Getting back to business during the playoffs isn't as easy as they had hoped.
The sun was beaming through the space where the blinds had yet to meet. Mike was stiff from sleeping in the same position all night, a side effect of his in ability to roll around with broken ribs and healing stitches. He felt a heavy soreness on his chest and realized his fiancé had made her way to his embrace during the night. On any other night, this would be normal, the usually way they woke, tangled in one another. But this morning, the weight of Ginny's head was more than he could handle, yet he had craved her body every night while he was in the hospital. Their bodies were like magnets the first night they were back in the same bed.
"Gin… Babe… Rookie…" Mike gently nudged her. She shifted her head to meet his eyes, hers barely open. "Do you mind moving your head to my arm? Hurts the broken ribs a bit." Ginny started to completely pull away from him. "No! Don't move anything else…" He smirked. "I want the rest of you here next to me. Just need a little weight off the ribs is all."
"Sorry, I didn't even realize I'd decided to smother you. Force of habit." She shrugged.
"Soooo… yesterday, when I yelled at you. I'm so sorry. I didn't handle that well. I'm frustrated. It's just, I want so much for you. For your career, and I don't want to be the reason you don't get all your dreams."
"I told you… F-R-E-E, Free Pass for that one. Pain… meds… messed up sleep… stress." Ginny paused between each. "You've been through the wringer. I get that. But come Thanksgiving weekend, we are officially married. We're in this life together now… We make life decisions together. You don't get to push me back out to the field." She paused and kissed him a little and ran her fingers over his chest. Stopping short of his incision from his surgery. "Think about it… Did you just decide to retire by yourself, or did you include me in that conversation?"
"Well of course I talked to you about it."
"Because our life that we are building is bigger than a game." Then Mike's stomach growled and interrupted them.
"You know Rook, you're getting pretty good at those speeches."
"I learned from the best… even if he is a narcissist. Now, what do you want for breakfast, old man…"
- Later that day -
It was the first day of the Boston Padres series, Wild Card of the playoffs. Tina had come by the house at noon and Ginny headed out to hit the gym and practice. Then she ran a few errands, picked up dinner and made it back to the house in time to shower before the Padres game that evening. Ginny and Tina had some time to chat during dinner the night before while Mike slept. Ginny had learned that in addition to being a certified nurse, she was also a licensed massage therapist, practiced a very holistic lifestyle and was "no nonsense" kind of gal. It was this first set of interactions that made Ginny feel better about leaving Mike in the care of another when he couldn't even get off of the couch on his own.
During Ginny's time away from the house that afternoon, Tina made herself busy prepping meals for Mike to reheat for himself when Ginny was out of the house. (Little did she know - that even if Ginny was home, he would be on his own for food – Ginny still was a dunce in the kitchen.) She moved some furniture around to make it easier and safer for Mike to get about on his own as much as possible.
Mike's physical therapist came by to show Tina exercises for Mike to do daily. In just one week of inactivity, Mike already had a decent amount of muscle atrophy. But more than that, his bad knees and back were locking up from immobility. So now he needed to get up and move at least once an hour. Little Tina was now big Mike's bully to make him move, even if he was sleepy or in pain. The upside having having Tina around was keeping Ginny from being his pushy caretaker and focused just on being his loving fiancé.
Tina stayed for dinner again and planned to only watch the first part of the Padres game even though she had no interest in professional sports. She had noticed the tension from the her first day had lessened today. She was a believer of healing the whole person, not just broken ribs and bruises. Staying for dinner would help her learn a little more into anything that could keep him from fully recovering. She learned a whole lot more than she bargained for.
If Mike could have been up pacing during the game, he would have been. When Mike was anxious, he'd been compared to a caged animal on more than one occasion. Being forced to sit was like a version of unauthorized CIA torture. Ginny stood in his place, rocking from side to side with her hands on her hips. And during commercial breaks, she paced around the living room. All this was because their boys were loosing.
They didn't talk about the game. The only conversations in their glass box of a house were about non-baseball topics. There was nothing they could do about the game in Boston from San Diego. No seventh inning speech Mike could give, no relief pitching Ginny could offer. Tina had stayed on longer than planned seeing the stress and knowing she had a place to stay for the night.
Padres loose 4 to 7 in their first game against the Boston Red Sox. The after-game commentary didn't get any better. There was a lot of discussion if the absence of Ginny and/or Mike caused them to loose the game. It was 11 at night by this point. Mike picked up his phone looking at Ginny. She nodded in agreement. He sent a quick text.
Tina had to ask after so little conversation… "What was all that?"
"What?" Mike asked in return.
"You looked at Ginny and she agreed to something without you saying a word." Tina said.
"Oh, that… I want to finally talk to the press after my accident. Seeing the way those commenters used our absence to flambé the team was not okay. I was getting Ginny's approval to email our publicist."
Ginny chimed in… "You spend enough time in our line of work and little things make you recall past conversations. All you need is a head nod or quick signal to be on the same page."
"Man are your kids in so much trouble. They don't stand a chance against you as a team." Tina chuckled. But she noticed Ginny's face went straight at the mention of kids and Mike was instantly excited. Quite opposite reactions from a couple about to walk down the isle.
"Yeah they are." Mike agreed. "But kids are still a number of years out for us." And he winked at Ginny, letting her know he wasn't going to rush her. Then her face softened, knowing she wouldn't need to discuss it tonight.
Tina got up from her chair, "And with that, do you mind if I turn in for the night. I'll probably get up early, head out and then be back here around noon. Mike, need any help upstairs?"
"I'll get him up there, we managed last night." Ginny said softly as she went and sat next to him on the couch, turning off the TV. After Tina made her way upstairs, Ginny leaned into Mike gently as to not hurt his ribs. "I know you're ready for kids now… thank you for being so understanding."
"Gin, if you didn't want kids, I'd still marry you tomorrow. You are the most important thing to me. Kids are just icing on our already amazing cake. Got it?"
"Got it. But I do. Want kids. I wasn't sure until I met you. But now I am. For the longest time, I was just a robot in cleats. You opened my heart to love... to kids."
"Oh, I know. You've mentioned our non-existent kids too often for me to not know. No subtly with you Baker. You've been loud and clear about your intentions with me." And with that she laughed and settled in a little further. The TV was off, it was dark outside and stillness surrounded them. They were always at their happiest when it was just them.
- Wild Card: Game 2 - Padres vs Red Sox -
With one simple text to Amelia the night before, Mike and Ginny had a small camera crew setting up in their living room around 1:00. Amelia was out back on the phone. Tina arrived back at the house at noon and been warned of the incoming chaos. She had a very brief introduction to the tall blonde, before Amelia ran off to talk to someone on the production crew. Her job was to make sure Mike wasn't in pain, so it wouldn't show on camera.
Amelia had wanted to screen the questions, but Mike and Ginny knew that even if they had a list of approved questions, the interviewer could go off script and still surprise them.
By 2:00 the interview was starting. It was going to be pre-taped, not live, which was a relief in some senses, but always a concern… they never knew what would be edited out.
Ginny sat down next to Mike on the couch, not too close, no touching. This was the first time they had done a joint interview since they announced their engagement/went public with their relationship. And today's interview was about the Padres, about work. It wasn't about them as a couple.
Tina jumped when the lady next to her yelled "ROLLING" which was the cue to the team to begin.
Their interviewer Justin began with general pleasantries, "Mike, you're looking well after the accident. How are you feeling?"
"Well, I feel like I've been hit by a small truck, but I'm recovering better than expected. Truth is, the other driver didn't survive, so I'll take this pain if it means I'm alive to see another day."
Then Justin turned to Ginny, "This is quite the unique situation. We've seen players out for injuries… and players out for a loved one. But you're out of the game to care for a loved one who is a player. What toll has that taken on you as a key player for the Padres?"
Here it was, the beginning of the questions they knew were coming… and needed to be addressed.
"Justin, the scare of loosing anyone you love one takes a toll. But I believe every person on the Padres roster is a 'Key' player." Ginny responded sincerely.
Justin chimed in, "So you're saying that missing their starting catcher had nothing to do with the Padres loss last night?"
"Yes and no. We are a close-knit group. I think that knowing someone on the team almost died affected them as a team. It could have been Mike, or anyone else on the team. But we have a deep and incredibly talented bench." Ginny said with upmost confidence.
It was Mike's turn. "Have you noticed who's been the starting catcher for the majority of the games since mid-season? It's not me. I'm retiring, well, I guess I'm retired now. But in preparation for my retirement, Livan Duarte has had the majority of the starts this second half. And you know what, he's been a great and we've been winning. And Blip Sanders has been an excellent co-captain these last several years and will be an amazing captain next year. This Padres team is completely capable of winning without me. I hate to admit it, but they are." Mike said almost definitely.
Justin started to ask a question, but before his first word came out, Ginny cut him off, "I've always heard that the sign of a great leader is when they are no longer needed. When they can step back, and the group continues to work. Yes, the Padres lost last night. It's why this game is played in a series format. But I believe they will come back. Now that Mike is out of the hospital and settled, I plan to be back as soon as the team needs me."
Now the duo let Justin have his turn. "So what do you think the chances of a repeat World Series title are for the Padres are?" And he left the question open to either Mike or Ginny. Ginny looked straight at Justin knowing Mike was going to field this response.
"Well Justin, statistically, the odds are against us. It's been 17 years since a team has won back-to-back titles. It can be done, and this team is going to do their best to bring it back home again."
"Mike, have you given any thought to holding off on retirement and staying with the game for another year?"
"No Justin, my body is done. I've been lucky for far too many years playing the game I love the most. Now it's time for my next endeavor.
"Speaking of new endeavors," Justin used to shift the conversation. "Have you finalized your wedding plans for your Thanksgiving wedding in Cabo San Lucas?"
It was a good thing there weren't heart rate monitors connected to ether of them, because both of their hearts skipped a beat practically in unison. "Let's just say 'no comment' to that." Ginny responded, trying not to confirm or deny the location and timing of when their wedding would occur.
"Well I imagine your presence is missed in the locker room. It's been great visiting with you today." Justin said.
"Likewise." Mike said
"Thanks for coming over." Ginny said.
Then in the background you could hear "CUT!" yelled by the producer.
A few quick words were exchanged between Justin, Mike and Ginny. The producer spoke to Amelia and the team packed up all with in about 15 minutes. Then it was just Amelia, Tina, Mike and Ginny left in the now very quiet house.
Mike was getting stiff and need to move so he motioned for Tina. While he was getting up Ginny just asked. "How did he know? We had NDA's and everything."
"I don't know" Amelia said. "I even asked the producer, but she wouldn't reveal her source, not that I expected her to."
"Gin, babe… I'm so sorry. What do you want to do?" Mike asked.
"We already paid a pretty large deposit to the hotel for both room nights and catering." Ginny said.
Mike was up and moving, assisted by Tina. "I don't care about the money." Tina looked bewildered at this point.
"Oh, the guy interviewing us asked about our wedding and new the location and date. We've been trying to keep it secret. We wanted it small-ish and private, as in no paparazzi. We've tried so hard to keep our relationship out of the media as much as possible and live as normal of a life as we can."
Tina was beginning to realize that despite their fame, they didn't care about the notoriety, they cared about the relationship. She had an idea, but wanted to think about it for a little bit.
Ginny was still pacing around the room and now her anxiety was getting to everyone. "Hey 43, do you want to take a lap?" Mike asked rather sweetly. "Petco is closing soon, but you're the one looking like the caged animal and that metaphor is usually reserved for me."
"Yeah, let me slip on some tennis and go for a quick run." Ginny responded and headed upstairs. A few minutes later she emerged in workout gear ready to go. Amelia walked out with her to see what she damage control she could do back at her office.
Now that the interview was done, Tina went through Mike's physical therapy with him then did some massage work on his back and legs. While they worked together she thought it would be a good time to bring up something she noticed from the night before. "Mr. Lawson…"
"Tina, call me Mike, please for as much as you're going to be around here, it's Mike to you."
"Ok… Mike. Can I ask a personal question, and if it's too far out of line, I completely understand, you barely know me?"
"Ginny liked you instantly. She trusts you, so that says a hell of a lot. Ask away."
"Yesterday, when I mentioned kids, Ginny kinda froze. Is that a sore subject?"
Mike just chuckled. "No, we both really want kids, like now. But being a professional athlete in a sport that has such a long season… well getting pregnant means sitting part… or all of a season out. I've had a full career. When she's ready, she'll let me know."
"Oh… I guess I was thinking you weren't on the same page…" Mike noticed Tina was a little embarrassed by her question.
He put a hand on her shoulder. "Nope… totally on the same page. I'm just letting her write the book. But it's okay that you asked."
"Have you thought about surrogacy, fostering, adoption… or even a puppy until you are ready?" And it was like a light bulb went off in Mike's head. "What… I got you thinking didn't I? That's a look I haven't see on on your face yet." And Tina had a high-pitched cackle Mike hadn't heard before. It was fantastic and broke any remaining tension left in the house. They continued talking about how Mike and Ginny became a couple, the proposal and by the time Ginny was back from her run, Tina was completely in love with the Baker/Lawson love story.
"Hey Tina, since you were here so late last night, you can cut out early today. Just let me shower off first, if you don't mind." Ginny said as she stretched post work out.
"You sure… Mike was just telling me about how many times he's screwed up and you've forgiven him."
"Yeah, but he's my best friend, so I keep him around." Ginny laughed in response.
"So it seems."
- Division Playoffs -
As Ginny and Mike predicted during their interview, the Padres made it past the Red Sox to the next round of the Playoffs. Ginny was back in the lineup as a relief pitcher, which meant she may or may not get called out to the field. But if - and when, she would be ready.
Mike was progressing well himself. He was walking on his own - mostly. Even though he didn't need Tina as much anymore, Mike and Ginny had fame. So when the Padres had their first practice back at Petco, Tina joined Mike to make sure he didn't have any issues. Tina had learned Mikes cues the way a pitcher learns his (or her) catcher's cues. She knew when Mike was pushing himself too far, needed to sit or need to go home.
Tina and Mike arrived at the end of practice and headed out to the field. Tina was a good looking woman, so it was no surprise the guys snapped their heads around and suddenly got silent when they saw Mike with this 'new' lady. Ginny and Mike realized they hadn't told any of the guys about Tina. She was cute, petite, and the guys had no way of knowing she was in a serious relationship with another woman. From where the players stood, it looked like he arrived with a groupie of days past. Ginny jogged over to her fiancé to greet him. She kissed him then hugged Tina. An audible "Oh" went through the field. Practice was officially done once Mike arrived. Everyone wanted to say hi to their captain.
The team made their way back to the locker room. A few of the guys inevitably tried to hit on Tina with no luck. There were old man jokes and well wishes. Ginny gave Mike his space to take in the adoration of his team. She just leaned against the wall with Tina and smiled at him.
"What was it like in the locker room before you two were dating? If you don't mind me asking?" Tina asked Ginny quietly.
"Oh please girl. You've become part of our life. You're coming over for dinner as soon as you're off payroll. You're part of the family now, like it or not. And when are we going to meet your girlfriend?" And she nudged Tina's shoulder.
"I hope so, I've never had a client that felt like friends instantly. Just tell me when. Jen can't wait to meet you. But I'll warn you. She is a major Ginny Baker fan."
"How am I just now finding this out? You have to bring her to the game tomorrow. But your question… Things were all over the place my first first year in the majors. I had a rule about dating players… He didn't want to mess up my career dating the first female in the league… plus there is our age difference, he had just gotten divorced, we play for the same team, and even the racial difference. There were so many reasons we shouldn't date."
"And yet…" Tina urging Ginny to continue her story.
"And yet all the while we were trying to deny our feelings, our attraction, for each other, we were becoming the best of friends. Until I had a major jealousy fit."
"Ooooh… Mike told me that story! I love that one." They both looked over at him, now sitting in his chair by his cubby, surrounded by the other guys. "Do you think he'll miss all of this?"
"I'm afraid he's going to miss it more than he realizes." Ginny admitted. "I've been trying to convince him to stay on another year. But he swears he's done."
"You all are in an awesome situation that you don't have to worry about your next paycheck. Give him space and time to figure out what's next… don't push him. I've only known you all a little bit, but I just don't see him ending up some deadbeat. He may stumble a little, but that man over there… He's not one to give up – even I can see how stubborn he is."
Ginny knew Tina was right… It had been a rough few weeks. But here they were. Mike was Alive and recovering well. Ginny was back out on the field. Yes, they perfect private wedding was now possibly very public, but at least they still had a wedding to look forward to… A life to look forward to…
Up next - A Bawson Wedding!
