Fate me out to the ball game

September, 1984

It was a bright, crisp early fall afternoon in Queen's, New York, and the excitement was palpable at Shea Stadium. The Mets were playing a crucial game, and the stands were filled with thousands of enthusiastic fans. Among them were two individuals whose paths were about to cross - some might say again - in the most unexpected way.

Tony Micelli, a former baseball player turned, one of many in a long list of assistant coaches of the New York Yankees, had managed to snag a last-minute ticket to the game. He may wear the black and white pinstripes at work but in his heart he would always be a die-hard Mets fan and couldn't resist the rare opportunity to watch his favorite team play. As he made his way to his seat, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Baseball had always been his first love, and being back in this stadium and in the bleachers, brought back a flood of memories.

Angela Bower, a successful advertising executive, was at the game on business. She had been invited by a potential client who was a major sponsor of the Mets. Angela knew nothing about baseball, but she saw this as an opportunity to secure a lucrative deal for her firm. Her colleague, Howie, was held up with a client at the last minute, leaving Angela to fend for herself.

Fate had a funny way of bringing people together and Tony's seat was right next to Angela's.

As the game progressed, Tony's enthusiasm for the Mets was infectious. He cheered loudly, high-fived strangers, and shared his peanuts with everyone around him. Angela couldn't help but smile at his exuberance, even though she was really struggling to make sense of what was going on on the field.

During a particularly tense moment in the game, Tony noticed Angela's puzzled expression. The crowd had gone silent. Bases were loaded, two outs and the Houston Astros' star hitter had just stepped up to the plate.

"First time at a baseball game huh?" he asked with a friendly grin.

Angela laughed. "Is it that obvious? I'm actually here doing research for a client meeting. I don't know the first thing about baseball."

Tony's eyes lit up. "Well then, today's your lucky day!"

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" She asked, amused.

"I'm a coach now but I used to play a little ball, so I can give you the rundown. Who's the client?"

Angela pointed to the biggest sign next to the equally giant screen at the top corner of the field. "They're a big sponsor for the Mets. I'm hoping to land their account. My colleague was supposed to be here with me to help with the baseball side of the dealings," she said, pointing to the empty seat on the other side of her. "But he got held up with another client so here I am … the lone soldier if you will."

Tony nodded, impressed by her obvious professionalism. "That's a big deal. Let me help you out. I'll explain the game, and you can impress them with your newfound knowledge."

They looked back down to the field just as the crowd burst into a roar. They had struck out the star player and he missed it! Surprisingly, however, he didn't seem bothered.

As the game went on, Tony patiently explained the rules and strategies to Angela and she found herself genuinely enjoying the conversation and learning about the sport - Captivated by Tony's stories of his playing days. She even got up for the seventh inning stretch.

"What made you decide to stop playing and become a coach? I mean some of those guys look much older than you." Angela asked.

"Ah … the decision was sorta made for me …"

Before Tony could finish, the stadium's giant screen lit up with the words "KISS CAM," and the camera panned across the crowd, landing on various couples who happily obliged. To Angela's horror, the camera then focused on her and Tony. The crowd around them began to cheer and chant, urging them to kiss.

Angela blushed and shook her head, laughing nervously. "No, no, we're not a couple," she tried to explain.

Tony chuckled, equally embarrassed. "Yeah, we're just friends."

Angela found herself smiling at his choice of words. They had only known each other for a couple of hours but it really did feel as though they were old friends.

The camera moved on, but only for a moment. A few minutes later, it was back on them, and the crowd's cheers grew louder. Angela and Tony exchanged awkward glances, both unsure of what to do.

"Maybe if we just ignore it, they'll move on," Tony suggested.

Angela nodded emphatically. "Good idea."

They continued chatting, trying to focus on the game, but the camera returned once more. This time, the crowd's chants of "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" were deafening. Angela and Tony looked at each other, realizing they had no choice.

"You're not married or anything are ya?" He had already noticed the absence of a wedding band but he approached cautiously, yet eager for her reply.

Angela paused a moment before shaking her head to indicate no. Although that wasn't entirely true it was … kind of true? She justified to herself.

Tony noticed her hesitation but didn't think twice.

"Alright, let's just get it over with?" His tone was tentative. "I don't think they're goin' away," he added with a shrug.

Angela laughed. "Okay, just a quick one."

They leaned in and shared a brief, awkward kiss, much to the delight of the roaring crowd. They pulled away, both blushing furiously, but they couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

As the game ended, with the Mets securing a thrilling victory, Angela felt more confident about her upcoming meeting and was bursting with ideas. She turned to Tony and said, "Thank you so much for your help. I think I might actually grow to enjoy baseball now."

Tony smiled. "Anytime. It was great meeting you. Here's my number, in case you ever need a baseball tutor again."

Angela took the card without looking at it and handed Tony her business card in return. "And if you ever need advertising advice, you know who to call."

As the crowd began to thin out, Tony and Angela found themselves lingering near the exit, the excitement of the Mets' victory still buzzing in the air. They had met just hours earlier but after spending the game laughing and cheering together it felt as if they had known each other for years.

"Well, I guess this is it," Tony said, his voice tinged with a mix of reluctance and hope. "I had a great time tonight, Angela."

Angela smiled, her eyes sparkling under the stadium lights. "Me too, Tony. It was… unexpected, but wonderful."

They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the city night enveloping them. Tony took a step closer, his heart pounding. "You know, I don't usually do this, but… can I see you again?"

Angela's breath caught in her throat. She nodded. "I'd like that."

Without another word, Tony leaned in, and Angela met him halfway. Their lips touched in a gentle, lingering kiss, the world around them fading into the background. Their hearts, lighter than they had been in a long time. The beginning of something neither of them had anticipated but both were eager to explore.

"Goodnight, Tony," Angela said softly.

"Goodnigh …" He trailed off. His hand squeezed hers a bit tighter as he got a good look in her eyes.

Angela looked at him with a mix of concern and confusion on her face as Tony's eyes widened in sudden recognition. A flood of memories from a lifetime ago rushing back to him faster than he could process them. He struggled to remember her name, knowing it wasn't Angela, but he was certain this was the same girl.

"Angela," he began, his voice shaky, "I know this might sound crazy, but… did you ever go to church camp?"

Angela's eyes widened in confusion. "No ..."

Tony took a moment, his hand still tightly secured to hers … Of course not! She was from the other side with the rich kids! He recalled. His heart raced. His breath caught in his throat as the image he left carved in the stone decades ago came back to him.

"Uh … okay bear with me here because this is gonna sound crazy but I promise you I ain't no weirdo."

Angela searched his eyes for clues but she couldn't imagine where this might be going.

"Did you ever … ah" He paused. He had NO idea what the name of her camp was. "You know," he began again, "I always did wonder how your teeth turned out." He chuckled, not realizing he had said that last thought out loud.

"I beg your pardon?" Angela released his hand and took a cautious, albeit small, step back.

"Ah …" Frustrated, he took off his baseball cap with one hand and slid his fingers through his hair with the other. He had only just met her but he really liked her. What if it's not her and I scare her away? No … no way. It's her! I'm sure of it!

"Tony you're beginning to really creep me out so just spill it."

"Okay … okay. Did you ever …" he inhaled a deep breath … "Ingrid?" he questioned. His voice was barely a whisper as the crowds became increasingly quiet around them. But he knew the moment her eyes darted to his, that this was his girl.

Angela stood there, staring at Tony, her mind racing back to that summer at camp. She could still remember the bright glow of the moon, the nervous excitement she felt when she shared her first kiss with a boy named Anthony. It was a memory she had cherished, a sweet, innocent moment from her childhood.

But now, standing in the middle of the thinning crowd in the streets of New York, she felt a jolt of shock. This man, the one whose direction she likely wouldn't have looked in had Howie not gotten held up at his last meeting. The one who had sacrificed his undivided attention to watching his favourite team to walk her through the game, step-by-step out of the goodness of his heart, was the same boy from all those years ago? It seemed almost impossible, like something out of a movie. A rush of nostalgia tumbled through her. Disbelief and confusion took over shortly after.

"Tony," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You were the boy at camp?"

Tony's eyes softened, and he nodded. "I didn't realize it at first either. But when we kissed … I'd never forget those lips." He blushed.

Angela's heart pounded in her chest with a strange mix of joy and uncertainty. The universe has a funny way of bringing people together, she thought. She couldn't help but smile, despite the whirlwind of emotions going on inside of her.

"I … can't believe it." She said, shaking her head in amazement.

Tony stepped closer, his expression tender. "So … you still wanna go on that date with me?" he said softly.

Angela felt tears welling up in her eyes. She realized that this revelation, while surprising, added a beautiful layer to their new relationship. It was as if their lives had come full circle, and she felt a deep sense of connection with Tony, both from their past and their present.

They stood there together, the weight of their shared past and the promise of their future hanging in the air.

"If I'm being honest … I think the universe might strike me with lightning if I were to say no now," she teased with a laugh.

"... Ingrid …" he whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Look, I know you have this big meeting to prepare for but can we grab a coffee or something?"

"After the bomb you just dropped on me I'd suggest dinner."

"I like where this is going. Shall we walk?" he asked as he held out his hand to her.

"Sounds lovely. As it turns out we have a lot to talk about." She chuckled, taking his hand as they began walking the streets in search of a restaurant.

"Yes … and maybe you can start by explaining to me why you told me your name was Ingrid … other than what I'm assuming is an obvious reference to Casa Blanca."

Her jaw dropped in pure amazement. She couldn't think of anyone in her life having made that connection, not the least of which was her own husband. She came to an abrupt halt, her footsteps echoing in the silence as she froze in place.

"Tony, I need to tell you something."

"Do you still love him?" he asked her. He knew from her earlier response that there was something more to the head shake in response to his asking if she was married.

"No." She replied. "And, I have filed for a divorce it's just … complicated … I haven't been able to locate him so …"

"Angela" he gently pulled her closer "The universe brought us here against all odds … let's just enjoy this tonight and worry about the real world starting tomorrow."

She nodded in agreement and they stepped out into the night together, a disbelieving smile spreading across their faces.