Another Surprise
Ginny
As I came out of my private dressing room, ready for my first day of practice after the very awkward meeting with Mike, I was encountered by something I would have never expected in a million years. As if the day hadn't had enough surprises, there stood in the entrance of the Club House, Oscar and Lawson welcoming a new Padre, Jordan Collins. I froze. Collins was my childhood best friend. It was his father who killed my father in a drunk driving accident. I hadn't heard from him or about him for years, until last year that is. He had been playing in the minors and had been making a name for himself.
Mike noticed me in my frozen state. They all stopped talking and looked my way. I could tell by the confused look on both Mike and Oscar that they had no idea why I was reacting this way to the new Padre. But I just couldn't move or hardly breathe. "Baker, this is Collins our new catcher." Oscar announced.
Livan had been traded to the Yankees. Although he was learning how to be more of a team player, he demanded more money. He was without a doubt good, but management wanted someone that would be interested in the whole team not just themselves.
"We've met." Jordan spoke up. I remained still. My eyes wide. "We were childhood besties if you will." Jordan chuckled.
I could see Mike and Oscar exchanged glances and a look of concern washed over them as they watched me struggle to speak.
"Collins." my voice cracked. Tears instantly flooded my eyes but, a smile emerged and I ran to hug him.
Jordan picked me slightly off the ground and buried his head into my shoulder. The way he was holding me soo tight, I knew he was just as emotional as I was. His arms were thick and strong. He was no longer the skinny wiry white boy I remembered. He was a man. His jaw square and looking more like Thor than Shaggy.
"I can't believe you're here! A Padre!" I squealed as I took a step back to take in the new and improved Jordan Collins. His hair was long, cut just above his shoulders. His hair a light brown with blond streaks throughout. His eyes blue or green. Yes green. A scruffy beard and mustache to finish off the Thor look.
"Yeah, I can hardly believe it myself." His eyes gleamed as we stared at each other both smiling ear to ear. It was a tender moment.
"Well, I'm glad you have an instant friend here. Collins, suit up and get on my field. I'm sure Baker will show you around." It may have been my imagination but, I would have sworn I heard irritation and annoyance in Mike's voice. Mike and Oscar left the room.
"Oh my God!" I gasped laughing and crying all at once. "I am ecstatic that you're here!"
"Really? I wasn't so sure you would be." he admitted.
"Of course I am! You were my best friend. Then you disappeared off the planet. I've always wondered what had happen to you. Then you suddenly showed up in the Minors last year, kicking ass might I add. But, I didn't call. I figured you may have a reason you hadn't called me in all this time."
"Ginny, I'm so sorry about what my Dad…"
"No!" I grabbed his hand and squeezed it between both of my hands. "That is not your fault. Your dad failed you. I see that now. My dad saw something great in you. That's why he tried to be there for you. And he was right. Look at you. This is what he saw."
Jordan bowed his head. "Once I saw you make it to the Majors, I was inspired. I was blown away by you." He looked up to look me in the eye. "So, I quit my construction job and picked up the ball. I've been playing ever since." We both smiled and hugged and cried. "Damn Ginny. It feels like home with you."
"Well hurry up and change so we can get to warmups." I swatted him on his ass with my cap and waited for him in the hall.
Mike
Most of the players had been warming up for quite a while when Ginny and Jordan finally came out onto the field. They were laughing and chatting, and this made my blood boil. "Holy shit!" Blip blurted out. "That's Jordan Collins."
"Yeah." I already knew about how well Jordan Collins played in the Minor Leagues. I knew about everyone in baseball period. I knew that Jordan Collins was going to change the face of the Padres. He had a promising pitching speed that just may soon break records. As a catcher he could throw that ball quickly to any place on the field. I knew that a player like Collins and a Pitcher like Ginny could give the Padres a real chance at a world series.
"He and Ginny have history." Blip tugged at his chin.
"Yeah, I heard. Best fucking friends. Looks like they are picking up where they left off." My eyes narrowed as they stretched and laughed. She was laughing a lot and very loudly.
"No, I mean that dudes father is the one who slaughtered her father in that car accident."
"No shit?" That took me back a second.
"Yeah. They haven't spoken since. Looks like she's not holding that against him much. But it's still gotta be painful. I hope this doesn't affect her game. She's gotta stare into his face all damn day." Blip was shaking his head.
"Huh." I watched them as they jogged the field to warm up. A lot to think about now. How will this affect her game? And will having to watch her so close to this young poster boy be something I can stomach? Because so far, it was killing me.