Promise Forged, page 10
Although the idea of an all-star game sounded great, the reality was brutal for the players. Their teammates had a day off, but the all-stars had traveled to Chicago, would play the game, and then rejoin their teammates in time for the next game.
The announcer introduced the players, his voice crackling over the public address system. Kat stepped forward with a big grin and wave when he announced her name. Her steps bounced, and energy radiated from her.
His star.
Jack settled in, waiting for the moment she would snag the ball or make the play that solidified her stature in the game.
She might be seventeen, but that wasn’t too young—just look at fifteen-year-old Dottie Schrader, who had locked in her place in the league’s history books. Time for everyone outside Cherry Hill to realize that Katherine Miller had the same playing ability and star quality.
The first six innings had Jack fighting to pay attention. The play inched along, with the focus being the contest between the pitcher and batter. The powers-that-be should have selected Faye Donahue for one of the teams. She at least would have been easy on the eyes while time faded.
During the seventh-inning stretch Jack jerked to attention.
“My special guest today is Miss Katherine Miller,” the announcer spit into the microphone. “What are you here to tell us about, little lady?”
Jack laughed, drawing curious stares from the few people seated around him. “She hates to be called that.”
“It’s all about war bonds.” Kat’s voice sounded honey-dipped, so much so he could imagine the furrow between her brows. “Today the players have agreed to sign autographs for those who buy a war bond.”
“One war bond equals one autographed picture?”
“Yes, sir.”
“So if a fan wants everyone’s photo?”
“That’s more than twenty war bonds, and the buyer’s a real patriot.”
“For that many, I’d think people would expect more than photos.”
Jack cocked his head, wanting to catch her reply.
There was a slight pause. Had her mouth fallen open in shock? Was she considering slapping the guy? Jack rubbed his jaw, imagining the impact.
“Well, sir, what exactly do you have in mind?”
The man cleared his throat, and Jack smiled at his discomfort.
“I’m not sure what’s going through your mind, sir, but this is America’s wholesome pastime. We’re delighted to provide a great example to younger girls who hope to someday play ball themselves. So the players will be happy to sign one photo for each war bond.”
“Yes!” Jack pumped his fist in the air.
Kat’s quote would lead all the articles about the all-star game. His star had just grown.
Twelve
The train rocked from side to side as it raced to Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Blossoms had started the second half of the season on fire. Did it have something to do with the fans filling the seats at games? It seemed that in every town they played, enthusiasm for the league had improved. Even in Cherry Hill the stands had reached capacity a time or two.
Now the Blossoms must find a rhythm that led to the playoffs. To do that, they needed to at least split the series, or their season might as well be over.
The longer Kat played with the Blossoms, the more life evolved into something complicated. And the more the thought of her final year of school welcomed her. She knew what to expect there. The role to play. Here nothing made sense anymore. Everything sucked the energy from her as she tried to please all those around her and failed miserably.
There’s only One you need to please.
The words whispered through her soul. But how could she honor everyone while focusing on Him?
“It would be easier if everyone else served You.”
Addebary stumbled up the aisle, and she looked away. Maybe he’d go somewhere else. She didn’t have the energy to pretend right now.
“Kat Miller. You had a great series, kid.”
“Thanks, sir.” Kat glanced across the car and caught Rosie staring at her, frown lines etched into the grooves of her face.
“You’re coming back next year, aren’t you?”
Kat shrugged. “Probably. But we’ll have to see how school goes. My parents are pretty keen on me finishing and looking at college.”
The man rubbed his paunch and nodded. “Understood. Keep playing like you have the last few weeks, and you’ll have a spot on any team. With the stadiums filled, they’re expanding the league. They’ll need even more players to fill all the spots.”
“I’ll pray about it.”
“That’s all I ask, kid. I’d love to have you back. Well. . .” He launched to his feet. “I’m headed to the dining car for some food. Need anything?”
“No, thank you.”
After he left, Kat pulled out a paperback. She didn’t know much about the book, but it had been inexpensive at the station’s newsstand. She’d barely turned to page 4 when someone plopped down next to her.
“You are something else, you know that?” Lola crossed her arms and glared at Kat.
Kat wrinkled her forehead, trying to figure out what Lola meant.
“You know that double play from the other day?” Kat nodded. “Guess who got all the credit for it? Yep, your boyfriend made it out like you whizzed around the field getting both outs. Must be nice to have someone color the world rosy for you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Guess what. I’m tired of the innocent act. It doesn’t do a thing for me anymore. You’re working the angles like the rest of us. Only thing is, you get all the breaks. The good press. The all-star game. Not content to leave any crumbs for the rest of us. Not that I want your crumbs.”
Kat fought the surge of heat that colored her vision. She should let Lola’s words go. Turn the other cheek. But she couldn’t. Not anymore. “I have done nothing to you. I haven’t asked for any of this. Faye should have been at the all-star game. Not me.”
“You’ve got that right.”
“But guess what? I wasn’t the one making the selection. I just went where they sent me. Like I do every day.” People turned toward them. She needed to lower her voice, but it was like a valve had been released. She couldn’t stop herself.
“I never asked for the newspaper coverage either. All I want to do is play ball. That’s it. I’d love to make a few friends, but that doesn’t even seem possible. So excuse me if life isn’t the way you wanted it or imagined it. But it hasn’t turned out that way for me either.” Kat stood then stumbled as the train swayed. Her gaze locked with Jack’s. Her cheeks flamed. When had he entered the car? It didn’t matter. His gaze searched her with a knowing expression. She had to get away and protect herself from him. Kat grabbed her purse and ran.
❧
Jack watched Kat go. Listening to her, a flare shot through him.
She deserved better.
Son, never fail to treat others the way you’d choose to be treated. His mother’s words echoed through his heart. She wouldn’t understand his need to do whatever it took to climb to a better paper in a bigger city. Instead, if he bothered to ask, she’d probably tell him to do right and trust the Lord to handle the details.
Those words used to make so much sense.
Then the world fell apart, and he’d struggled to find his footing ever since.
Maybe that was the crux of the issue. He’d struggled. Maybe he needed to step back and trust again the One who had planned his life long before he drew his first breath.
He’d have to think some more on that. But right now he needed to apologize for the way he’d set up Kat. Although he hadn’t foreseen the way the other players would react, he hadn’t changed anything once he became aware of their attitudes either. And he wouldn’t want to be treated that way.
Sure, he hadn’t done anything intentional. Who wouldn’t like starring in the articles? But he’d never stopped to ask her. He’d rolled over her like everyone else.
He needed to follow her, but glue must have adhered to the seat of his pants. Rosie looked at him with a glint in her eyes.
“Can’t do it, can you?”
“Huh?” He’d play dumb. Nobody else needed to know his thoughts.
“Remorse is a terrible thing.”
“Don’t know what you mean.”
“Hmm.” She looked at him, a calculating set to her face. “Isn’t she a bit young for you? There are plenty of women on the team. You don’t have to settle for a kid. She’s sweet, but that’s not what you want.”
Her words wove around his mind, a glaring counterpoint to the direction his thoughts had just taken. He needed to leave. Get out of Dodge.
“I know someone who’s interested, but not while you moon over a kid. So if you’re ready for a real woman. . .”
A warning screamed in his mind. He needed to get away from Rosie before he acted on her offer. “Let her know I’m not interested now. Life’s too busy.”
That had to be the weakest excuse he’d come up with in a long time, but it gave him the gumption he needed to move. He hightailed it out of the railcar before her siren call wove an unbreakable spell.
A moment later he entered the dining car and froze. Kat huddled at a corner table. He hesitated. She was a kid. But that didn’t change the truth. He wanted to be with herbut couldn’t let himself. Before she could see him, he turned and hotfooted out of there like a coward.
❧
Kat tugged her suitcase into a Kenosha hotel lobby. This one didn’t look so different from the others she’d walked into this summer. Faded carpet, a couple of stuffed chairs, bored desk attendant. Kat accepted her room key from Joanie, found the room, and deposited her suitcase. Then she joined the rest of the team on the walk to the ball field. She strolled next to Faye but stayed silent as she listened to the chatter around her. Many of the gals talked about the dates they’d had during their last quick stay in Cherry Hill. Kat didn’t have anything to add to that conversation. Most of the time she was glad, but today, for some reason, it left her feeling hollow.
They reached the clubhouse and changed into their practice uniforms before grabbing their gear.
“You with us, Kat?” Manager Addebary stared at her as if waiting for her to blow over in a stiff breeze.
“Yes, sir.” Tired as she was, she’d do what it took to help the team. Since the all-star game, little risk remained of being sent home before the end of the season. Unless her stamina gave out.
“Then get out there.”
Kat hurried to her position.
“If it isn’t the princess.” Lola chomped on a wad of gum. Kat tried to keep her gaze straight ahead and avoid the thought that Lola chewed like a cow on cud.
Rosie snickered. “Glad you could join us.”
“Too bad some of your swarming fans didn’t make the trip.”
Kat tightened her jaw against the words she wanted to spout back. She wanted to play her best for whoever showed up to watch. And that required focused practice. “I’d really like to get ready for tonight.”
“Oh, is that a command? Having money wasn’t enough for you? You have to command the rest of us while you’re here?” The hard edge to Lola’s voice brought Kat up short. What was the story? Something had to make the woman so hateful.
Kat opened her mouth then closed it. Someone had to be the adult and do the mature thing. And that meant letting Lola’s words go. Lord, help me bite my tongue and give me abundant grace for Lola and Rosie. Please.
“Shouldn’t you gals warm up something other than your mouths?”
Not that annoying, wonderful voice. If she wasn’t careful, Jack would finish the transformation into the knight sent to defend her. Her heart tripped at the image of him vanquishing her foes and freeing her from their torment.
“If it isn’t Jack Raymond. Defender of all helpless, underage maidens.” Rosie rolled her eyes. “Don’t forget there are real women out here.”
Heat flashed through Kat at the blatant invitation in Rosie’s words. How could someone be that brazen? In public?
“Miss Miller, could I have a moment of your time?” Kat had to shield her face to see the tight lines around Jack’s eyes.
“What do you need, Jack?” She turned her most syrupy smile his way while trying to avoid eye contact. She did not need the jolt of looking into his eyes and the following confusion. She was too tired today to get her heart to cooperate.
“A quote from Cherry Hill’s favorite softball player.”
“Then you’re in the wrong place. We’re baseball players now.”
“That’s just a name change.”
“Don’t reporters pride themselves on getting the facts right?”
“Touché.” Jack pushed off his bleacher and hiked down the stairs till he stood three or four rows above her. The annoying man forced her to keep her eyes shielded from the sun. “I still need that quote.”
“And I need to get back to practice, or Cherry Hill’s most popular player will lose her contract. If you’ll excuse me.” Kat took a step back.
“Duck!”
Kat turned around in time to see the softball blazing toward her. Then everything went black.
❧
“Come on, kid.”
Why was something tickling her neck? Kat tried to move but stopped as pain pulsed through her head. Was she lying down? That didn’t make sense. And why was someone slapping her cheeks? Kat held a hand to her head. “Stop.” She’d meant the word to be forceful, but it trickled out in a whisper.
“You took a softball to the head.” Jack’s voice came from overhead. Did his breath brush her cheek? She tried to open her eyes, but the lids felt so heavy. Too heavy. Instead she rested.
“Katherine Miller. What have you done now?” Joanie clucked her tongue. “And I thought strawberries were painful. Looks like you’ll have a goose egg before that swelling stops. Someone get some ice for the girl’s head.”
A murmuring in the background built until it sounded like a swarm of mosquitoes.
Kat licked her lips. “Could you tell everyone the show’s over?”
“Hmm? All right, gang. Back to practice.” Addebary shouted instructions, and soon Kat felt movement vibrate through the ground.
“Here, this will feel cold.” Joanie thrust something frigid against her hair. “We’ll hold it in place for a while. Give the bruising a chance to ease. Do you think you can sit up?”
“I can try.” Kat screwed her eyes shut as someone tugged on each arm, pulling her upright. Gingerly she eased one eye and then the other open. The world didn’t shift, but a headache pounded from the egg at the back of her head.
“You won’t play tonight, but it looks like you’ll live.”
“Thanks, Joanie.” It wouldn’t be the last time a ball beaned her, but Kat appreciated seeing the softer side of the chaperone. The side that cared more about the players than enforcing all the rules.
“I’ll call a cab for you. No need for you to wait here while everyone else practices.”
“I’ll get her there.”
Joanie eyed Jack, clearly skeptical and with a hint of mama-bear protectiveness. Maybe she really just wanted to shield Kat, and that explained her strictness. Then Joanie looked at the field. “I guess that would work this once. Don’t try anything funny.”
He looked at Joanie with an innocent expression that said, “Who me?” Kat would have laughed if she hadn’t feared it would hurt.
“Really, I’m fine.”
“Sure you are, kid. Let’s get you on your feet.” He hauled her up, and she closed her eyes against the sudden swaying sensation. “Yeah, I’d say you’re ready to get around by yourself. Come on.”
Kat leaned against Jack and opened her eyes long enough to catch the uncertainty in Joanie’s eyes. Maybe the woman wasn’t so hard after all. Just unsure how to best protect her charges.
“Remember, no men in your room.”
Thirteen
The article Jack wrote about the series of Kenosha games highlighted Kat’s ball to the head yet somehow managed to make her look heroic.
He thought she’d thank him. Instead she’d avoided him. So much for his good intentions. He didn’t understand women. That couldn’t be clearer.
But as the team crept back into Cherry Hill early Monday morning, a surprise awaited them. Fans packed the train station’s platform.
“Way to go, girls!”
“Win some while you’re home.”
“Glad to see you’re okay, Kat.”
The appearance of a hundred or more fans seemed to jolt the team. Faye grinned and waved as if she’d morphed into Marlene Dietrich. Rosie sidled to the side and disappeared into the arms of a waiting plant worker. Kat looked at Jack, a befuddled expression on her adorable face.
He leaned in next to her. “I think they want a speech.”
“Then they’ll have to wait for Addebary.”
“He doesn’t seem like the speech type.”
“Neither am I. Good day, Mr. Raymond.” Before he could stop her, Kat slipped from his side and through the crowd, stopping periodically to sign a program or other piece of paper some fan thrust in her face. She seemed to do so with good humor but a touch of speed. Then she disappeared.
The middle of July had arrived and with it a shortening season. It wouldn’t be too many more weeks before the season ended, most of the girls leaving with it. That didn’t bother him until he thought of one player.
He needed to maximize his time with her. Jack hurried after Kat. She couldn’t have gotten too far. He stopped when he spotted her half a block from the depot. A young man stood in front of her, blocking her path, but she didn’t seem to mind. Jack picked up his pace, in case she needed his help.
