, huh? I love country music, actually all music...I am probably a bit more of a Luke Bryan, Zac Brown fan, but I like George too." She turned down the music and glanced over at him. Jesus, those brown eyes, that smile, she was simply gorgeous and seemed to have no idea, which made her even more beautiful. She was poking a bit to get to know him. Fair, but the story was a tough one for the first 15 minutes of knowing someone.

"How long have we lived here? Well when Max's mother passed, we needed to make some changes, so two years ago, we moved over to his part of town. I loved how it backed up to the park, and we have really liked it, and Irish absolutely loves it. You know, you have to make the women of the household happy?!" He winked and smiled, trying to lighten the conversation. And almost on cue, they pulled into Charlie's parking lot. "Okay you two, we are going to go in an order, and then you can go out and play on the jungle gym until dinner is ready, deal?"

They walked inside the old fashioned styled restaurant, and Chuck walked up to them. "Hi Rick, hi Max, how are my two best customers?"...he looked over at Erin and Layla, and raised his brow. Chuck knew the story and loved these two almost like an Uncle, and he was sincerely thrilled to actually see him with a woman, maybe finally ready to start living again...."and who possibly are these two ladies crazy enough to hang out with you two knuckleheads?"

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