21. Theo

21

THEO

I know I'm an asshole. Not only did I blow off Francesca's going away party, but I also didn't respond to her texts. I was mad and hurt. My life has been a bundle of lies and the thought of Francesca —the woman I'm in love with— lying to me like my mother did really tore me up. I understand why Francesca kept her relationship with Jesse a secret. Like me, she's been hurt and it's hard to trust people again.

I straighten my tie as I step on the elevator and hit the button for the third floor.

Am I really going through with this?

When the doors open and I step off, it's like I stepped off the pages of the Frostwolves history book. Photos of past players line the walls, a glass trophy case is filled with awards and photos of award winning games.

Nice carpets, plush couches, and chairs line the small waiting room. I swallow hard and step up to the secretary's desk.

She has a warm smile. "Good afternoon, Moose."

I nod. "I'm here to see Mr. Anderson."

"He's expecting you." She picks up the phone. "Moose Thompson is here." She hangs up. "He'll be right with you. Can I get you a water or a coffee?"

"Thanks." I swallow hard and tug at my tie. "No thanks, I'm good."

The secretary smiles. "You look like a million bucks," she whispers and gives me wink. "Don't be nervous."

A nearby door opens and Robert Anderson, the general manager of the Frostwolves is standing in front of me. Although I've met with him along with my agent and others from the staff, I've never met with this man one-on-one.

He offers a handshake. "Good to see you, Moose. Come on in." We grip in a firm handshake.

I follow him into his office, and he motions to a chair across from his desk.

"Did Kate ask you if you needed some coffee or soda?"

I nod. "She offered, but I'm good."

Robert sits down behind his desk, removes his glasses, and leans back in his chair. "What can I do for you today, Moose?"

"I had a conversation with Coach Sullivan last week." I pause. "You know, about my bad attitude, missing practice, not working to my full potential."

Robert lets out a laugh. "Yeah, he told me basically you're a fucked-up mess." He takes a drink from his Frostwolves mug. "If you're worried about your position on the team, don't worry. You're doing fine."

"Well, thank you. I appreciate that, but that's not why I'm here, sir."

"Oh? What can I do for you?"

"I need your help."

Robert sets his coffee cup down. "I'm listening."

"Isn't Coach Richard Anderson at the Red Ravens your brother?"

The stands are packed. Thankfully I didn't need a ticket to get in here tonight. I swallow hard as my stomach lets out a painful groan.

The Miami Red Ravens are playing the San Francisco Slingshots. I scan the dugout and surrounding area to catch a glimpse of her. They promised me they'd have her near the dugout once the fourth inning is over.

I'm led into the broadcast booth and offered a chair.

Gavin McKnight, a baseball league broadcaster, is organizing his paperwork. "It's great to have you joining us tonight. I'm a big Frostwolves fan."

"Yeah, really stoked!" Chip Green laughs as he rises from his chair to shake my hand. "This'll beat our usual fourth inning jazz of shooting hot dogs and T-shirts into the crowd."

Gavin laughs.

It's the bottom of the second inning and the Ravens are up to bat. Parker Hollee brings in the first score and three more players get on base. Jimmy Barlowe hits a ball soaring and sailing into the stands. Home run. The Ravens are up five to nothing.

The third inning is fast with three easy outs for each team. In the fourth inning, San Francisco manages to get two runners home and the Ravens score one more run. We're up six to one.

"Are you ready?" Chip asks.

I nod. "Let's get it on."

I step out of the booth and make my way down the stairs, through the gate, and onto the edge of the field.

Francesca

Although everything has been crappy with the team since I returned, I still get that twinge of excitement in my stomach. I love everything about the game— the sweet aroma of hamburgers on the grill and the familiar cadence of the vendors as they call out to the fans and toss boxes of candy and hot dogs to hungry spectators.

The fourth inning just ended, and Carla approaches me. She wraps her arm around my waist.

"Come on, Fran. I heard they have something really funny on the jumbo screen after the fourth inning."

Carla and I look up at the big screen.

The screen flashes for a second until a familiar face appears. My mouth drops and I gasp.

"Greetings, Red Raven and Slingshot fans." The crowd goes crazy with cheers. "Moose," the crowd calls out in unison.

"I'm Moose Thompson from the Frostwolves. Welcome to America's favorite pastime." I catch a glimpse of Carla and she gives me a squeeze.

"I'm here to enjoy this great traditional rivalry, but that's not the only reason I'm here tonight."

My heart pounds in my chest.

"I'm here to recognize a very special woman. If I play my cards right, I hope to bring her back to Colorado with me."

My eyes water. The camera changes angles and Moose comes out onto the field and stands at home plate.

"Come on down here, Francesca."

Carla gives me a tiny shove and I make my way to home plate. The crowd is going absolutely nuts.

I stop in front of Theo and he's grinning like a fool. It's just the two of us in this private moment with the fans cheering in the background.

"I heard Fran Russo was going to be here tonight."

I let out a breath with tears running down my cheeks. "She is."

"If she's willing, I'd like to bring her back to Colorado with me."

I squeal. "I signed a contract and gave my notice here. This is my last game."

"What?"

I nod. "The Frostwolves took me back. Didn't they tell you?"

"No. They knew I was coming here, but they never said anything about a contract. Really?"

"Yes! I'm driving to Colorado. On Monday. I already have a moving truck packed up with my stuff."

"I'm sorry, by the way."

"I'm sorry too. I should've told you."

"I should've been more understanding." He takes my hands in his as the crowd continues their chants. "You know if you come back and you're with me, you're probably still going to have to deal with the tabloids. Are you sure you can handle another public relationship?"

I nod. "Yeah, I've had a lot of time to think about what I want." I tilt my head. "I heard you're back to fighting on the ice again. I'm gone a few months and you're a mess."

He shrugs. "I promise to clean up my act…as long as I can have you."

"I'm yours."

Theo looks around the stands filled to the brim with fans.

"Should we give them what they want?"

"Yeah."

Theo grabs me around the waist, dips me back and we kiss. The crowd goes wild. He brings me back to my feet and we laugh. We wrap our arms around each other, our foreheads touching.

"I love you," Theo says. "I've loved you for a long time."

"I love you too."

We kiss a long passionate kiss in front of God and thousands of baseball fans.

"Look what we've got here, folks. It's a love story in the making. Right here in front of this crowd," Chip announces to the fans. "Looks like a happily ever after to me, Gavin. What'd you say?"

"Chipper, I'd say you're right."

Chipper and Gavin were right. This was only the beginning of our lives together with us on our way to a happily ever after. In my heart, that I'm sure of.