Again I DO NOT own HSM. The people I use are based on real people and the places I use are real places in Indiana. This chapter is going to go a little into the Cubs fan in Troy from the intro if the story. The people I use for the CUBS are real people and are on the roster/front office for the 2015 Chicago Cubs. It will be Troy's POV unless specified.


4.

I cannot believe I just told Gabriella about my dad and my last girlfriend fuck my life. What possessed me to do that again oh yea Morgan and myself conscious damn them. I get up out of my bed and walk down the stairs with my German Sheppard/border collie/chow dog right on my heels. I open the door to let him run around the back yard as I sit on the porch. For it being late November/early December it is not too cold for Indiana weather low 40s this time of year was rare but I'll take it. Just then my dad comes out and sits next to me, "What's on your mind pup?" How the hell did he know something was on my mind damn him too I thought but just looked at my dog and said "nothing dad just enjoying the weather." He laughs "bullshit son you are never up this early on a Sunday hell the Colts don't play for another five hours. So are you going to tell your old man what is on your mind or are you going to play dumb." My dad knew me too well that's why it hurt when there was nothing I could do for him almost two years ago. "I kinda told this girl I like what happened sophomore year, and I'm not sure how she took it." I said still fixated on my dog that is running though the yard, but looked out of the corner of my eyes to see my dad looking shocked at what I said. "Wow son you really opened up to a girl you must really trust her. I think it is a good thing that you are starting to show people this side of you Troy." He said then his phone rang and he walked back inside. I stayed out for another ten minutes before calling my dog inside, as I walk in my dad says "he just walked in do you want to talk to him?... ok here he is" he handed me the phone to me.

"Hello?" I said into the phone not really knowing what is going on "Well hello to you to nephew of mine." My uncle Theo said on the other end "Uncle Theo! How's the winter meetings going?" "Going alright we might have a big name sign here soon." My uncle said. He is the President of baseball operations for my favorite team of all time the Chicago Cubs. I've been a fan since the Sammy Sosa days, and then my uncle joined them from the Red Sox in 2012 off season. "Really are the Cubs fans going to be happy about this one because you know we weren't too happy with you shipping Hammel and Samardzjia to the A's?" I said still a little mad about that trade only because we got a shortstop prospect for them and we already had Castro at short. He laughs and says "only because you are my favorite I'll tell you we re-signed Jason. I think they will like this one we are close to signing Jon Lester. Then we might go after James Shields." My jaw dropped we get back a great arm in Hammel, we are close to signing an ace like Lester holy fuck. "Are you serious?!" was the only thing that could come out of my mouth. "Yea Jon will let us know in a few days Jason is a done deal, and too soon to tell for James, but enough of my work I heard that you had your first broadcast for basketball on Friday how did that go?" He asked, and this is the real reason I loved my uncle Theo here he is working hard to get some big names to the Cubs and he asks about a high school broadcast. "It went alright season just started so only can get better.." I said he knew that I wasn't going to say any more on the subject "good to hear. How about anything else going on any girls that I should know about before you come down to see me in Mesa or Chicago." He teased. I laugh as did he "Uh maybe I don't know yet. I like this one girl, and I told her about dad a couple of years ago, but I don't know" I answered honestly and I could just picture him giving me a sympathetically look. "Troy, I know how much that must have took to tell her. I'm glad you let someone other than Chris and Justin in that part of your life it will be good to start to trust again. Listen I got to go but just know that you can call me anytime and I'll talk." I did know that because no matter how busy he got with the Cubs or even when he was with the Red Sox he was always there for me to talk if I didn't want to go to my mom or dad. "I know Uncle Theo. Good luck out there and I'll see you at Christmas." I said and hung up.

Walking back to where my dad was, as I handed him the phone he said "How's Theo doing?" I knew what he was really asking because uncle and I talked about his work and he let me in more than he did my dad or mom. "Well he just re-signed Jason and there are talks going on with Jon Lester and James Shields but nothing on them yet." I said knowing what he would want out in public and what was to stay between us. "Really. That's good to have Jason back. Looks like he is going to try for the division this year instead of next. Did he say anything on if Kris was going to start at third?" he asked knowing that Kris Bryant was the next big call up for the Cubs. I mean the kid hit 43 Home runs in the minors last year between AA Tennessee and AAA Iowa. "No we just talked about Hammel, Lester, and Shields." I answered honestly petting my dog. "I'm going to go back upstairs to get ready for the game come one Bo." I said calling my dog up with me

I opened my closet and pulled out my Andrew Luck blue jersey grabbed a pair of faded jeans and my white colts hat as what I always wear on home game days I have a white Luck jersey for road games too just because I was superstitious on what to wear. I walked over to my dresser and looked at the tree rings that really were the only thing that changed from week to week. I had my high school state runner-up ring and two Red Sox World Series rings that I got from playing football and the Red Sox rings were Christmas presents from Uncle Theo the years they won them 2004 and 2007. I never wore the Red Sox rings outside the house or unless I hung out with Chris and Justin and we only stay inside, and they understood that I don't like broadcasting that my uncle is Theo Epstein so even they rarely see them on me. I grab the '07 ring and hear the doorbell ring I check the time to see that it was 10:30 so Justin was just getting here. We always watched the Colts games together ever since 8th grade he and Chris came over and we watched it in one of our basements and this week it was my turn to host.

"Hey man ready for the game I have NFL Countdown on down there or we can get some food and wait for Chris to show his lazy ass." I said after he walked into the living room. He just laughs and says, "Why don't we wake his ass then we can get food before kickoff." We hop into my car and start driving to Chris' house. Justin plugs in his phone and sets up our football playlist from Spotify and he played one of our all-time favorite songs by Imagine Dragons and we sing along to it.

Try to hear my voice

You can leave, now it's your choice

Maybe if I fall asleep, I won't breathe right

Maybe if I leave tonight, I won't come back

I said it before, I won't say it again

Love is a game to you, it's not pretend

Maybe if I fall asleep, I won't breathe right

Can nobody hear me?

I got a lot that's on my mind

I cannot breathe

Can you hear it, too?

You kiss and you kiss

And you love and you love

You got a history list and the rest is above

And if you're warm, then you can't relate to me

From the floor to the floor

And the sky to the sky

You've got to love and adore and the rest is awry

And if you're warm, then you can't relate to me

I said it before, I won't say it again

Love is a game to you, it's not pretend

Maybe if I fall asleep, I won't breathe right, right, right

Can nobody hear me?

I got a lot that's on my mind

I cannot breathe

Can you hear it, too?

Leave your shoes at the door, baby

I am all you adore, lately

Come with me and we will run away

Can nobody hear me?

I got a lot that's on my mind

I cannot breathe

Can you hear it, too?

Can nobody hear me?

I got a lot that's on my mind

I cannot breathe

Can you hear it, too?

We laugh as we pull into Chris' driveway we ring the doorbell and his dad answers the door. "Oh man you two laughing this early there is trouble somewhere go on and get Chris out of bed and have fun guys." We move past him thanking him, as we get to Chris' room we stop and I say "how are we going to wake him today by water or just saying in his ear that Morgan is breaking up with him?" Justin thought about it for a bit then walked out of the room, and came back with a water balloon. I smirk and count down from three, as I hit one Justin released the balloon and Chris screamed, "What the fuck was that for motherfuckers!" We just laugh and run out of his house only to have him come out moments later still a little pissed at us. We just jump in my car and drive to our normal Sunday game day restaurant


"Come on Chris it was a little funny." Justin said when I parked the car. "Yea it was a new one that's for sure but watch your back Justin. Oh and Troy you might want to take off that ring before you go in, because Morgan isn't working today." Chris said when he saw the ring on my finger. Morgan has been over on some Sundays to see that I have the rings and knows that Theo is my uncle those three are the only ones outside of my family that has seen the World Series rings and has met my uncle. I take the ring off and we walk into the restaurant with our favorite manager working today and he just comes up and says "oh hell here comes trouble. How are you guys this fine Sunday?" We fallow him to what is known as our booth and say "Just waiting for kickoff Mac." He laughs as that has been our standing greeting all year long and the Colts are 10 and 3 so far, and we are all superstitious so why change a good thing right before playoffs. Mac comes up to us and says quietly "you know Morgan isn't here and neither is your guys back up waiter so I'm going to put our top waitress of the day for you guys and tell her to put a rush on it." Mac knew we were bad when it came to game days and our orders hardly changed but we only trusted Morgan or Justin's crush Lauren take care of us so this new girl might be trouble for us. We just thanked him and start chatting when I tell them about my conversation that I had this morning. "I got a call from my uncle Theo this morning. He says that we re-signed Jason Hammel and are working on Lester." They look at me with wide eyes because we are all die hard Cubs fans and they love when I get to talk to Theo, but they never question me or force me to call him they let me bring it up and we go from there. "Really that's great about time we spend money for the now rather than the future did he say when Bryant is coming up?" I shake my head then our waitress came up I was looking at the menu so I just heard the voice "Hi my name is Gabriella how can I help you guys? Oh hi Justin, Chris and Troy." Fuck, fuck why her and why now not even a day after I tell her about my dad is she talking to me again I really wanted to not see her till Monday. I still had my head buried in my menu when I feel some one kick me I jerk up and give a death glare to Justin who just smirks. "oh sorry I'll just have the Jamaican Jerk burger and a water thanks." I said quietly but loud enough for her to hear and I kept my head down. I can hear her sigh and walk away before I get kicked again "ow what the fuck Justin!" I hiss he just gives me a look then says "dude what is your problem? You just saw her yesterday and you were fine with her, and now not even 24 hours and you are acting weird I have to ask you what the fuck are you doing. You cannot push her away or you'll lose her for good. So grow a pair and talk to her or ask her out." I look at him and he had a dead serious look on his face. I shake my head furiously no and he just kicks me again. "Fine I'll talk to her" I get up and walk over to Mac and say "Hey Mac when does Gabriella get off today I need to talk to her." He give me a weird look but says "you know if you weren't such a loyal customer I wouldn't tell you, but she gets off at 12:30 just in time for kickoff." I thank him and walk back to my table and sit down. And the guys give me a weird look, and before I can explain anything I get a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see a pissed off Gabriella with our food, "Here is your food what the hell did I do that you had to get the manager involved he already put a rush on it so what did I do that was so wrong." She said and I saw tears start to form in her beautiful chocolate brown eyes. I get up and rush her outside, and as we hit the doors I pull her into a big hug and let her cry. "Shh. Its nothing bad I promise I just wanted to know when you got off work, Mac and I are friends so I knew he would tell me. I wanted to invite you to my house to watch the Colts game at 1:00. I'm sorry I never meant to harm you please forgive me and come to my house I'm sorry I was stupid please forgive me." I whisper to her the last few lines I started to get choked up and pleading into her hair that smelled like coconut. She pulls back and I can see that she was still visibly shaken and I kick myself but she says in her timid voice "ok give me your address and I'll come just promise me that what you said wasn't bad to my manager." I nod and pull her back into another hug this time I get bold and remove one of my arms from her and tilt her head so we make eye contact. I look into her eyes looking for any sign that she doesn't want me to do anything, but finding none I lean in and kiss her on the lips. It was a sweet kiss and she starts kissing me back. I pull away and just look at her and smile, "um… Are you ready to go back in now?" I ask not leaving the embrace and she nods smiling back at me. We walk back in the restaurant and she goes to the back and I walk back to the table with a smirk my face.

"So Gabriella is coming over to watch the game with us." I said nonchalantly both guys look at me like I grew a second head. "What we have Morgan over from time to time it's not like this is a first time thing guys." I say getting weirded out from them staring. "No it's not that it's just that well one you never invite girls over, and two you have this smirk on your face the size of Texas what the hell happened when you talked to her." Chris stated. "I have no clue what you are talking about Chris." I said taking a bite of my burger. "Fine we'll let it go for now but sooner or later you are going to have to tell us what happened." Justin said biting into his garlic burger. "Yea you are acting freaky today man and I don't know if I like it on you." Chris said eating some of his fries. We just continue to eat and make idle conversation finishing our meal I turn to them and say "Go on ahead I got this today you guys get the next one." I go to take care of the bill and I see Gabriella and say "we are going to head out here is my address and just text me when you are there." She gives me a shy smile and walks back to the kitchen as I walk out the door.


I hear Bo bark at the doorbell as I run down stairs I say "Bo shut up and be nice!" Bo sits and waits for me to open the door to let the new thing in the house so he can greet it his own way. I open the door and see Gabriella in a Reggie Wayne jersey and jeans as I let her in I have Bo by the collar so he doesn't frighten her more than she might already be. "Hey glad you found it ok I see you meet my dog Bo he is a giant teddy bear when he calms down." I say leading Bo down to the basement. "So how was the rest of your shift?" I asked interested.

"Eh uneventful what kind if dog is Bo?" she asks I turn from my position at the basement door to face her and say, "German Sheppard/border collie/chow mix I have him pretty well trained he's about 4 and rarely gets into trouble." She looks shocked as I lead her to the kitchen I see my mom for the first time today "Hey momma I would like you to meet Gabriella Montez, Gabriella this is my mom Lucille Bolton." I say as they exchange a friendly hug my mom says "Good to meet such a pretty girl like yourself. Nice to see that Troy has the decency to bring this girlfriend home the only one of his friends he brings over are Justin, Chris and occasionally Morgan." I spit the sip of water I had taken out. Once I catch my breath I say "Mom! She's not my girlfriend she's in my government class and we happen to be friends!" I yell Shit now I have to work twice as hard to convince her that I want to date her I thought as my mom waves it off. "Anyway mom where is dad and Gabriella would you like anything to drink we have Gatorade, Pepsi, Diet Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Voltage and Dr. Pepper or water." I am remembering to still be a good host "Pepsi please Troy" Gabriella answers as I pull one out for her a diet mountain dew for me a voltage for Chris and a Dr. Pepper for Justin "So mom you never did answer my question of where dad is." I say handing the Pepsi to Gabriella and taking a sip of my drink. "Oh he is at the store getting something I can't remember" she says and walks out of the kitchen but not before yelling to remind me that Bo needs to go out before the game.

I walk down to the basement to give the guys their drinks and yell "Come on Bo time to go out backside!" Bo darts up from his place on the floor and runs up stairs I lead Gabriella outside. While I'm watching my dog be free I say softly "I'm sorry for what I said earlier about you not being my girlfriend. I really do like you but I think I'm just afraid that my mom will do or say something like that and make everyone uncomfortable. I know I must be giving you mixed signals but in reality I'm starting to get into new territory and I'm scared because I really don't want to ruin our friendship or simply fuck up our relationship if you say yes. I don't know why I feel this way I spent all last year trying to figure it out but nothing comes to mind. I wish it was like a game sometimes where you can go back and say 'ok here is where I screwed up here and here so next week I can do this and that to fix it' I wish it was so easy but it's not and I'm not being fair to you in the process so if you hate me fair enough after today I'll back off and leave you alone." I say all the while looking out at backyard. She gives me a hug from behind and says "well you do have good speeches and that's a plus, you also know when you do or say something wrong. You re a sweet and caring guy Troy but you over think things sometimes and ive been thinking since yesterday that it has something to do with your last girlfriend breaking up with you before your 'mental practice' and you over thought what went wrong there and it messed with you a bit. With that being said I know you can overcome it." She finishes with a kiss on my cheek. I sigh and say "Shot in the dark but will you go out with me this Friday after the basketball game?" I said still not baring to look at her. I hear her take a deep breath and whisper in my ear "I would love to." I turn around and for the second time today pull her into a kiss and for the second time she kisses back. "Well now that that's out of the way let me get this crazy dog and we can go in and watch the game" I say smiling at her. I call Bo back in and Gabriella and I walk back hands intertwined.