JAKE
BNR848
Disclaimer: The publicly recognized, and much beloved characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 11
He spotted Emily at the front of the diner wearing jeans, and a tee shirt, holding a brand new glove. It was just before nine and the diner was bustling with Saturday morning patrons. Sydney and Emily soon fell into easy conversation while they waited to be seated. They finally got a booth and ordered coffee.
He was nervous and still second guessing the situation. He'd been honest with Sydney about wanting to get to know Emily better. Though they had only just met, there was something about her that made him feel comfortable. Jake Castle was a conflicted man.
"Nice glove, but we have plenty of equipment. I'm sure we could have found you one," added Jake.
"You play softball?" asked Sydney.
"All State Girls High School Softball Champions, three years running. Shortstop," smiled Emily as she took a sip of her coffee.
Sydney and Reece broke out in laughter.
"Sorry, it's that most of the women Jake dates don't know a softball from a meatball," added Reece. Eliciting a sharp jab from Sydney.
"Jake and I aren't… dating," Emily stated as she blushed, grabbed her coffee and took a large gulp.
Breakfast arrived just in time to interrupt, allowing the conversation to quickly change. Eventually Sydney grabbed the bull by the horns, bring Emily to speed regarding the impending softball get together.
"I don't know if Jake mentioned it, but this is really a practice of sorts. It's for The Johanna Beckett Foundation. Jake and Reece's grandmother, she was killed…"
"Jake, I'm so, so sorry," a stunned Emily added.
"Thank you, but it was a very, very long time ago. Anyway without dwelling on it, several years after my Dad met my Mom he asked to help start a foundation to honor her memory. My grandmother was an attorney. The foundation awards scholarships to law school students who want to dedicate their careers to public service. Among the fundraising events is an annual softball tournament. The NYPD, FDNY, some of the city's largest law firms, and a bunch of other groups participate. It's a pretty big deal. The tournament is on the 4th of July. We have food and music, all the ice-cream you can eat and after the awards ceremony there are fireworks," added Jake before stuffing a forkful of waffle into his mouth.
Without missing a beat Reece continued. "Today is just practice. We are team Castle, mostly made up of family and close friends. Basically today is just a fun day. Although I must warn you, we tend to be a little competitive. It's a family trait."
Sydney could see the panic creeping onto Emily's eyes. She smiled, reached over and patted her hand. "Don't panic. Alexis, and Lily will make sure no one water-boards you. Without exception, the Castle women are the only normal members of the family. You'll confess everything to the Senator, without even knowing, and Mr. Castle will delight in relaying embarrassing things about Jake; he's an ally. You'll be fine, they're really harmless."
The walk to the field was long and welcomed. It allowed Emily's butterflies to settle and gave Jake time to think. Reece walked next to Sydney with his arm comfortably over her shoulders. Emily and Jake walked side by side without much interaction. As they approached the North Meadow, Jake held back taking Emily by the hand. Reece stopped to wait on his brother but was pulled along by Sydney.
"Emily, I'm sorry. I thought we'd have a good time, but I should have told you my family was going to be here. It's unfair to put you in this position, if you want to leave I understand. I can get you a cab, no hard feelings."
"I can handle your family Jake, and I think it'll be fun. After all, we're just friends out to play some softball and have a good time. Right?" professed Emily.
Relived, Jake half smiled, responding, "Right!"
As they approached the field it was evident Reece and Sydney had given the family a heads-up. They welcomed Emily without much fanfare and no ribbing. Charlie ran towards her uncles, leaping into Reece's arms eagerly reminding him she was on their team.
"You must be Emily. We're so glad you could joined us, I'm Jake's dad, Richard Castle. Over there in the blue tee-shirt is my wife Kate. We hear you play softball. You may need to be on Jake's team, he needs all the help he can get," a laughing Castle declared.
Fourth of July Emily Richardson was wearing a Castle Team jersey playing shortstop. Wearing a smile, Jake Castle played first.
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