Off Season

I woke up to the sound of my cell phone blaring on the side table...I grabbed the black plastic demon and looked at the screen....Sean...what was my best friend at work doing calling me at 5 on my day off. I rolled my eyes and opened the phone.

“Sean...I’m asleep...don’t call me unless...”

“Unless the Yankees hired a female pitcher from Pen State to replace the starter for next season!” he yelled as I shot up...okay I’m a sports writer for the Times...The New York Times and the Yankees have been my team since I was old enough to climb up on the couch next to my dad and watch every game.

“They did what?!” I yelled standing up fumbling for the remote on the brand new flat screen I had just bought.

“She’s our age, apparently best pitcher from any University and not that bad a bat...the entire Yankee staff is all for it no single objection...the leauge isn’t even taking a measure to prevent it...Kit our Yanks have gone to the girl.” Sean said as I finally turned on the television and the head coach was making his announcement.

“This past Year the New York Yankees, lost one of their greatest pitchers...Mike Pelisante...” Pelisante was a damn good pitcher....and of course he found himself with out a job after his drug tests came back for basically half of the illegal performance enhancers available in the united states.... “But, in our quest to find ourselves a new pitched to replace Mike, we came across a pitcher we as an organization think may very well be one of the greatest of our time.” I laughed

“Yeah there boasting her so she can ruin the game of baseball.”

“Kit you can’t state an opinion with out meeting her first...” Sean scolded in his I’m your mother voice.
“Yeah well if she’s there....”

“She’s not....she’s training.” he said as the coach grabbed his water.

“Well we’ll have to whip out the press badges.” I said as I once agian foucsed on the old man in the grey faded suit which had seen to many flashbulbs.

“Her name is Leda Jones...she’s the former starter at Pen State, (though the past few years she has been playing for the Grand Rapids white Caps), she has a record which mimics that of the greats...her record will be realesed in due time, so please refrian from asking about it...but at this time the New York Yankees are pleased to annoce that starting next season Leda Jones will be our new rookie starting pitcher.” The press went wild people asking questions no one would answer...this was the end of baseball I thought.

“Sean...get over here we are going to find out everything there is to know about this girl.” He chuckled and hung up...I ran into my bathroom, I washed my face and brushed my teeth not worring about showering at the moment I ran a hand over the cursed blonde mop of my hair, placing the contacts I’d worn for close to three years on my blue eyes and then pulling on a pair of jeans over the Yankee boxer shorts I had been wearing. I looked out my window, the city which was visable from my apartment, which was located about six or seven locks from my office seemed to glow in the early hours of sun rise. No doubt in hours newspapers would be screaming about this...this woman who had envaded the perement boys club which is Basebal. (Ohh that was good I should write that down...un momento!) I finished writing out a few terrible things about a woman I knew nothing about as the buzzar on the wall well buzed. I walked over to the blue wall and pushed the button. “Sean I’ve missed you.” I said into the recevier getting a snort...

“Ya know buddy right now not the best time to be jokein with Seany Michalie.” he said in the I am a Tony Sopranao wanna be, voice.

“Okay okay...just get up here.” I said as I let him in and opened the door and walked over to my desk and opened my laptop. I typed in her name on the classic Google webpage and got a few good results. The first five we’re just articles she had either written since she majored in communications and minored in journalisim from Pen State.., where was I oh yeah either written or was written about in. Then as Sean stepped in I hit it the mother load...she had her own webpage....ah Heaven! “Sean!” I said getting him to rush over.

“Yeah what is it?” he asked in an intacapating way.

“She has a webpage...” I said getting him to lurch for a chair and sit down right next to me.

“Oh god...what if she’s hot?” he asked in all seroisness.

“She’s probably on like fifty riods and looks like a...” I was interupted by the amazingly beautiful face of Leda Jones...

“Yeah ugly.” Sean said grabbing my neck. She was beautiful...blonde, blue eyed, stright toothed, and in amazing shape. The web sight was basically an abandoned blog from about seven years ago nothing of severe importance, she was from MI origanaly a born Tiger fan who converted to the Yanks when she moved out to the east coast to go to Pen State. She hadn’t played High School ball...she was how ever discovered by her college coaxh while she would work out every night around midnight...she’d take a bucket of baseballs and a small camping lanteren and just throw. Sounds like a movie huh?

Well it’s the truth...she has a picture...apparently the coach was in his office late one night and wanted to catch the culprit behind all the noise, he caught her in mid throw...she had impecable form...her last game she clocked at 100 MPH from a girl! Sean and I looked at about fifty more pages until we had basically every thing we could about this girl...but we only found one picture of her face...We had half a note book on this girl and we we’re diggin for more...
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At the same time across town in front of Yankee stadium he stood, the one person who had seen every game inside this park since he was 10. He never went a day with out seeing this place...it was his place, the workers would let him walk around as if wondering why this old man would spend his life in this park. Truth be told Sol Stevonich didn’t feel like he belonged anywhere any where but here...this was the one place he was comfortable. And after sixty five years of coming into the gates of this amazing place he knew every thing about every thing when it came to the Yankees. He had seen most of thier wins and too many of their losses. His once dark black hair was now as white as snow and being blown around in the fall wind, as he walked into the park...the guard at the front who was no more than Sol’s age walked him in...

“Sol!” Rich Marks exclaimed as he clapped Sol on the back. The aged brown jacket smacking below the other man’s hand.

“Hey Rich.” Sol said shoving his hands in the pockets of his faded black pants. “I’m amazed the reporters aren’t all over this place.” he said as the walked through one of the cement hall ways which had seen history.

“Hey...if your gonna come in here and start mocking our team Sol...” Rich began as he and Sol slowed thier pace.

“Would I ever mock my team?” Sol said as he looked at the closed consecionstands and merchendise shops.

“No...but hey they have thier reasons.” Rich said as his walkie talkie beeped.

“Rich...we need you in inventory.” the young male voice said, Rich gave Sol this look like be good...

“See ya round Rich!” Sol said as he walked into the park...memories flodding back as he walked toward the dugout...then in a second he realized he wasn’t alone...standing on the dugout was a figure...a duffel bag over one shoulder a bat bag hanging from the left hand. It was tall and had on a ball cap over it’s head and a black work out suit hanging loseley of it’s body...it was however in the shadows so Sol could make out nothing specific about the figure. He ran a hand over his hair and began to walk over to the figure, getting closer and closer until he was standing behind it. “I’ve been coming here most every day for close to twenty years and not one of these mornings has a player been here.” Sol said with a chuckle, the figure jump at his voice and laughed.

“All my life I dreamed of even sitting in these stands...but I never thought I’d ever be on the field.” A female voice replied.

“Ah! So you’re the new pitcher...” Sol said as she hung her head...”I’m sorry but if I was the new starting Yankee pitcher I wouldn’t be acting all depressed.” The figure riased her head and turned her head.
“Yeah but if you were the new pitcher half the city of New York wouldn’t hate your guts.” she said turning around.

“Let me tell you somthin kiddo...” he said waving her down, the woman looked at the man infront of her then sat down her bat bag and jumped off the dug out. “Sit.” Sol said pushing her back on the dugout so he could face her. “You didn’t just wake up yesterday and say I wanna be a pitcher did you?” she shook her head. “You worked for it...” she nodded. “Then what makes you think that every person in New York City, is gonna wake up today and love the idea of somthing new...you gotta work to be apreciated...you gotta work as hard as you can to prove to the entire city...that you are as good as the guys...” The old man said getting the woman in front of him to smile.

“You know old man...if someone had told me that at Pen State I would have punched him...and told him off for thinking I was just mailing it in...but ya know right now that’s what I needed.” she said standing up and extending her hand. “Leda Jones ...but call me Lee.” she said as he tool her hand.

“Salomon Stevonich ...but call me Sol.” He said shaking her hand.

“So Sol...you come here every day?” she asked as she pulled off her cap and let down her hair, only to begin pulling the bicep length mop back up into a messy bun.

“Yep ...every day.” Sol said as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“So where should I start running?” he looked at her

“Your gonna trian in this cold?” he asked looking at her, she smiled.

“Yep, everyday.” she said as she unzipped her jacket and was standing in a Pen State sweat shirt, black running pants and a pair of old tenis shoes. “And since you’ve been here everyday...I’m sure you know where I should run.” Sol smiled, and grabbed her jacket setting it on the chair.

“Well in my experince the best players start at home plate and make thier way to first...then they make thier way to second, then after that little jog they move on over to third and then....then the run stright back to home plate.” Leda starting laughing so hard she had to hold her knees. She sat down on the blue seat and looked up at him.

“Oh Sol I think this is the start of a great friendship.” she said as she wiped her eyes, Sol chuckled and offered her his hand.

“I think your right.” he said as he helped her up. “No before you start runnin I wanna see you pitch.” He said grabbing her duffel.

“You wanna see me pitch?” she asked like why?

“Yeah I wanna be the first to see the new Yankees pitcher in her new home.” Leda smiled, and opened the bag grabbing her Mit which looked as though it had seen way to many games. Sol laughed at it. “That your first Mit?” he asked grabbing it, she smiled and grabbed a ball out of her bag.

“Not my first...but it’s special...my dad gave it to me...it’s my good luck charm.” she said taking it back and sliding her hand in side the Mit and walked over to the fence and jumped over landing on her feet getting chills the second she began to walk to the pitchers mound. She pulled on the brim of her hat and looked at Sol... “Hey Sol you wanna be my catcher?” she asked from the mound kicking the dirt around on her feet. Sol looked at her she seemed to mold with the mound and she seemed perfect, like it was where she was meant to be. He laughed and placed a hand on the bar.

“How young do I look Jonsey?” he asked as she rolled her arm warming her self up.

“You don’t look as old as you think you are!” she yelled as she slapped the ball into the Mit three times.

“I can’t jump over the fence...plus mu hands are old...you’ll probably break my hand.” she laughed and looked over at him and placed a hand on her hip.

“Fine! Then at least stand behind home plate.” she said as she watched the old man walk over to the fence behind home plate and look at her.

“NOW STOP STALLIN AND JUST THROW!” Sol yelled as she looked at him and then down at the mound...she took two deep breathes and shook off her chills...then she pulled her mit to her face her mind foucsed on one spot right where the catchers Mit should be...she wound up and her body was flowing in the position she had perfected, Sol watched her taking in every movement aw stircen as she pitched the ball as if flawlessley and then as it hit her mark she groaned. “WHAT YOU MOANIN ABOUT ?” Sol yelled, looking at her shocked, worried about having made her throw out her arm.

“I CAN DO BETTER!” she yelled back gettin him to laugh.

“Don’t hurt yourself Jonsey!”he said as he sat down. Leda ran over to him

“You okay Sol.” she asked as she grabbed the fence.

“Yeah I’m just old...” Sol said as she walked over and jumped the fence tossing the bal up and down as she walked over to him.

“So how long you normaly stay?” she asked as she began to strech out her legs.

“About an hour... But something tells me I’m here for a while today.” he said with a smile. “Here’s a deal for ya Jonsey....” Leda looked at him hands on her hips.

“What?” she asked setting her Mit down.

“You let me help you with getting ready...and I get a home run outta you for it.” Leda smiled.

“Can I change the deal?” she asked a sly grin on her face.

“What you gonna do Jones?” he asked grabbing his knees.

“You help me get ready for the trianers, and you become my first friend out here and I hit you a home run and you get the bat...” she said sitting on the concreate across from him.

“Jonesy I’m already your friend.” he said with smile as she offered him her hands. He clapped both hands into hers and she pulled him up and he whistled at her strength. “You got a good grip thier how much your press?” she smiled at him

“210, but I don’t look like some butch body builder...”She said tieing her shoes.

“I hope not it’d be a waste of that pretty face.” He laughed and she pulled off her Pen State sweat shirt and looked at the at the field.

“I’m gonna run for a while then I’m gonna bat....do you know how I could get a pitching machine sombody told me to talk to an old man...”

“That’ll be Rich...you run I’ll get it for ya...” she smiled and thanked him, he laughed as she jogged over to the dug out and grabbed her iPod out of the bag and jumped the fence and began running the small device in her hand. Sol walked out of the stadium hunting for Rich...a smile plastered on his face.
____________________________________________________________________________

It took two hours for me and sean to finish our research....and when we had barely finished my phone rang.

“You want me to get it kit?” Sean asked as I washed my hands I shook my head and grabbed the phone.

“Kit here.” I said as the person on the other line sniffled.

“Dad.” my 6 year old son said into the other end..

“Sam?” I asked as I sat down, yeah 26 and I have a six year old.

“Dad she’s gone...” Jess my ex-wife and terrible mother, this wasn’t the first time he’d ever been abandoned...Jess would appear three months from now with a new husband and a promise...though now is a terrible time for her to pull this...well bad for her... since I’m filing for sole custody.
“Sam where are you?” I asked grabbing my shoes and jacket.
“Yankee Stadium.” He said in a small voice.

“Stay there don’t move.” he said okay and I was out the Door sean at my heals. “You gotta car?” I asked as we hit the ground floor.

“No I took the trian.”

“We’ll take the trian up there. I have to get there sean...”

“I know.” he said as we walked toward the subway station.

____________________________________________________________________________
Leda was running through the halls of the stadium when her iPod died and she cursed it...she paused at the front gate and heard crying. She stood up and noticed her breathing was far to labored for only running for about 30 minutes. She walked out pulling off her long sleave shirt standing in her Pen State T-shirt...she looked around and saw him...a little blonde boy sitting agianst the gate his knees to his face crying fervently. She set her shirt down and her iPod, pulling out her hair she approached him.

“Hey.” she said in a soothing voice as she nelt down in front of him. The boy looked up and made to move back, fear in his eyes. “I’m not gonna hurt you...I’m Lee...” she said holding out a hand.

“Sam.” he said shaking it.

“Well Sam are you lost?” she asked sitting down.

“No...”

“Where are your parents?”

“I don’t know where my mom is, I woke up this morning and her and all her stuff was gone....” Leda looked down.

“What about your dad?”

‘He’s on his way.” she nodded, and took a deep breath...then looked at him and sat indian style in front of him.

“What brought you here?” He looked up at her and felt hot tears form in his eyes.
“I woke up all alone...my mom lives in the bronx and we’ve moved three times, in the past few months.” Leda held in her shock. “...so my dad wouldn’t know where we live, so I came here...I like it here, and my dad defenitly knows where here is.” Leda couldn’t argue with that logic...she looked at the little boy and saw a bit of her self as a kid.

“You eat breakfast?” she asked as he wiped his eyes and shook his head. Leda slapped her knees and he looked at her. “Me niether...you wanna get a hot dog?” he looked at her. “I promise I won’t kidnap you...I work here...” she said with a smile, in her mind she said for now.

“Why are you all sweaty?”

“I’ve been running.” she said with a smile.

“My dad told me not to move...” he said looking at the pavement.

“Smart dad...okay I’ll get the hotdogs, you wait here...are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself.”

“I’ll wait with him.” Sol said from the gate.

“Okay Sam...this is my friend Sol...he’s gonna sit with you so you’ll be okay...Solly you want a hot dog...and where do I get em?” she asked standing up Sam marveling at her toned body stoping the sun.

“First stand they cook em for the workers and I’ll take one...”

‘What do you want on it?” She asked looking down.

“Mustard.”

“Hey I like this kid he takes his hotdogs like I do.” She said as Sol balled up her shirt and iPod.

“You two are two peas in a pod now go get the food Jones.” Leda laughed and walked into the park. “So Sammy your pop’s coming to get you?” Sol asked as he sat down his joints creaking as he did so.

“Yeah...he’s a reporter....”

‘Really for what paper?” Sol asked pulling on his own pants.
“The times.” Sam said as he moved the suitcase he had beside him.

“You pack your own bag?”

‘Yeah it’s got as much clothes as I could fit...and a few things...I think I’m gonna move in with my dad...”

“This the first time your mom left?”
“No...the fourth.”

“Well than I’d stay with my dad too.” Sol said smiling.

“What does Lee do here?” Sam asked rubbing his runny nose.

“You mean you don’t know?” Sol asked placing a hand on his own knee.

“No...”

“She’s the new pitcher.” Sol said pulling on his old warn yankee cap.

“A girl?”

“I’m gonna pretened I didn’t hear that.” Leda said as she walked over. A drink carrer in one hand tree hot dogs in the other.

“You’re a pitcher?” Sam asked as he opened the hot dog and took a big bite.

“Yep...” she said as she bit into her own dog.

“She’s pretty good...she was actually about to go practice batting.” Leda groaned and fell back making sam laugh.

“C;mon sol...” He noticed she was trying to make the boy laugh.

“No...no slack Lee you gotta be able to hit me and Sam a home run.” Sam looked at her with a big smile she huffed and looked at Sam and rolled her eyes.

“I saw that.”

“Good.” she said with a glare.
“Don’t make me make you run.” Leda sat up stright and bit into her hot dog getting a huge laugh from Sam.

‘Shh...he’s not laughing.” Leda said as she took a sip of her soda.

“Can I see you hit?” Sam asked Leda smiled and stood up.

“Sure but we should be quick so you can meet your dad...” she said looking at him holding a hand out to sol. He took it and she pulled him up. They walked into the stadium Sam looking shocked as they walked to the dug out. “Sam you wanna stand on my mound?” she asked as she grabbed her bag off the dug out.

“You mean pitch to you?” Sam asked afriad
“No I mean turn on the machine.” she said jumping over the fence.

“Really?” she smiled and he went to get over and couldn’t make it. “I cant get over...” he said with a reluctent tone. She moved toward the fence and jumped over then picked him up and set him down on the field and jumped over.

‘Better?” she asked as she opened the bag and pulled out her helment and glove then a classic Louisville Sluggar.

“Yeah...how do I work the machine?” She smiled and walked out to the mound, and gave him a quick lesson over it. He smiled and she jogged over to the box and swung a few times, Warming up. Sol Laughed and set the suitcase down in the isle.

“Okay sammy...let it rip.” she said holding the bat taking her stance.
____________________________________________________________________________

I ran from the station to the stadium never slowing down Sean huffing after me.

‘You know Kit as long as I’ve known you I’ve never seen you like this.”

‘My son’s in danger Sean....” I yelled back.

‘Your son’s safer there then he would be at Jess’s house.” I laughed as the stadium came into view and I picked up my pace then stoped as I heard the crack of a bat. I saw the open gate and Ran in. “Kit it’s not legal.”

“Door’s open sean!” I said as I ran into the first entrence gate. I stopped as I saw my son’s suitcase next to an old man and a player at bat and Sam on the mound next to ball machine . I ran up to the old man and suddenly felt winded.

“You must be the reporter dad.” the old man said turning to me I nodded and grabbed my side. “He’s helping out.” the man said as the machine went and I saw the player hit the ball into the far right stands. Sam saw me and waved I held up a hand as Sean came hobbiling in. Sam made to come at me and the player darted and I knew what he was doing the machine was going to pitch agian the player reached Sam in time to pull him out of the way and take the ball in the stomach. “Lee.” the old man said standing up. I followed him to the fence sam went back behind the machine and ran at us. “You okay Jones?” The old man called and I looked out and the player held up a hand, then rolled over and turned off the machine. I jumped over the fence and met my son.

“You okay?” I asked holding his sides.

“Yeah...I got to help Lee bat dad...a real Yankee.” My son was estatic, I smiled and hugged him then looked at the player. “You wanna meet Lee?” I smiled

“I’ll go talk to Lee.” He smiled, as my son walked over and sat down next to the fence the old man patting his head. The player bent over and then stood up and I smiled as I heard him take a deep breath and let it out. “Hey...” I said as I approached. Then it happened the player took off his helmet and I saw a cascade of blonde hair fell out and I knew I was looking at Leda Jones.

“Hi.” she said pained. “You must be his Dad.” I nodded.

“Kit...”

“Lee.” she said holding out a hand I took it and shook it.

“Or Leda Jones...the Pen State starting pitcher, who’s taking over this position, LEda Jones who used to throw for therapy then was pulled in by her college coach to play ball and is now that rookie starter Leda Jones.” she smiled, and stood up her arm laying across her abdomen.

“I’d let you punch me but the green machine already knocked me on my ass.” she said making me laugh.

“Im actually here to thank you...”

“For?” she asked as she grabbed her helmet and made for the bat box.

“Well taking care of my son...” She turned around and looked at me.

“I know what it’s like to be lost...to feel alone...like your never gonna be home agian....” she said as she grabbed her bat and looked at me. “No kid should have to feel that.” I smiled.

‘What your mom walk out on you five times in the past two years too?” She smiled and I looked at Sam who was talking with the old man.

“No but I lost my mom when I was three....and when I was ten I got lost for almost a day, my dad and I got seperated at a baseball game and after hours and hours of tears and fear my dad found me at Tiger stadium.” she said walking back toward me. “You a good batter?” she asked out of no where as she grabbed a few balls out of the machine.

“What?” I asked looking at her, with are you insane look.

“You see sol over there...” I nodded “He won’t let me go home until I throw a few more balls.” she said pushing the machine off the mound and grabbed her mit, and a faded yankee cap.

“I’m a fair catcher.” I said with a shrug. She smiled, the looked at me with a questioning gaze.

“How’d you know so much about me?” I laughed, and rubbed the back of my neck.

“I’m a sports reporter for the Times.” she groaned, and rolled her head back.

‘Never mind you can go if you want....you probably hate my guts like the rest of this town.”

“And miss a chance to catch in Yankee stadium? I don’t think so.” She laughed and then held her stomach. “Are you allright.?” I asked sounding like some hero from an old romance movie.

“Yeah I’ll be fine.” she said as she set her mit down and did a back bend, I heard her back crack three times then she stood up. “Much better...and I wasn’t trying to show off.” she said as she grabbed her mit and the balls. “Just feels good...” she said with a shrug.

“Can you do a flip?” I asked in a challenging tone, she raised an eyebrow and bent her knees and did three consecutive flips the last two with out touching the ground, she stuck the landing and then grabbed her side wincing.

“I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU NOT TO HURT YOURSELF JONSEY!” Sol called from the side of laughing Sam.
“Well better me than Sam!” she yelled back, throwing the balls next to the mound.

“Was he alright when you found him?” I asked worried, she smiled at me and I noticed she was blessed with a pretty nice grin.

‘He was crying yeah but other than that fine...just said he woke up to an empty apartment,packed his bag and got on a trian and got off here, cause you defeniatly know where he is” she said with this those were his words not mine tone which made me smile “... Sol and I got him a hot dog and a soda calmed him down and he came in and helped me work out.” I smiled at her.

“Well agian thank you.” She waved a hand,

‘No problem what would the world be like if we didn’t look out for one another every now and agian.”

“Lee this is New York... no city guy talks like that” She smiled and dug in her bag and tossed me a mit.

“Well us farm girls think like that....Go catch.” she said and I could almost swear she was flirting with me. And as if I was in high school agian I felt like flirting back.

“Yo Kit you need a batter.” Sean called trying to impress Lee, who smiled and looked over at him.

“You think you can handle my heat?” she said in her best trash talk voice, which made me laugh.

‘Bring it on. “ Sean said jumping the fence.

“Oh your in for it.” I said with a smile which made her laugh.

“I’ve pitched agianst guys twice his size...I think I can handle it kit.” she said and I held up my hands.

“Just warning you.” I said flirting with her.

“Go catch.” she said impatiently pionting to the plate I laughed and walked over to the batters box “Bat in the grey bag.” She called over to Sean as she moved about then stopped, and looked at me. She was standing on the mound pulling her hat brim down to her eye brows and twisted her arm, I could have sworn I felt this connection form between us at that very moment.
“Hey Jones!” an unknown voice called, she rolled her arm twice more looking over to the left of home plate.

“Yeah Rich?” She called to the old man standing in a blue pressed button up shirt.

“You want me to speed gun it?” He asked holding up the gun, a huge grin on his aged face.

“If you want.” she shrugged as Sean stood in the box, trying to appear impressive like he knew what he was doing.

“Dude she’s hot...” he whispered and for some reason I felt jealous.

“Just hit Sean.” I said in a dark tone as she took her position.

“But I mean, she’s not bad.” I nodded and we heard one of those whistles people make by sucking in thier lower lip.

“You two gonna talk all day or can I pitch?” she asked looking at us, she had attitude when she was on the mound...maybe this girl could make it here in New York.

“Bring the heat!” I yelled as I crouched down, I could almost feel Sam’s grin on my cheek and for once I actualy felt like a good Dad being able to give a kid this experince...if my old man had been even there to watch her throw with me I would ahve remebered that for a life time.

“Yeah Bring it girly.” She looked at him mad, I could see it even though she was far away... her blue eyes seemed to be ablaze and her back seemed to become ridged and I couldn’t help but think shouldn’t of done that...

“Oh your dead.” I whispered he watched as she wound up and I got ready. She wound up and I got chills as the ball shot towards me and in a split second was in my mit and a second later Sean swung. She looked over to rich, her hair flying behind her, a look of what whas it on her face

“100 flat!” he yelled excited, my hand began to ache....she smiled to her slef then looked over at me.

“Don’t shake your hand!” she yelled, as she pulled her arm across her chest.

“Why not it hurts.” I aske like a kid still kinda flirting.

“You’ll move the broken blodd vessels.” she said as she grabbed another of the three balls. “You still think you can hit it?” she asked Sean, who huffed and threw his sports jackett into the dust as he pulled the bat up and she wound up. The pitch.... Strike two.. 101 for Jones .The third time she threw the ball at 98 and then walked over and looked at Sean. “Nobody calls me girly.” Sean laughed and she held a hand out and he took it. “Lee.”

“Sean.” she smiled and I pulled off the mit. “So I guess we were wrong.” he said.

“What you two thought I was in it to ruin the game? Infiltrate the ultimate boys club?” she asked as we walked toward the dugout. Both of us shocked at how she had pegged us.

“No.” Sean said to quickly.

“Oh that’s convinng.” I said hitting his chest.

“Well...for helping me work out... I guess I owe you...so do you two wanna be the first to interview me?” she asked nervously and Sean and I stopped dead, she was asking like she was asking us a favor or somthing

“You mean you’d give us one of the greatest news breaks this year?” she smilled and nodded.

“I like your kid.” she said with a smile. “That sounded really weird but I think he’s a good kid...funny.” I laughed, and Sam smiled.

“Get’s that from his old man.” Sean said looking at me, his stupid grin plastered all over his face.

“Lee!” Sam called trying to get over, the fence to Sol

‘Need a boost Sammy?” she asked running over, she held her hands for him to jump over. Then she placed a hand on the fence and jumped over.

“When you want that interview?” I asked as I jumped over, and landed on my feer Sean close behind...I looked at her as the corded mussle of her arms became visable.

“You busy tonight?” she asked grabbing her stuff and stuffing it in the bag.

“No...” I said with a shrug, she grabbed a pen out of the bag and grabbed my hand and wrote her phone number and address and smiled at me.
“My place 8 tonight.” she said taking off her cap and putting it on Sam’s head. “Thanks for your help Sammy...” she said as she pulled the bag over one shoulder and grabbed up the bat bag.

“Hey Lee!” Sam called as she was halfway to the entrance, she stopped and turned toward him.

“Yeah?” She called.

“Thanks!” she smiled and held up a hand.

‘No problem!” she turned around and looked at the old man.

‘You her Dad?” he shook his head no..

“I’m her friend.” A ball came flying at us.

“See you tommorow Sol?” she asked from the door.
‘You bet your ass Jonsey!” he called back. She held up a hand and looked around then did somthing which made me laugh she grabbed a Tigers hat out of her bag and pulled it on.

“Hey Lee can I come over too!” Sam asked Leda turned around and smiled.

“Sure why not?” She said with a shrugg. “You two wanna come too make it a party?” she asked as she turned on her cell phone.

“Can’t!” Sean said shocking me.”Wife’s birthday.” I laughed it was...

“Sorry Jonsey...I got a hot date tonight...” she laughed.

‘Bingo?” She asked and he chucked the ball at her, she laughed and began to walk away.

“She’s actually right...but I don’t play bingo...”

“DON”T LIE TO YOURSELF SOL!” She called making us all laugh.

“Dad can we go home?” Sam asked rubbing his eyes...you would have never guessed that a few hours ago my son woke up alone in an apartment in the Bronx his mother gone for the fifth time.
‘Yeah buddy we’ll head home.” Then Leda came jogging in and looked at Sol.

“Ipod?” she asked looking at him with a what’d you do with it.
‘In that filthy Pen State shirt of yours.” she smiled and turned around.

“Anybody need a ride?” Sol shook his head. But the rest of us nodded.”Sweet, well lets go.” she said as she fixed her bag.

“Is this one of your player hats?” Sam asked as we walked up the concreate stairs.

‘No that’s one of my brothers old hats he was the Yankees fan.”

‘So there’s more Joneses?” I asked with a smile.

“I’m the youngest of ten.” she said looking back at me. “And the only girl.” I laughed.

“So baseball was out of necessity as a kid?” Sean asked.

“Kinda...my dad would make us all go out after dinner and we’d play...we lived on a farm in MI...and it was kinda like field of dreams only we had like old flour bags filled with sand for the bases and home plate was an actual plate...and it was in the middle of our corn field.” she said as we reached a old Suburban and she opened the back.

‘You drive and old beat up Suburban.”

‘I moved here like four weeks ago...I’m still used to PA and MI.” she said as she tossed her bags into the back, and slammed the doors shut. I slid into the front seat Sean and Sam climbed in the back...I laughed at the Lions Jersey on the floor infront of me.”So my cars a mess...” she said as she grabbed the keys out from her sweat pants pocket and turned it on, the raidio began blaring some rock music and she turned it down. “Sorry I had to wake up this morning.” she said as she pulled out of the empty parking lot. “So where to?” she asked as we moved through the city.

“Do you know where the New York Times building is?” I asked she nodded and looked over at me...

‘The new one?” I nodded.”yeah.” she said looking back at the road honking at the guy who stopped abrubltly in front of her. “COME ON!” she yelled sounding so like a midwesterner.”Your gonna wind up nose down.” I laughed at how she said down it sounded like she had flattened the O, she looked at me.

“So I’m from the midwest...” she said grabbing a stick of gum out of the cup holder Big Red...nice choice.

“Can I have a piece?” My son the moocher asked and I cringed.
“Sure.” she said handing it back to him.

‘Thanks.” I smiled.

“You want a piece?” she said flirtatiously I shook my head.

“I’m good thanks.” Sean said looking out the window.

“Hey you called me Girly.” she said looking at him in the rearview Mirrior.

“Oh so I screw up once and you hold a grudge?” he asked in his saprano accent.

“Lets just say the last time someone called me Girly I got suspended for three games due to injury infliction.” Sean coughed and looked away.

“So your tough.” She moved her hand in the so so motion.

‘When I have to be...but I’m like every normal woman my age...I date men...though none have dated me in about three years due to the fact that I intimidate them... I like to have fun but not like getting drunk at a night club...I mean I used to hang out with my nieces and nephews on the weekends when I was home from school....I like to just hang out, watch T.V. go see a movie stuff like that normal...” I laughed “What?”

“I’ve interviewed many pro athletes and not one of them has ever said they like to be normal.” She smiled and I saw my building come into view.... “Left.” she smiled and turned, the car. She stopped at our building and Sam made to give the hat back.

“Keep it Sam.” she said as Sean hopped out.

‘You mean it?” She nodded.

“Call it a gift.” she said as she put the car in drive. “Kit...” I looked over at her and took in her face it looked so beautiful...she was really beautiful. “Am I clear back there?” she asked pionting back.

‘To big a car for ya?” I asked she gave me a look like just catch.

“Nope .”

“Your clear...”

“So I’ll see you tonight?” she asked as she rolled down the window.

“Yeah...”

‘You two want dinner?” she asked as her radio began to sing.
“You cook?” she smiled.

‘No but I dial a mean chinese.” she said with a laugh.

“Yeah me too...sure...Sam you want chinese?”

“Yeah!”

“What kind?” she asked pulling off her hat and her hair fell about her and I was captivated.

“Kung pow!” Sam yelled.

“Sam it’s just too weird how much we have in common.” she said looking at him.

“You like Kung Pow?” I asked looking at her, the way I asked sounded like I was shocked.

‘Kung pow mixed with Rice and soy sauce is my weakness.” she said with a smile.

“Sounds good...” I said looking at her then rubbing the back of my neck.

‘Then you should probably come over at 6 then.” she said as she got honked at.

“Okay..see you at 6.” I said Sam waved goodbye and she waved back then drove off.

‘You two have a date tonight.” Sean said looking at his watch. “In nine hours.”

“You have to get back to work...” I said as I opened the front door. “Thanks for comming with me.” I said as I pulled Sam’s suitcase up the stiars.

“It’s uncle sean’s duty.” he said as he walked toward the subway station.

“By Uncle Sean!” Sam called as the door closed behind us.

“So you had a hot dog for breakfast?” I asked looking at him in the elvator.

“Yep...I like Lee she’s nice...she’s funny too...Sol and her are like a comedy team.”

‘You’re six how do you know what a comedy team is?” I asked as we got to the apartment.

“I saw it on T.V.” he shrugged walking into his room...the one I’d had for him since I moved in...

“You wanna read up about Lee?” he shook his head and pulled out the box of Comic books I always kept on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf.

“Nope...I’m gonna do research on spiderman.” he said sitting on the old blue couch in the living room. I began to clean up and he smiled at me as I balled up my laundry and slid it into my sack throwing it in the closet.

“What you grining at?” I asked as I cleaned up the mess of plates in the living room the T.V. still on sports center.

“Nothing...” I flipped the T.V. to cartoons and he smiled.

“Uh huh Samson I’ve known you all your life...what’s up?”

“Do you crush Lee?” he asked and I gave him a look like what?

“I can’t crush Lee she’s too strong for me.”

“No do you like her?” I looked at him and thought about it...sure Lee was beuatiful and she was down to earth...I guess he was right I did kinda have a school boy crush on her...

“Kinda...but she’s just a friend Sam, I mean she might not be even that.” he smiled.

“I think you want to kiss her...” he called as I walked into my room.

“Really?” I said as I made my bed.

“Yep you were making lovey eyes with her.”

“I was not...I don’t even know what that is?” I said coming back into the room.

“It’s when you look at her and your eyes get all twinkliy...” I laughed.and put my nose agianst his.

‘Do my eyes look twinkily?” I asked tickling him. “Do they....do thery?” He laughed as I threw him over my shoulder and carried him around the apartment.

“No!” he yelled and I set him down and made to walk away but he grabbed my hand. “Dad...” he said in the cute little baby voice which I always loved.

“Yeah buddy?” I asked as I sat down in front of him..

“Can I live with you now...like forever...” I looked at him a little shocked “I mean if you want me too...”

“Do you really wanna live here?” I asked pionting to the apartment he nodded fervently.

‘Yeah I wanna live with you!” he said wrapping his arms around my neck and I felt a tear run down my face.

“Then welcome home buddy.” I said as I held him up over my head realizing he wasn’t so little anymore. “Man your getting heavy...”

‘Lee can lift me like a feather...”

“I bet Lee could lift me...” I said with a smile.

‘Dad...” I looked down. “Lee was making lovey eyes at you.” he said as he grabbed one of my oreo’s and walked into the living room.
____________________________________________________________________________
Leda got back to her apartment just off Times square not far from Kit’s place a huge grin on her face...she liked Sam and Kit they seemed to be amazing....she opened the door to her apartment and tossed her bag on the ground by the door,

‘Home!” she yelled as her orange tabby cat Tigger came walking out. “Hey tigs.” she said scratching behind his ears as he ran his head up her calf purring. She looked at the mail she had in her hands...ten birthday cards, a letter from the Yankees congratulating her on joining the team...a few bills and a bunch of junk. She opened each birthday card one by one then set them on the mantle above her fake fire place. She showered and pulled on a pair of jeans and an old t shirt which read.
If it aint Michigan it aint right. A gift from her brother Mike...it had a picture of the state on the back and a big star over their home town.... she cleaned up the apartment then after about three hours of cleaning she looked at the clock...she had six hours till they were coming....she fed Tigger and watered her plants then sat down on the couch and pulled out an old book titled The Natural... befitting her career...Leda had this talent...besides baseball...she could read a whole book without moving or stopping it was something many people had praised her on...she just said it’s how you get through the rainy days on a farm in Michigan. She sat down and began to read... something that brought her back home.
____________________________________________________________________________

Sam and I had chef boy r-dee for lunch and spent the day walking around Times Square, we went to Toys R’ Us and Sam and I had a high ho time in the Hershey world....then at five o’clock we went back to the house and showered up...I pulled on a pair of jeans and a white button up top While Sam insisted on wearing the Jeter jersey I got him for Christmas last year and his new cap...I let him and then at Five forty five we climbed into a cab and headed for Leda’s address...when we got there, a note on the door made me worry...but as we approached we saw it read.

Come on up...I left my door unlocked...and take this down when you get here, L J I laughed and took the sign down remembering she was 4E. Sam and I climbed the sitars and knocked on the door which opened and we walked into to an empty apartment. Another note hung from a string in front of the door. The delivery guy refused to deliver...be back in like ten minutes...make your self at home...oh and watch out for Tigger...he’s a bad one. I pulled the note down and looked at Sam who was looking at the wall of pictures she had near a bedroom door...

“Dad!” he said waving me over...

‘Yeah?” I asked as I walked over shutting the front door.

“Look that’s Lee!” he said as he pionted to a picture of the Pen State base ball team and front and center was Lee a huge smile on her face and her old mit on her hand. “And so is that.” I looked at the picture he was talking about...it was Lee’s back she was standing inside old Tiger stadium I could tell from the huge D on the wall next to her...it wasn’t very old she was wearing a Tiger’s jersey and on the bottom of the frame on a gold plate it said.

You were born to play the game Lee don’t let anybody tell you other wise I noted that...I had to ask who gave her that...Sam continued to point to pictures until I found one which made me laugh. Her and her nine brothers the picture was taken in front of an old barn, and I guessed they were standing in birth order because below each figure a name was written. Al, Tim, Jack, Fred, George, James, Kale, Mike, Catch, Leda.

“You two enjoying my museum?” Leda asked as she came in the room and an orange Tabby suddenly appeared.
“Is that what this is?” I asked giving her ‘Lovey eyes.’ She smiled, her face turning a bit pink, she bit her lip and looked at the pictures...

“It’s a wall of pictures which used to hang in my apartment in happy valley.” she said as she set the large brown bag on the oak diner table and the cat jumped up. “Hey tigs...” she said scratching it’s head. He meowed and looked over at me then sam...

“Can I pet him?” sam asked Leda smiled.

“If you scratch below his chin he’ll let you hold him...” she said as she scratched right below the cats mouth and he started to pur.... “See it gets his motor running.” she said as Sam started to scratch and the cat melted into his touch.

‘Oh he’s a bad one alright.” I said as I rubbed the orange cat’s head.
“He is if you make him mad.” she said as she walked into the kitchen and the cat jumped down and followed her....I hadn’t noticed but she actually cleaned up nice. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a green tank top below a brown jackett, she had kicked off a pair of black converse sneakers.

“You need help?” I asked as she pulled the contianers out she smiled and handed me a pile of plates.

“You can set.” she said with a smile.

“We’re not gonna have a country meal with prayers and stuff are we?” my son asked from the floor Leda laughed and held her side.

“Sam I grew up in a house full of ten kids...we were lucky to have enough food for dinner let alone sit down and eat it together...we’re just gonna sit at the table...and pray Tigger dosent eat the chicken.” she said as her cat meowd.

“How old is Tigger?” Sam asked as Leda carried cups and silverweare over to the table me close behind with the plates.

“Three.” she said with a smile. “I adopted him when I was just out of college... and living in Grand Rapids...” Sam scooped the cat up and Tigger purred and licked his chin. “He likes you.” she said as we set the table.

“DAD!” Sam said loudly from the living room making us both run over there. “Lee has comic books too.” he said as he looked at the orginized bookshelf, and the second to last shelf was all neatly stacked comic books.

“That’s what you screamed for?” I asked sounding like my dad, and Leda just laughed.

“Dig in sam...” she said as she walked over and knealing down. “First pile...spiderman...second pile....hulk....third pile...superman...fourth pile...batman...” he grabbed a superman which made me laugh. “Superman Sam.” Leda said standing up.

“That’s what Dad used to call me.” Sam said as tigger curled up behind Sam.

“Is it now?” she asked looking over at me. I smiled and nodded. “Well I think I’m gonna call you that now.” she said as he smiled then looked down at the comic and began reading, well the words he knew how to read and letting the pictures do the rest. “Do you want a tour?” she asked me in a low tone as not to disturb Sam.

“Sure...” I said with a smile as we walked around the two bedroom apartment.

“Well you’ve seen the foyer, and the living room and the kitchen...um,” She opend a door and we walked into a guest room. “This is the guest room...the only reason I have it made up is because I can’t stand clutter...like boxes cant stand it.” she said with a smile.

“Is that on or off the record?” I asked making her laugh.

“You decide what’s on and off, and if I want somthing off I’ll tell you...” she said with a smile and I nodded.

“Sounds good.” I said as we walked across the apartment Sam turning the page as we did. We entered her room...the big iron bed in the middle of the far wall was drapped in white sheets and a white comfertor....there was a large dress bag hanging from the bathroom door “what’s that?” I asked pionting she smiled and looked down.
“My uniform.” she said pulling on her shirt. I noticed she had a few bookshelves filled with books.

“You read a lot?” I asked walking over to the shelves.

“Yeah...I can never sleep at night so I have to read to try and fall asleep.” she said as she turned the lights on.

“Same...” I said as we left the room.

“Well if you ever need a book just give me a call I think I’m cheaper then Barnes and Nobel.” I laughed and her stomach growled.

“That’s kinda loud?” I asked she looked at me and rolled her eyes.

“I didn’t eat lunch.” she said with a shrug.

“Why?” she picked up a red covered book and held it up...

“Once I pick a book up I can’t put it down...” I laughed and noted that.

“Lets eat then.” I said as Sam shot up and sat down at the table. Lee grabbed the containers and set them down then we began to eat... I pulled out the silver voice recorder out and set it down on the table.

‘Dad your recording dinner?” Sam asked making me laugh.

“I have to actually work at some piont today.” I said with a shrug.

“Sam he has to interview me...he’s a journalist they have to have everything in hard copy...he needs proof that he’s actually here.” I knew what she was implying so did Sam...that I didn’t get out much, I threw an egg roll at her.

“Ha ha dad she got you good.” I stuck my tongue out like a kid and he stuck it back making Lee laugh.

“Okay Lee where we’re you born.” I asked placing the recorder between us.
“Grand Rapids Michigan..raised on the east side of the state...small town called Fredricksville.” she said pouring a ton of soy sauce on her food while Sam would take a bite of food then a quick drink of soda.

“What are your parents names?” she smiled.

“Liam and Joanne.” She said taking a bite.

“And your mother died when you were three...?” I said sounding a little sympathatic.
“Yes and my dad still lives on the farm...” she said taking a drink.

“And you’re the youngest of how many?” I asked smiling to my self.

“Ten. Al, Tim, Jack, Fred, George, James, Kale, Mike, and Catch, my brothers names.” she said as Sam laughed.

“ I am only child.” he said bitting into an egg roll.

“Lucky.” Leda said making him laugh.

“So what was life like in a house of ten kids?” I asked as I began eating.

“Eventful.” she said with a smile. “My oldest brother Al...he was like the ring leader...he’s eleven years older than I am...so that gives you an insight as to how close together we are, in age...we used to play pranks on the town...ten kids in a pick up truck driven by Al while my dad would sleep...I mean small town big family full of trouble makers we were bound to reek havoc.” She said with a smile.

“An example.” she laughed and looked at me.

“We blew up an old house.” she said and Sam dropped his fork.

“You blew up a House!” sam yelled.

“Yep well it was going to be torn down...it was an old farm house on the land next to our farm...my dad was buying the land and so one night in the dead heat of summer, we raided the local shop loading up on explosives saying we were going to just light em off...having Sal Kinks the shop owner raise an eyebrow...any way...we put enough explosives in that house to blow the hover dam...” she said as Sam and I suddenly became engulfed in the story. “And Kale then seventh born took a roman candle you know the fire work and fired all the shots into the house...then we ran and we got about fifty feet away and turned around and then BOOM! It was gone and the police were there in like five minutes...but the Jones ten were in the house faking being asleep.” She said with a smile and Sam and I both started to crack up. “So like I said eventful.” I calmed down and took another bite of my chicken.

“So what’d you do in high school when most of your brothers we’re out of the house?”
“Well I worked both on the farm with my dad and at the local diner..yes I was a waitress...and pretty good one if I might say so...” she said with a laugh... “I used to run a lot I was the state champ in long distance running.... but mainly I worked trying to make enough money to relocate to my uncle Carl’s house out in Pennsylvania where I worked on his farm for a summer then moved to happy valley in order to get in state tuition... but High school was fun especially senior year...when you’re the last in a famous family you get a lot of special attention.” she said biting into a piece of chicken. “It was like being an only child...” she said looking at Sam, whe laughed.

“So you told me about playing basebal at a make shift field..is that where the love of the game started.?” I asked as I scooped more chicken from the container.

“Kind of...I’ve loved baseball since I was really little...it’s been like a counsler for me...at three my mother died and after her funeral my dad took all of us to a Tiger game and I fell in love there...if you were to ask my dad what I was like from the time I was three to the time I was six he’d tell you I was like a sponge who would ask for water...his words not mine...I had to know every thing there was to know about the game...I’d watch the games with my dad, on T.V. which was a sight in it’s self...the whole gang in the living room...it was a fight just to get a hand full of chips...but we’d sit there the entire game our eyes glued to the T.V....but by the time I was eight I was able to play out on the Jones field... How the field came to be was this...one day my dad was out during harvest while we all were, but he found that in the middle of the field there was this huge spot of dead soil where nothing would grow...it was big enough for him to take three old sacks and make the bases and take an old silver plate from the basement and turn it into the field...he did cut down some corn and turn it into a small out filed...I mean it was a tiny little feild but it was ours...” she said as she finshed eating.

“So how did you get into playing for a sport...” she smiled and looked at the table.

“When I was in college my granpa died...he and my dad were the two men who taught me everything I know, not just about basebal about life and how to live it to the fullest...so there I was so god darn” she said catching her self before she swore. “Far away from my family and I had no means of getting back...so that week I went out to the sporting goods store and bought a fishing bucket and filled it up with baseballs and after the team would finish practice I would go out on the field with my camping lantern and through into the bucket...”

‘You mean you’d through the balls into the bucket?” I asked with a smile.

“I’d try...” she said smiling back, and Sam winked at me....

“So it’s the people in your life which make the largest impact on your carrer...and how yyou chose it?”

‘I did’nt choose to be a baseball player...not that I don’t want to be one I do...” she said and I had realized she had forgotten about the player and then remebered as she saw it on the table. “The thing is my dad was a ball player he played for MSU but never went pro...he was a pitcher and he always hoped he’d have a son who was a good enough pitcher to make it to the big leauges....my brothers were all foot ball, basket ball, soccer, and track stars but nobody ever was a baseball star...he and I were out on the field my senior year and he was going on and on about how he wished sombody had played baseball...I looked at him and said if I could I would...he always called me his champion cause I’d do anything to make him happy or proud...so that night he told me he wanted me to pitch...and he had never seen me pitch though I used to go out at like two am back home and throw just to get the anger out...and that night my dad looked at me and told me as we were walking in...You were born to play the game of baseball...don’t you ever forget that lee and don’t let anyone tell you other wise.” the picture...she had condensed the quote on the frame but the full one in the context of the story was almost a tear jerker. I clicked off the tape recorder, and she smiled.

“Now off the record...what are you doing this Friday?” I asked catching her off guard...it was Monday in case you were wondering.

“What?” she asked as she set down her glass.

“Are you free this Friday?”

“I am...why?” she asked looking at Sam who just smiled.

“Well I’m wondering if you wanna go out?” she smiled and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

“Yeah.” she said in this voice which drove me wild...and I thought about it...this morning I hated her name and now I’m asking her out?

“Yes!” Sam said with a smile making the matching hand movement and Lee and I both laughed, and tigger meowed.

“Well glad to know your still alive buddy.” she said as he jumped up and drapped him self across her shoulders. She looked at her watch and looked up with a smile. “Three...two...one...” the phone rang.

“What the?” I asked, she stood up and grabbed the phone.

“Your too predictable gang...” she said as she placed it on speaker.

“Are we now?” a male voice said from the other end.

‘Yeah Catch you are.” she said as she grabbed the plates, well mine and hers since sam was still eating...Tigger was sticking his head in the empty kung pow box and then got it stuck, which made sam laugh while I listened to her talk to her brothers who in my mind I could see huddled around a speaker phone.

“Lee Lee... when we gonna see you?” a deeper voice asked.

“I’m coming out for the MSU OSU game...” she said as she put dishes some coffee on.

“Well that’s good...we’ve got the tailgate passes but Lee that’s in like two months...”
“It’s in a month and you’ll survive Al.” she said with a smile rolling her eyes.

“Okay fine be that way sis.”

“Oh shut up Kale.” she said as she put the soy sauce away and sam told me he was done. I smiled and picked up his plates then leaned into his ear.
“Go read...okay?” he smiled and walked into the living room while I walked up behind her and she turned around and took the plate mouthing thank you.

“Hey we’re all your big brothers...don’t forget missy...you may be a toned little baseball player but we can still beat you up...”

‘I’d love to see you try Al.” she said making me laugh under my breath.

“THERE IS A MAN IN HER APARTMENT!” Kale yelled.

“Fuck.” she whispered and I looked around.

“Okay dude...name?”

“Kit.” I said.

“Occupation?” another voice asked.

“Reporter.”

“Ohhh a journalist...he’s there for an interview....” Leda smiled to her self and I smiled too.

“Okay your clear dude...we won’t kill you.” a new voice said.

“Okay James...” she said looking at me and rolling her eyes.

“Okay Lee we gotta go this is already to expensive.” Kale said.

“See ya’ll.” she said getting a collective see ya from the other end and then a dial tone. “Eventful.” she said with a smile as the coffee machine beeped.

“Okay I’m worried thier gonna pop out and kill me or something...” I said as she handed me a mug.

“The last guy I dated dumped me in a car out front of our house....he didn’t make out of the drive way, well he did but in an ambulance with a broken arm and leg.”

“And you and the lot never did time?” she laughed,

“Nope...my uncle Rick is the sherif in Fredricksville....we have an in.” she said with a smile
“Oh so if you piss off a Jones brother...do it in a different city then Fredricksville.” I said as if taking note.

“Oh don’t even...”she said hitting my arm, and I pretended to be hurt. “Are you that weak?” she said with a smile.

“I’ll have you know I can press 250.” she looked at me and smiled.

“215.” she said as she turned her head to the direction of the T.V. a reporter was ranting about how she is so unknown it’s not worth knowing her...

“You want me to turn it?” I asked she shook her head.

“Their entitled to their opinion...I have to live with it...” she said sitting down. Sam was curled up in a big arm chair Tigger in his lap as if reading the comic book with him. “You two have become fast friends.” she said as I sat down next to her, a little close but she didn’t move.

“I like him...he’s so soft...” Sam said as he ran his hand down the cat’s back,

“He likes you...look at him...” the cat rubbed it’s head under Sam’s hand telling him to pet him some more.

“He’s cute.” I said shifting my legs.

“He’s my buddy.” she said as she pulled a pillow in front of her and turned toward me.

“So you adopted him?” I asked with a smile.

“There was a box on the side of the road...he was the only one in it...he was soaking wet and I scooped him up and we’ve been like that ever since.” she said pionting at Sam who yawned.

“You tired?” I asked he shook his head and I gave him this look like don’t lie.

“A little...” he said.

“You wanna go?” he shook his head no...

“You wanna lay down?” Lee asked with a smile, Sam nodded and Lee stood up and he followed her into the guest room. “It’s all yours.” she said with a smile, I came in the door and she was turning down the bed while Tigger jumped up at the end. Sam hugged me and I pulled him up and laid him down in the bed.

“I’ll come get you when we’re going home.” I said as I covered him with the dark blue sheets then the brown comforter. “Night Sammy.” I said kissing his head.

“Night.” He said. “Night Lee.”

“Night Superman Sam.” she said as he gave her a five and Tigger meowed. “Tigs watch him.” she said pionting to Sam the cat curled up next to sam and I smiled. We walked out of the room and sat down on the couch again, I grabbed the remote out of instinct and began to flip channels Lee just sitting there...it was nice her being around Sam and I seemed to be totally different around her... Sam seemed so happy around her, I mean a kid with Sam’s coping skills needed somebody like Lee and adult who was basically unburdened by the world...and the fact that she was a “she” made it better...

I just cant help but wonder if Jess and I had stayed married if she hadn’t have left me...would we be a happy family, living in Jersey with a yard and Sam and I playing catch...Jess making dinner and the world being so simple...but I knew that Jess had left because she didn’t want that she wanted to pursue her dreams...

I don’t think that dancing on a bar ones shoved in your thong is becoming a dancer...but I did love her at one point and even though Sam wasn’t planned he wasn’t a mistake in my eyes...though in Jess’s he may have been. But being around Lee when she was with Sam was like seeing that life...
“Lee?” I asked and she looked over at me her blue eyes meeting mine.

“Yeah kit?” she asked in a whisper like tone.

“If you and I are gonna you know go out...I should probably tell you a few things about me...seeing as I know all about you...” she smiled, reached across me and turned off the T.V.

“Can we start with your last name?” she asked smiling at me, I looked at her and smiled she had invited me into her home with out even knowing my last name.

“Richards.” She looked at me as if applying it.

“Kit Richards father of one and god damn good reporter.” she said making me laugh at the fact that she now appeared a little barnyard to me.

“I don’t think I’m that good a reporter.” I said laying a arm on the back of the sofa.

“I’m a journalist minor I know a good reporter when I see one.” she said with a smile.

“Do you now?” I asked flirting with her.

“Yes I do...you know how to word the questions to the point where it makes them easier to flow...you know when re writing them in a column or whatever format.” she smiled and I brushed a piece of hair out of her face and behind her ear, my touch I hoped was gentle, and the feel of her skin was cool and soft, I smiled at her and she smiled back.

“Well that’s one of the nicest complements I’ve gotten in a while.” she smiled and then we both laughed.

“Kit can I be so bold as to ask what’s going on with Sam’s mom?” she was trying not to be to abrasive, trying to be sensitive...and she obviously was sincere .

“Jess...she and I were just dating when she got pregnant...she wanted to abort the pregnecy I told her I’d take care of her and our child, support her and all that...so we had Sam...and things were great until he was three...then I woke up alone...no Sam, no Jess empty apartment...she and I were divorced three months later and she and I had joint custody...and even though she has left him...the court still refuses to give me full...but Sam has voiced he want’s to stay with me...and I’d be glad to have him...he’s all I have...my dad’s out in Jersey and refuses to move and he loves Sam but will not do the whole Grandpa gig...my mom died when I was sixteen and I can’t go out there, its just not something I can do...being out there ...so it’s me and Sam...but I’m hoping you can, if not date me at least stick around...he seems to really like you and I mean I...well...I...”

“I like you too.” she said with a smile, “and I hope to date you.” she said with an even bigger smile.

“Well then..Leda would you be my girlfriend?” I asked looking at her. She smiled and looked at me with this look that drove me insane.

“You know I bet this morning you wanted to kill me...” she said laughing.

“No but I wanted to bully you up but now that I know you...well I don’t know you compleatly though I would like too... but any way...you just seem to bring out this part in me that I really like and I really want to know that I’ll see you agian.” she laughed and set her coffee down.

“Yes Kit...I’ll be your girlfriend.” she said with her smile and I let out a sigh.

“Now I’m not gonna ask for anything not on a first date...just to let you know I’m that kinda guy.” She smiled and looked at me with what I could see was a new light.

“I can tell your not that kinda guy.” she said in that voice...the almost whisper.

“Oh really?”

‘Nine brothers...I know men.” she said with a smile. I laughed and then we both laughed as we heard Sam say yes.

“Lay down Sam.” I said as Leda looked back at the room.

“I was asleep.” he called back.

“Don’t lie!” Lee said with a smile.

“Fine but I’m sleeping now.” he said and we heard the covers ruffle and Leda stood up.

“You wanna watch a movie?” she asked as she walked over to a bookshelf. I stood up and walked up behind her, looking at the two shelves of DVDs. I scanned the titles...I pulled out the box set of Indiana Jones...

“You watch Family?” I asked with a joke she looked at me and laughed.
“Ha ha...haven’t heard that one before...” she said sarcastically putting it back.

“Okay you can’t argue with the Godfather.” she looked at me.

“You have a six year old...” she said being interrupted by Sam snoring. “Okay.” she said smiling and I walked over to the couch, and sat down.

“Hey I’m gonna go put on a t-shirt...can you...” I took the DVD out of her hand and put it in the player. I sat down on the couch and grabbed the remote waiting for my girlfriend which was for me a frankly new concept. She was in the room for no more than ten seconds when she came out wearing a black t-shirt which read There aint no party like a Detroit party.

“That a promise?” I asked with a smile....she looked at me like what, then looked down.

“I really don’t know...I’ve never partied in Detroit...James gave this to me.” she said pulling on it. I smiled and un did the top three buttons of my shirt relaxing a little bit as I took off my shoes and set them down on the ground. She walked over pulling the top of her hair out and I got lost in the way it framed her face and then I noted her arms as she scratched her shoulder, I hadn’t seen the full upper her arm and then I saw how even when she wasn’t even flexing her arms were corded in muscle and she noticed me. “Okay I have man arms I know.” she said sitting down.

“I’m not threatened...” I said with a smile.

“Really?” she asked like she was gonna challenge me.

“Really.” I said standing up. “Bring it Jones...bring it.” She put a hand on her hip and then rolled her eyes standing up.

“If I were to hit you I’d have to get ice and I don’t want to get ice.” I held my arms open.

“Bring. It.” I said in a deep New York accent, she smirked and punched me in the stomach and I lurched forward. “Take it back.” I said and she smiled.

“Just remember you asked me to.” she said as she pushed me back on to the couch and unbuttoned my shirt, I felt the urge to control my self when she placed her self between my legs.

“Hey wait six year old.” I said pionting to where my son was sleeping, hoping nothing had happened to make her embarrassed.

“I’m seeing if your bruised.” she said as she pushed up my under shirt. I got shivers as her hand touched my stomach and then gave me this look like you baby.

“Okay so you just hit me and knocked the wind out of me...” I said and she stood up and lifted her shirt to right below where if I remember correctly... her bra should be, and I saw it...the black circle where the ball hit her. “Ouch.” she nodded, and sat down. “No I have to see that again...” I said pulling up on the shirt, I ran a hand over the marking and noting you could feel the area where the threads were, along with the six pack that wasn’t defined but she had a strong core.... “Oh poor Lee.” she pushed me off and pulled her shirt down.

‘Don’t mock me...” she said as she hit the play button.

“I would never.” I said looking at her as she sat back and looked at the screen.

“Ah huh.” she said looking at the screen. I reached over and pulled her against me her rock hard body agianst me...she sighed and moved around and I pulled a leg behind her, so she was laying between my legs both of us looking at the screen. I wrapped my arms around her and felt her melt into me. We both watched the classic movie laughing at parts and then when Sonny gets gunned down I realized she was asleep...her breathing was constant and her head tilted to one side on my chest and I didn’t want to move her so I closed my eyes and before I knew it I too was asleep thinking about how amazingly fast life can change.

I woke up six hours later and Leda wasn’t in my arms... I was covered in a blanket and I noticed it was a tigers blanket. I shook my head and tossed it off and stood up...I had taken this week off and was wondering if it was fate that I had, and I didn’t see Leda in her room...Sam however was in her guest room still sound asleep in bed. I smiled and noticed she had a terrace. I walked out and saw her standing on the iron and thought...up at the crack of dawn, farm girl at heart.

“Hey.” I said in the voice I had when I woke up in the morning, she looked back at me and smiled.

“Hey.” she said in this sexy I just woke up voice. I walked up next to her and looked out at the city.

“Did you ever think you’d be here?” I asked looking out at the city.

“I never thought I’d see a game in Yankee stadium, I never thought I’d leave Michigan...but I’m glad I did.” she said looking at me. I smiled and looked back at the city, my city and then “Kit.” she said in an almost whisper...

“Yeah?” I asked turning toward her, she took a step closer to me and I felt this heat between us.

“Kiss me.” she said in this whisper which enticed me, I cupped her face in my hands and leaned down to her and she moved a little higher and our lips met in the early hours of the morning...her lips were cool and soft and addicting...she kissed me back and in seconds we were full on making out...her arms wrapped around me and I held her close to me, she was probably the best kisser I’ve ever kissed. I felt her body all of it...the muscle, the sweetness, the barnyard that was Leda Jones. She was amazingly perfect when we pulled apart, the wind caught her hair and you could smell the vendors amidst the pollution as the morning sun danced in her hair and around her cheeks, it was like she was a beautiful combination of the barn yard country girl and the city I love... and I needed to kiss her again, she was now an addiction that I had no intention of trying to quit... I pulled her into me and kissed her, softly sweetly...yet demanding and passionate...and she kissed back in the exact same way.

“Your addictive you know that.” I said as I held her close, yet gently and she smiled and kissed me.

“Your not so bad yourself.” she said with a hint of a twang and that Midwestern accent which made me laugh. I kissed her and she played with the hairs on the back of my neck and I rubbed my hands around her back at times touching her skin and others clumps of black fabric.

“Ewww.” stopped us as Sam and tigger appeared in the door way.

“Sam.” I said looking at him.

“Hi dad.” he said with a smile. “Hi lee.”

“Hi Sam.” she said both of feeling like kids who had gotten caught by their parents.

“Anything you want to share?” he asked looking at me crossing his arms and tapping his foot.

“How old are you again?” Lee asked looking at him.

“Six.” he said still glareing...Leda stepped away and picked him up.

“SIX YEAR OLDS DON’T TALK LIKE THAT!” she said holding him above her head, he laughed and I grabbed him.

“She’s right.” I said with a smile.

“I told you...you liked her.” he said poking my cheek, I pulled away.

“So I have you to thank.” she said getting on her tip toes and kissing his cheek.

“Hey.” I said feeling left out, she rolled her eyes.

“Baby.” she said as she kissed my cheek. I stood up tall and my son rolled his eyes and huffed. Then the cat meowed, “I know your hungry.” she said as she walked into the apartment

“So you gonna feed him cat food?” I asked.

‘No I usually make him a sirloin.” she said joking, making Sam laugh. I gave her a small laugh as she fed her cat then looked at the clock. “I better get to the stadium before Sol gives up on me.” she said as she walked into her room and came out wearing a different pair of sweat pants and was pulling a MSU sweat shirt over one of those running tops that only cover so much.

“Can we come Lee?” Sam asked smiling, she smiled and looked at me.

“You got any t-shirts my size?” I asked in my own way saying yes. She smiled and walked into her room. And came out with a grey t-shirt, she tossed it at me. I opened it up and laughed.

“Your kidding me?” I asked turning it around the huge tiger symbol on it made Sam laugh.

“Yo asked for a shirt...that’s the only one I have that’ll fit you.” she said as she grabbed her bag and pulling on her converse shoes grabbing her nikes and pushing them in her bag. I pulled off my button up shirt and pulled on the tiger shirt cringeing as Sam looked at me...

“It burns.” I said in a pianed voice.

“Ha Ha.” leda said as she grabbed her keys and shoved them in her pocket then walked over to her room and grabbed her ipod.

“Lee.” Sam said making her stop.

‘Yeah.” she said looking down at him.

“Can I borrow a shirt?” she laughed and came out with a smaller shirt one that probably clung to her. He laughed as he pulled it on, the yankees emblum on the front.
“So unfair!” I said as we climbed into the elevator.

“Oh quit your whining city boy.” she said mocking me.

“Oh know you didn’t.” Sam said in the best voice either of has heard....it caused us to both start laughing. We climbed into her car and she looked at me then back at Sam.

“Do you two wanna wake up my way?” she asked with a grin which I could tell meant mischief.

“How’s that?” I asked she smiled and bit her bottom lip and that look drove me wild on the inside. She turned on the car and pulled a CD labeled WAKE UP! And placed it in the player and turned the volume up and Sweet Home Alabama began to blare and Sam Leda and I jammed out until we reached the stadium. Then she turned down the music and opened the car door.

“Is that how you wake up every morning?” Sam asked with a huge smile.

“It’s how my dad used to wake us up...he’d put a radio in the front hall turn it up all the way and play any kind of music that was loud.” she said as she walked into the stadium. And pulled on her tigers hat.

‘Your late.” sol said looking at me. “And I think I know why.”

“How was bingo?” she asked as she pulled off her converse shoes and pulled on her Nikes.
“It was just dandy Jones...now get running...you two...help me get that machine.” He said taking charge. I smiled, and looked at Lee who just rolled her eyes.

“Hey Sol can you watch Sam for a little bit I’m just gonna run and get my laptop.” he smiled

“Come on Sammy, leave the Tiger fan and come hang out with me.” he said as Sam laughed.

“You owe me for this.” I said to Lee who smiled.

“It’s a good shirt looks good on you.” she said with a laugh.

“Oh ha ha...I have to go catch a trian.” she tossed me her keys.

“Saves time if you drive.” she said with a smile.
“No...”

“No body’s out yet.” she said and I laughed.

“Fine...but I’m not filling it up.”

“I don’t care.” she said puling off the sweat shirt.

“Your gonna freeze.” I said looking at her...taking in her abs, shoulders arms chest all of it toned and muscular.

“I’m gonna run...I’ll be fine.” she said pulling on her leg streaching out.

“Okay...I’ll see you in a few...” I said with a smile she smiled and Sam pulled Sol into the nearest entrance hall.

“Cm’on their gonna kiss.” he said making us both laugh.
“Samuel Michael.” I said getting a laugh out of Sol.

“Nice name kid.”

“SOLOMON!” Leda called after him.

“Can it Jones!” he called back. I pulled Leda’s arm then the back of her head and in a swift moment I kissed her, she kissed me back and I ran my hands up her bare sides and then her back and she and I were back to almost making out. I pulled away and kissed her forehead,

“I’ll be right back...you better get running.” she laughed and I walked out to her car and drove home a huge grin on my face despite the looks I was getting from people. I climbed into the elevator and rode up to my apartment where upon entering Sean was standing.

“You slept with her...” he said acusing me of it.

“No.” I said but he was right we did sleep together but not in that way.

“Oh really then why weren’t you here? And why are you wearing that?” he asked as he fixed his tie.

‘Because I fell asleep at her house and she and Sam are at the stadium and I needed a shirt and this was the only one my girlfriend had for me.” he stopped me.
“Your dating her...yesterday morning you couldn’t stand her...”

“That was before I got to know her...and got to kiss her.” I said as I threw my laptop bag over my shoulder and pulled on a Yankee cap.

“You are contradicting yourself in apparel.” he said with a smile.

“So what?” I asked looking down at my feet.

“You look different Kit...but are you sure that starting a relationship with somebody is what’s best right now?” he asked actually worried about me.

“I don’t care...she just has this hold...this effect on me that I love...I’m a better dad when I’m around her...I’ve known the woman less than twenty four hours and she’s brought the best out in me.” I said as I went for my door.

“What about Sam? What are you gonna do if Jess comes back...”

“As far as I’m concerned there is no Jessica Gerleds Richards....” I said getting him to smile.

“I’m glad to finally hear that...because this was dropped off by your lawyer.” he handed me an envelope...I tore open the document and a smile crept over my face as I read.

I Jessica Gerleds Richards do here by for fit my custody of Samson Michael Richards to my former husband Kit Samson Richards, due to the realization that I am no longer fit to be a parent and feel that my former husband would be best suited to raise our son... there’s no need to continue the document was a copy of a letter which was left at my lawyers office and in all it gave Sam to me and that she was most likely out of my life for good. I looked up at Sean and he hugged me.

“He’s all yours buddy...he’s all yours.” I hugged my old college roommate back and he knew what I was feeling this flood of happiness this flood of relief and satisfaction. I felt the player in my pocket and was pulled back to reality.

“Lee’s car is running.” I said as I put the document in my desk and walked toward the door.
“So is her apartment on like Park Avenue or something...”

“No...it’s like six blocks away from here.” I said walking into the hallway locking the door behind him.

‘Wiat this girl is gonna be rakeing in close to three or four mill a year and she’s living in a what?”

‘Fourth floor walk up...I don’t think she’ll be there for long...at least she deserves better.” I said as the elevator doors closed.

“Well I’m glad to see you actually working... even though it isn’t neccesary for us to even go into work at times.” I laughed...

“You know I get to write in Yankee stadium today and right now I’m loving that idea...I’m loving this whole getting back into dating thing.” I said as we stepped off the elevator.

“You know your only twenty six you sound like a forty six year old.”

‘Oh your so funny!” I said my voice dripping with sarcasim as I climbed into the beat up suburban.

“Be careful kit.” he said walking away....

“Stay safe Sean.” I called as I drove toward the stadium cursing the traffic...when I got to the stadium I noticed that it was a Tuesday and sam should probably be in school... “Yeah I’m a good dad.” I said to my self hitting my head. I whipped out my cell phone and dialed his school, getting an answering machine...

“Hello you have reached the office of....” I didn’t care... “we are currently on our two week fall break for thanksgiving...if you wish to leave a messege please press one...” Nope... Kit wishes to hang up. I sighed and looked at the stadium in the fall light...it seemed like it was just yesterday I was a kid standing out front looking at this place...now here I am, helping Lee and helping my son...and helping my self. I grabbed the lions jersey off the floor and pulled it on over my shirt, it clung to me and it probably clung to lee...but I wanted to make her laugh so I grabbed my lap top and walked toward the stadium hearing some old Sinatra music playing from inside the park while sam was running around a bag of skittles in his hand and a mountain dew covered face.

“Oh Sol!” I called as I walked over to the concession stand.

“Hello kit...top’s a bit small for you aint it.” he said with a smile as I placed my arms on the metal counter.

“Well I’m really more concerned with why my son is hopped up on moutian dew and skittles?” I said making him laugh.
‘Ask your girlfriend.... she’s the one who got it for him, well she told him it was okay... she’s been running.” I heard her approaching foot falls and looked to my left and saw her running form turn the corner and throw her sweat pants in a pile of clothes so she was running in shorts and that top. She smiled at me and I saw a sheen of sweat over her body as she pushed right by her blonde hair swishing behind her...I set the bag down and jogged up next to her.

“You gave him mountain dew...what’s wrong with you...”

‘I really didn’t know what he was asking...” she said as she slowed down and looked at her watch.

“Why not?” I asked placing a hand on my hip.

“I was running and when I’m running I get lost in my own thoughts and so he asked can I as I jogged by and I just yelled sure...” I laughed.

“Oh he’s playing you...are you okay?” I asked noticing she was winded.

“Yeah...but I shouldn’t be this winded it’s only been thirty minutes.”

“Okay...you didn’t stop running for thirty minutes?” I asked as we walked back toward the stands.

“No I stopped I had to like cool off and well strip.” she said laughing at her self.

“Oh really.” I said with a smile.

“Yeah...” she said giving me that look.

“LEE!” Sam yelled running at her. “Are we gonna go bat now...what about pitching how much you gonna do....huh?” she looked at me and I gave her this look like see what happens when you give him sugar.

“Well first we’re gonna take this....” she said lifting the moutian dew out of his hands. “And give it to dad.” she said handing it to me. “Then we’re gonna take these.” she said grabbing the bag of skittles. “And lee’s gonna eat em...then she’ll pitch.” she said shoving a hand full in her mouth.

“I’m cold.” sam said and I realized he didn’t have a jacket.

‘What size you guys wear?” Rich asked.
“Small!” sam yelled and Rich dropped a box in front of us, he opened it and tossed Sam a Yankee’s Jacket.

“Pull it out of my check Rich.” Lee said with a smile as she grabbed her sweatshirt.

“What about you Sanders?” he asked me...
“I couldn’t.”

“Take the Jacket Kit!” Lee called from behind the counter.

“Large.” I said and he tossed it to me.

“Thanks.” I said to him as he grabbed the box and walked away. I walked over to where Leda and Sol were and looked at her. “You didn’t have to do that...” Sol was wearing his, aling with a huge grin like I got mine before the boyfriend.

“But I wanted to...” she said with her smile and I noticed her hair was wet.

“What did you do?” Sam asked and leda laughed, as Sol shot her this you idiot glare.

“She stuck her head under that faucet...she’s gonna catch a cold.” Sol said with a smile.

“Yeah right.” she said as she poured the skittles into her mouth.

“Oh your gonna be bouncing off the walls...just like Sam.” I said looking at my son who was running around in circles, then stopping and laughing at how he couldn’t walk straight than ran around in circles some more.

“I think I might be able to handle my sugar.” she said as she jumped up and slid over the counter and I caught her, holding her up, she was light...yet solid...a lethal combination. “I wasn’t gonna fall.” she said as she placed an arm around my neck.

“Didn’t want to take the chance.” I said with a smile. Sol coughed and I looked at him.

“You mind saving that for later...she’s gotta pitch.” she threw her head back and looked at him.

“Can we listen to something other than old blue eyes?” she asked and I set her down.

“Oh Jones it’s your ipod tell me what to play and I’ll play it.” he said grabbing a walkie talkie. “Seeing as you got me a job...”

“She got you a job?”

“No.” She said looking at him.

“She helped...your looking at her official manager....like press manager...stuff like that...”

“Well congrats Sol...I’ll go easy on you.” I said and Leda smiled.

“They give him a walkie talkie and my cell number and I’ve already got three massages...from him...the guy in the booth probably hates his voice and Sam’s hopped up on sugar.” she said looking over at him and he was sitting down rolling his head and I laughed and it was the big laugh...like cracking up which made Leda smile and Sol just roll his eyes.

“Just give me the play list Jonesy.”

“Playlist title pitching.” she said with a smile. “And Kale is Jonesy not Lee.” that made me laugh and then Sol beeped the his walkie talkie.

“Jack...” Sol said a thick Jersey accent pushing through

“Yeah sol?” a young voice asked.

“Song change.” Sol said looking at Lee who had finished the skittles and crumpled the bag and tossed it into the trash can.

“Two pionts.” she said with a smile as it went stright in.

‘Okay...” Jack said with this what is it tone

“Playlist title pitching....” Leda jogged over to her bag and threw it over her shoulder.

“Your pitching!” sam said looking at her, and shooting up...he sounded exstaticed....like super excited...give it an hour and he’d be asleep.

Yeah I am!” she said mocking his excitement, I laughed as they ran past me and Sol rolled his eyes as the all American Rejects began to play and we walked out seeing Lee jump over the fence and grab her bucket of balls and her mit. I followed Sol to the front row and sat down and began watching and writing as Leda would throw a ball and Sam would chase it after it hit the fence and bounce off. I looked on with a smile as the cold November air circulated around me brining the last week Red Sox’s victor out of mind and foot ball season to my front frame as soon as I finished my story on Leda... okay where to begin.

This past Monday the New York Yankee’s did what in many minds was the unthinkable... the allowed a woman into the organization. How ever though many of you know me as the strict man who gives no room for change, but I Kit Richards agree with the hiring of Leda Jones as the rookie pitcher. Now let me back up my opinions before you set this paper down and damn me to hell... she’s good...I know because yesterday when I received a frantic phone call from my son saying that my ex wife had left him...I met him at Yankee stadium where upon entering I saw my son helping Leda who insists upon being called Lee hit...she cleared one into the far right stands...she hits like a Bonds and throws unlike any pitcher I’ve ever seen. But there is a side to Leda that should be told before all the hate you feel towards her grows...it is who she is that needs to be reviled. Leda is the youngest of ten children and the only female in her family...she has a down home country side to her which tells you that she’s used to working for what she has...and the fact that she invited me into her home along with my six year old for dinner shows that she’s as kind as she is athletic...a former state champion runner and a minor league starter Jones has proven that baseball is no longer just a man’s sport...as I watched her pitch I saw a legend form in front of me...her arm can clock in the hundreds and she has a power behind her which could in fact lead the Yankees to re take thier right full place as the world champions. Okay so it’s a rough draft but I needed to get a basic concept before tonight when I’d be up till three writing so I can stay home as long as I can.

“You making her look good?” Sol asked as I pulled my glasses off my face.

‘I’m trying.” I said as she and Sam ran the bases.

“What they doing?” I asked having been engulfed in my computer for the past twenty minutes.

“Well Lee has thrown over fifteen pitches and I think she’s done pitching and then Sam challenged her to a race and I think she’s gonna let him win....or she’s gonna do that.” I watched as she ran and slid into home plate and looked up at Sam who smiled and yelled.

“SAFE!” she rolled onto her back and Sam jumped over her, three times.

“Okay no more Mountain Dew.” I heard her say.

“I TOLD YOU!” I yelled and she laughed and stood up.
“JONES!” Sol yelled tearing off his hat in anger. “ Your bleeding you little...” Sol said coming at her and I noticed she had blood running down her leg.

“Hey sol... your channeling my dad right now. It’s a scratch...big deal” she said with a back off tone.
“Maybe I should give him a call tell him his only daughter is gonna hurt her self before she ever gets a chance to pitch in a game.” Leda laughed and bent her knees, finding the scratch and laughing at it.

“I’m fine Sol...” he walked down the stiars and set his feet on the grass.

“You say you are...” he said aproaching her and looking at her leg. She ran her hand over the blood and wiped it on her sweatshirt.

“I have spongebob band-aids at our house...” Sam said with a smile.

“I have big Yankee band-Aids in my bag.” she said with a smile, Sam laughed. “My nephew gave em to me.” She said walking over to the bag a hint of a limp.

“Oh christ Lee your limping.” Sol said holding his head.

“Ok now your channeling my old coach...just cause I’m a girl doesn’t mean I can’t get hurt and come back...okay senior year I broke my left arm in a bar fight...here I stand sol so Back off!” she said with a smile which made him laugh.

“Oh she got you good!” I yelled from the stands.

“Dad what are you doing?” Sam asked running over.

“Working.”

“We don’t work in the off season kit.” lee said as she picked him up and set him on her shoulders.

“Well Kit does.” I said with a smile.

“Ah the joys of a seasonal job...” Sol said as he made his way up to the stands. Sam played with Leda’s hair pulling it out of the pony tail.

“Ow!” she said with a smile. “That band hurts when you pull it out...” she said as he played with it and her wet hair showed signs that her hair curled, it was cute.

“Dad...” he said from atop her shoulders.

“Yeah?” I said looking at my screen.

“Can we go visit grandpa?” I stopped dead and looked up.

“Huh?” I asked and Lee looked at me with this do you want me to leave look and I shook my head.

“Grandpa...can we go see him...Sol said he lives by him..can we?” Lee looked at Sol.

“I told you to watch him...” She said in a deep tone.

‘I was. He asked where I lived I told him...he’s the one who figured out I live three blocks from your dad...” Sol said as he sipped his coffee, I looked at Lee who was mouthing she was sorry which made me smile and I looked at my son.

“I just think grandpa would like lee and I haven’t seen him this year.” I smiled and looked at Lee.

“You feel like a trip to Jersey?” Sam began to bounce in excitement.

“Hey cool it you hurt her arm your putting up with me...” the Yankee’s manager said as he walked down the concrete isle way. “Hi Leda.” he said as she pulled my son off of her shoulders.

“George.” she said with a smile.

“Sol...”

“George...” Sol said with a smile.
“And you are?” he asked Sam.

“Sam Ricards...” he said afraid and Lee ruffled his hair.

“And you sir?” he asked turning to me.

“Kit Richards.”
‘Ah Mr. Richards the sports columnist from the times...the year round baseball enthusiast.” he said shaking my hand.

“Cough...boy...cough..friend...cough.” Sol did getting a look from Lee which made me laugh.

“Oh so you’re here three or four months and you’ve got yourself a relationship...well I’ve noticed you here the past few days just thought I’d stop by say hi.” Lee laughed and the old man smiled.

“Hi.” she said as she jumped over and pulled sam up.

“I do have to let you know you lot aren’t gonna be allowed in next week we close for the season...”

“I know.” Sol and Lee said in unision.
“Lee...a word.” he said and she nodded and walked back with him.

“What’s that gonna be about?” Sol asked....it wasn’t ten minutes that I knew what it was about. Lee came running back in a huge grin on her face.

“Ok she’s happy.” Sam said as she came closer.

“I just got my first pay check...boys lunch is on me.” she said as she pulled on her sweat pants and her shirts and I grabbed her bat bag. “Hey mine.” she said looking at me.

“I’m helping...” she smiled and Sol laughed.

“Your too used to having to work for yourself...you got your own team now girl...” the old man said as he pulled the checkered fedora over his head.

“Farm girl.” she said as we walked out of the stadium a few of the stadium workers began to pick up the balls.

“You know the MSU OSU game is in two weeks...not a month.” I said with a smile.

“And how would you know that?” she asked grabbing her wallet

“You have the season schedule hanging from your rear view mirrior....” I said as she pulled out a small credit card like schedule.
“Your right... well I’ll just have to leave in two weeks.” she said putting it away.

“Your driving there aren’t you....” sol said as we came upon her car.

“The tank can get me there...yeah.” she said as he climbed into an old mustang.

“Where we going for lunch?” Sam asked.

“Where ever you want....” she said with a smile.

“Don’t give him that kind of fredom...he’ll have us going to...”

“DAVE AND BUSTERS!” my son yelled and I rolled my eyes.

“That’s where we’re going.”She said as I grabbed her keys and she grabbed for them.

“I’m driving you have no idea where it is do you?” she looked down then grabbed Sam and threw him over her left shoulder.

“Then Sam and I will just go along for the ride.” Sam smiled and played with her hair. “You like my hair sam?” she asked as she set him in the car.
“It’s soft.” she smiled and flipped her hair and he grabbed it.

“Okay I’m not Tigger.” she said as he began to pet it.

“Woof.” I said and she meowed and Sam howled.

“Hey wild things!” Sol called.

“Yeah?” we all asked.

“Lets GO!” Leda laughed and climbed in the front seat and I turned on her car.

“To lunch!” she said as we pulled out of the parking lot.

“To lunch!” Sam yelled and I whooped one of my loud whoops that always made Sam laugh. “Then dad Grandpa’s?” Sam asked and I looked at him in the rear view mirrior.

“Let’s give Lee and I a chance to have a relationship before we drop grandpa on her.” Sam laughed.
“Does that mean I have to watch you kiss?” Lee smiled and I looked at him and Lee turned around in her seat.
“Yep.” she said with that mischief grin and she reached her hands out and tickled him.

“EWWWW!” he said as she tickled him.

“Oh can it Samson.” Leda smiled as I said this and almost hit the car in front of me. “You drive this thing?” I asked her car was huge...and I was slowly realizing it.

“What’s up city boy can’t handle the tank?” she said and I did the ha ha not funny laugh and she placed her hand on mine and I grabbed it, and laced our fingers together rubbing my thunb up and down her hand. She seemed to relax and crossed her legs and Sam began singing to the lion kin as it came on the cd. I saw she closed her eyes and just relaxed as we drove to the resturant. When we got there she jumped awake and I reluctently let go of her hand and pulled the lions Jersey off and she grabbed a piar of jeans and climbed in the back. “Give me like two minutes.” she said as we got out. Sol laughed as she jumped into the back of the suburban and came out five minutes later wearing a pair of Jeans and a Yankees T-shirt, underneath a blue players jacket.

“Okay this is so un fair...I’m not the tigers fan and I’m wearing this...” I said as I pulled on the t-shirt under my jackett.

“Hey...you’re the one who slept with her...” Sol said and Leda hit his arm.

“We did not sleep together....” I smiled

“Technically we did.” I said and she gave me this not helping look.

“Yeah...I woke up at one am and you two were all cozy and asleep.” Sam said hugging himself.

“Were we now?” Leda said with a smile.

“Yep...you were.” she grabbed him up and said.

‘You mean like this.” and she gave him this bear hug and he laughed and wrapped his arms around her neck. I laughed as we walked into the seemingly empty resturant and asked for a table in the back. When we sat down Sam insisted that Lee and I sat next to eachother so he could sit next to Sol...

“You know kid...I think you and I are gonna get along great.” Sol said patting his head..
“I hope so...” I said grabbing the water infront of me and taking a sip.

“Hello.” the waiter said looking at the yankee booth.

‘You all yankee fans?”

‘One of us is a Yankee.” Sol said looking at the sixteen year old, his eyes went to me and I held up my hands like not me.
“It’s not the kid...and no offense sir but you’re a bit old to be a player.”

“Leda Jones.” Lee said holding out her hand.

“THE PITCHER!” he said half excited half angry and Leda eged closer to me, I placed a hand on her hip as if saying I’m here...he won’t hurt you.

“Yeah.” She said small like. “But don’t hit me or anything...I just got done working out.” the guy laughed and looked at her.

‘No I’m from GR I’ve seen you pitch...oh god.” James the wiater said taking her hand.

“Well maybe there are a few people who don’t hate my guts in this city.” she said with a laugh as Sam and I mocked her.

“Okay so what can I get you guys to drink?”

“I’ll have an Ice Tea.” Sol said looking at him.

“Coke.” Lee said un zipping the jackett.

“Diet coke...” I said with a smile.
‘Moutain...” Sam began

“NO!” we all interupted.

“Coke.” he said looking at the table.

“Be right back...god.” he said shocked looking at Leda.

“Ok I already don’t want this.” she said looking at the table.

“Want what? Fame?”

“I don’t like having like tons of attention drawn to me.” she said taking a sip of her water.

“Welcome to the big leuages Jones.” Sol said with a smile “Get over it.” Leda laughed and Sam was looking at the game room.

“Don’t worry superman Sam we’ll get in there.” Lee said as she closed her menu.

“Yeah...and your so on for skee ball.” I said as I placed my hand on the seat next to Leda feeling this nervous twinge in the pit of my stomach.

“Oh Jones we’ll whip em.” Sol said and Leda gave him a high five.

“Hey wait no fair...you got rocket arm over here and I got dad!” My son saud and I looked at him.

“I’m not that bad a pitcher.” I said tossing a sugar packet at him.

“I can’t pitch under hand.” Lee said crossing her legs.

“You can’t?” I asked looking at her.

“No that’s why I never played softball... that and I hate how fricking large the softballs are.” she said as she looked around and we realized we were the only people inside the resturant.

“We’re all alone.” Sol said with a smile.

“Yeah...you are.” the waiter said as he set the drinks down.

“Thanks.” we said as he finished.

“Okay so do we know what we want for lunch?” We all order...Lee getting a greek salad how girly (ok so she has to watch what she eats.) , Sol getting a lemon chicken dish, Sam a grilled cheese sandwhich with onion rings, and I well I got a burger. “An for power cards?” We were each awarded 10,000 little pionts and then were left to talk.

“Okay Jones...Richards over here knows more about you and I can’t have that.” Lee laughed and I chuckled.

“What do you wanna know Sol?”

“Middile name?” she laughed and took a sip of her soda.

“Ray.” I laughed.‘Hey...” She said hitting my chest with the back of her hand.

“Sorry...it’s just Ray?”

“My grandpa’s name.” she said as the apitizer of chips was set in front of us. “My dad said that the last born would have his dad’s name...and he hates the name rachel so Leda is a mix of Liam and somthing else, and Ray was my grandpa, what is all of yours...all your middle name?” she asked and I knew better than to mock her.

“Richrad.” Sol said and I smiled.

“Samson.” I said and Sam beemed.

“Micheal!” he said grabbing a chip.

“Oh a triva question for lee...” I said grabbing my soda.

“Yeah?” she asked and I sat forward.

“All your brothers middle names.”

“Thomas...Micheal....Andrew....Mathew...Samuel...Jackson...Galileo...Jonah...Liam.” I sat back and smiled. “Oh I’m pathetic to know that.” she said rubbing her head.

“Okay back to me...” Sol said taking a chip.

“Birthday?”

“July fifth.” she said with a smile.

“What you used to do on that farm of yours?”

“I worked mostly in the barn and the cattle yard.” I laughed

“Cowgirl?” she laughed at me that your not funny laugh.

“I used to be...we have fifty Akers and ten of them are the cattle field.”
“Do you know how to ride a horse?” Sam asked and Lee nodded.

“Okay...what was your average...”

“.245" She said with a smile. “No more questions.” she said making us all laugh.

“Age?”

“No Coment” she said which made me and Sol crack up.

“Twenty six.” I said and she looked at me. “Your blog...” She laughed and Sam played with the table cloth.

“Where are you two going on your date? Final Question.”

‘A show.” I said catching her off guard.

“What?”

“I’m gonna get you all dolled up, and take you out on the town...and we’ll go see a show.” She smiled at me and I wrapped my arm around her.

“Oh you two are cuter than a sack of bunny rabbits.” Sol said as he and Sam jointly pretended to gag.

“So what show?” Sam asked... “And where do I go?”
‘Your coming over to my house!” Sol said looking at us.

‘You mean it?” I asked looking at him and sitting forward.

‘Yes and I won’t charge if Jones promises to watch my house when I go visit my brother in Philly, a week before Christmas.” Leda looked over at him and smiled.

“Yeah no problem.” I looked at this group I had stumbled upon, I could defiantly get used to life like this.

“You really don’t have to.....”

“I want to Richards...” Sol said looking at me. “And all you two have to do is call if he’s spending the night.” We both chocked on our drinks and looked at him.

“Six year old.” Lee said with a stern look.

“I know what he’s talking about...” Sam said with a smug grin.

“How?” I asked sitting up, he opened his mouth and I held up a hand. “On second thought don’t tell me...just try and forget about it.” Leda smiled and placed her hand on mine rubbing her fingers over my bones which in some odd way relaxed me.

“Sol I don’t think you’ll be having a sleep over.” Lee said with a wink. “But who knows.” she laughed under her breath as the waiter set our food down.

“Can I have a fry dad?” Sam asked and I gave him about ten, then I saw lee take one.

“Hey.” I said and she made a seagull sound.

“What on earth was that?” Sol asked looking at her.

“When I was little my brother Kale called me the seagul cause in the meals we did eat as a family I’d steal from his plate...sorry...it’s just I haven’t had a fry in like two years.” I laughed and looked at her.

“It shows.” I said and she blushed.

“Oh their flirting Sammy boy it’s all up hill from here.” Leda laughed and began to eat her salad. We talked about everything until Leda payed and Sam ran into the game room Sol walking in front of Lee and I. I kissed her temple and grabbed her hand.

“You know...I’m normally not so lovey dovey...but I like being like that with you.” I said as we walked over to a bowling game.

“I like you being like that...most guys are afraid to touch a girl until they’ve been dating for like a week.” she said with a smile and I grabbed her waist and pulled her close to me in the empty arcade lights and sounds blaring.

“Good.” I said as I leaned down and kissed her, she gave me this amazing kiss, it wasn’t like the first two it was shorter but still as tender and passionite...and it left me wanting more as she pulled away and tossed a basket ball at me.
“Let’s see if you can shoot hoops?” she asked with a smile.

“Oh your dead Jones.” I said as the game began and yes I won... “Who just beat you?”

‘You did.” she said in a small voice.

“And what’s my prize?” She held up my tickets, and I frowned and put a finger on my cheek. She kissed it, then I moved my finger to my nose....she kissed it...then she kissed my eye lids and then a short peck on the lips as Sam called us over to the skee ball machine.

“Okay...rules are simple...combine score after three games wins...” Sol said as we all prepared to go. “On your mark get set...go!” he yelled and we all began throwing...Sam and I were doing great until I looked at Leda who was hitting the hundred like every time.
‘Can’t pitch underhand huh?” I asked as she tossed the ball into the hundred one more time.

“Skee ball isn’t pitching...we used to have this in the arcade attached to the diner... I’m a pro.” she said hitting it one more time.

“Hustler...” I said as she and Sol won the third game.

“I did not and just to prove I’m not some braggart...Sam your welcome to the tickets. I’m not using em.” Sam grabbed the pile of tickets and looked at her.

“Thanks!” She hugged him and he ran off.

“Is this counting as a date?” I asked grabbing her hand.

“Well there was dinner...” she said with a smile... and we saw Sam and Sol playing Dance Dance Revoulition “And a show...” she said with a smile. “So I think it might count...” I smiled and pulled her over to where Sam couldn’t hear.

“Lee...I don’t know what’s happening to me...but I feel right with you and I know I do this I over analyze the relationship and I’ll scare you away...but Lee I can feel my self falling for you...I really can.” She smiled and kissed me.

“Kit I’m falling for you...but it’s only been a day...don’t go asking me to marry you yet, and you won’t scare me away...I like your kid to much..” she said as she grabbed my hand and pulled me into the photo booth, the last sentence had made me smile then I realized what she was about to do....

“This is not funny.” I said looking at her. She smiled and kissed my cheek as the booth snapped the shot. “Oh you ham.” I said grabbing her waist and smiling, Snap!...then she and I kissed Snap! Then we stuck our tounges out and it snaped the shot then I looked at her and she looked at me and it was done and two strips came out.

‘One for you...and one for me.” she said folding it and putting it in her back pocket.

“Why thank you.” I said with a smile.

‘You have a nice smile.” she said rubbing my chin.

“You like the scruff.” I said sticking my chin out knowing she was playing with the ruffege that grows on my chin after a day of no shaving.

“I’m a farm girl...I like a guy with scruff.” she said kissing my cheek.

“Oh your gonna have to play up that farm girl routine a little more Scarlet.” I said with sarcasim.
“I’m actually trying to get out of that image....” she said as she tugged on my shirt.

“Well refering to yourself as a farm girl isn’t gonna help honey.” I said as Sam was racing Sol in the horse race machine...and Sam was winning.

“Go Superman Sam Go!” Leda yelled from behind him and Sol looked at her and she smiled. “Sol Sol he’s our man if he can’t do it oh well.” she said in this drone voice which got sol to laugh. The rest of the day was spent playing games and eating junk food until we had to find a way to eat dinner.

“Okay you three I’ll see you on Friday...Lee take some time off...do small workouts...”

“Okay dad.” she said hugging him.

“You’ve been working out like that every day for months you deserve a few days off...” she smiled and he climbed into his car.

“You’d think he’s been watching me and we’ve known each other for weeks...” she said as she climbed into the suburban.

“People could say that about us...” I said kissing her.

“Can you two not...” Sam said and pulled Leda closer and opened her mouth with mine and we french kissed and Sam chucked a teddy bear at us. “COOL IT!” he yelled and Lee pulled away.

“Let’s not make him angry.” She said as she kissed my nose.

“I agree with Lee.” Sam said kicking my chair.
“Okay fine...we’ll go home ...lee would you care to acompany us?” she crossed her arms.

“We’re in my car duffus...” she said and I laughed.

“Is that a yes?” I asked and she smiled and nodded throwing her self back agianst the chair.

“Yes that’s a yes.”

“I can show you my room, and my dad’s room, and the kitchen...the whole apartment....you’ll love our place dad has all this Yankee stuff on shelves and all his good articles framed...it’s really cool and we even have and Xbox 360....and we can have a sleep over and watch movies and talk about sports....” the rambling went on until I pulled into the parking garage next to our apartment and saw that Lee was conked out.

“Sam...” I whispered, he stoped and looked at me.

“Yeah?” he asked

“Get Lee’s door.” he looked at her and smiled.

“Okay.” I grabbed my laptop bag and threw it over one shoulder and when Sam opened Lee’s door I clicked off her seat belt and then I scooped her up bridal style and she shifted and I knelt down.

“Sam...put her arm over my neck.” he did as he was told and then grabbed my keys and we made our way up to our apartment. When we entered the apartment Lee stirred as I set her down on my bed. She shifted then groaned, I smiled and pulled the brown comforter over her then walked out into the living room where Sam was already playing on the Xbox.

“Is she still asleep?” he asked as he began to play the snow boarding game I had bought him last year.

“Yep...hey if she’s not up in an hour bed...” he moaned. “Hey you’ve had a long day, don’t argue... now for dinner, we have le chef boy r d...or le kids cuisine...or spegetios...or hot dogs?” he laughed and said.

“Hot dogs...” I made up three hotdogs then gave Sam one and I ate two and then walked into my room Lee was curled up and her hair fell about on my pillows. I looked at her and smiled, I was falling in love with this woman. “Dad...” sam whispered and looked at me then Lee

“Yeah Kiddo?” I asked looking down.

“Are you gonna sleep next to Lee?” why do kids ask stuff like that why does my kid ask the most random question.

“I don’t know...” I said as he rubbed his eyes. “But I do know it’s eight thirty and bedtime for you...” I said picking him up and carrying him to his room.. I put him down for bed and he kissed me good night and I walked out into the living room. I heard Lee huff then my covers ruffled and her feet hit the floor and in seconds she came out. “Hello sleeping beauty.” I said as she rubbed her eyes.

“Hey handsome.” she said in the I just woke up voice. I walked over to her and she grabbed my shirt and kissed me.

“You are too addictive for words you know that?” I said as we accidently made our way to the bed room. “Lee...” I said as we fell on the bed.

“I know.” she said sitting up.

“We need to move slow...” She nodded and kissed me.

“Then we stick to making out and then we’ll give it time.” she said rubbing my arms.

‘Fine by me.” I said as I pulled the covers over us and wrapped my arms around her and we began the most amazing make out session. She and I were quiet and then she pulled away and looked at me.

“I should probably get home.” I laughed, and looked at her,

“You can stay if you want...I mean we did spend last night together...” She smiled and looked at the clock.

“Kit it’s almost ten...” I kissed her. “Do you have a t-shirt I could borrow?” I laughed and stood up and walked over to my closet and grabbed my old high school t-shirt and tossed it at her. “Thanks” she said standing up.

“You want a pair of shorts?” she nodded and yawned I smiled and tossed her some old basketball shorts. I pulled off my shirt and jeans and climbed into bed, I felt her slide into bed and I rolled over and looked at her. “You look good in my clothes.” I said with a smile, she stretched and I pulled her close to me. “I like you being this close...makes me feel wanted.” I said with a smile.

“Your wanted Kit...your wanted.” she said as she nuzzled her head underneath mine and kissed my neck. “Night.” she whispered and I rubbed her side.

“Night.” it was the most glorious two hours of sleep I’ve ever had...I say two hours because at midnight.

“Dad...” I reluctantly let go of Lee and rolled over.

“Yeah?” I whispered.

“I had a bad dream...” I hadn’t done the bad dream thing...

“You wanna come hang out with us?” Lee asked scaring me. Sam nodded and she stood up and Sam jumped into bed with us. “Okay...” she said as she climbed back into bed.

“What was you dream about?” I asked brushing the hair out of his face.

“I had a dream that mom came and made me go back with her..” I smiled and wrapped my arms around him.

“Mom’s not coming back sam...your staying here don’t worry.” I said protecting him and I looked over at Lee who was smiling and rubbing Sam’s back.

“Lee?”

“Yeah Sam?” she said in this tone which made me wish it had been her who I’d gotten pregnant not Jess, her who was Sam’s mother...her who I know gave me my son...

“What’s night like on a farm?” how cute I thought, as she rubbed his back and scratched it getnly as if cooning him to sleep.

“Quiet...you can hear everything, crickets, cattle, wind in the weeds and corn stalks, the cars on the interstate fifteen miles off, Dad humming along to some old record while he and our old cook/maid fixed up whatever needed fixing, George and Kale in their room strumming on their guitars, Al typing away at the computer, Fred tossing the foot ball back and forth with Catch, and Jack in his room with a book, laughing at the jokes inside the text.” she said all this while looking at the ceiling as if creating a painting of her former life up there, in her mind drawing a mural of the Jones farm, it drew me to her even more.

“ ...it’s peacful...” She continued as she scratched Sam’s back and I could feel him relaxing. “you can see all the stars, all the billions and billions of stars just like a blanket up in the sky...” I could almost see that, looking at the ceiling, I could see the clear sky no clouds just the stars, and in my mind that was beautiful. “... and there’s a place on our roof where I used to sneak too at night, it’s right above my Dad’s room...you could hear his music, and you could see all of our land and there were times when you could see deer and all other kinds of animals, just running through the fields...and in the summer when it’s hot I’d go up there at night and it’d be kinda cool and it was just my place to be alone, to think, it was my own little slice of heaven up there.”

I could tell just by her voice that is her mind she probably went up there to think about her mom, or who ever she needed to think about, I remebered my slice of heaven, there was a shed in my dad’s backyard...I had a bed sheet drapped over one corner and it was my fort. “but mainly it’s just quiet.” she said in this I so miss home voice, and I looked over at her and in the splinters of light pouring in my windows I saw the most beautiful woman laying there her eyes bearly open and her chest slowly rising and falling, and it made me feel at home...she made me feel at home, I knew just looking at her that I was destenied to find her...as sappy as it sounds I felt that in that moment I had found someone who could be my soul mate...I just have to keep her, hold onto her...which will be no problem right?


“Can I ever see the farm.” Sam asked in this small baby voice
“I’m sure you can...” She said closing her eyes, and sighing...a felt this learch as she moved her body and her hands, I was drawn to her, I was after one day...in love with her. I never am one to admit that...never one to move fast...fast was bad when you get older....but I was...I knew it...I knew I was in love. Seeing her there with me and Sam...seeing in her the life I wanted showed me that thier is such a thing as love not at first sight, but after one almost two days...I had fallen in love...and I needed to know she was in love with me too...but I had to wait till the opertune moment to ask and say. And right now wasn’t that time.

“Can dad come?” I smiled when he asked that...Sam was pushing us together...even more together, he hated us kissing but he loved us together...he had said that over dinner...that he loved Lee being my girlfriend....that he liked Lee alot...and I knew she loved Sam...just the way she acted around him told me that she loved him.

“If he wants.” She said as she looked at him his head turned toward her...and then he turned his head towards me...and a huge smile was plastered on his face.

“Dad wants.” I said reaching across Sam and rubbing her arm, she smiled and placed her hand on mine and I laced her fingers with mine then we let go as Sam rolled around.

“Cool! when? When can we...?” Lee and I laughed, and she pulled a piece of her hair out of her face and behind her ear as I just propped myself up on my elbow.

“I really don’t know Sam when dad says it’s okay.” she said with that it’s up to him not me, little dance. I rolled my eyes and she laughed sending her stomach upward, not arching her back just that thing your body does when you laugh on your back and your stomach moves up ward...that...it was cute.

“Well Lee is going back to Lansing in two weeks...” She looked over at me, her beautiful smile on her face.

“Yeah to go to a football game...”Sam said with a smile, looking up at me...I looked over at Lee who was streaching her hands toward the head board. I laughed at her and she looked over at me like ‘what?’

“We could leave a few days early and you could meet the clan, but you’d have to stay for a down home thanksgiving.” she said with a yawn. “My dad will love you sam, he’s a huge comic book fan.”I looked over at her and she mouthed. He’ll love you too. “So superman Sam if you wanna and your Dad says it’s okay you can come spend thanksgiving with me...and the entire family.” she said looking at me and I smiled and nodded, and she beemed.

“Yeah!” Sam said pushing himself up on his hands looking at both of us, yawning and then laying back down.

“But first I get to meet your grandpa.” she said getting a look out of me, one she obviously wanted to get...cause she smiled and kissed sam’s head, a gesture which made me long for her...she loved my son...and when you’re a single dad, and I have been one for three years if the girl loves your kid you hold on to her...Lee had this natural mothering quality to her...probably from being the only girl even though all her brothers were older I’m sure she took the roll of woman of the house from a very young age...she just seemed to be the kind of woman who would be a great mom, the kind of woman who wanted to be a mom. “Now get some sleep and we’ll talk about this more in the morning...” that made me smile the whole mom thing showing through. “I don’t have to work out tomorrow...yes!” she said making us laugh. Sam snuggled up next to me like Lee had been earlier, I smiled and kissed the top of his head.

“Night Sammy.” I whispered and he smiled and gripped my arm, I watched him for about twenty minutes just thanking god he was all mine...that no matter what, he was legally my son...and only my son...thanking god he was here, safe with me...and he wasn’t going anywhere. I was brought out of my trance when I heared him snore...I smiled to my self then looked over at Lee, who was on her back one of her hands on the pillow next to her head, which was laying toward me... the other hand laying across her stomach...her hair was all about her, and it seemed to glow, catching the city lights and entrapping me.. “Kit go to sleep.” she said as she rolled on her side. She had caught me, caught me looking at her...beinng wierd...way to go kit you freaked out your girlfriend.

“I...I was.” I stammered unconvincingly.

“Uh huh and you weren’t staring at me...” she said as she opened one eye and Sam didn’t even move, or change his breathing pattern.

“No,” I said with an unconvincing grin on my face, she rolled her eyes and brushed her fingers through the back of Sam’s hair, the soft mop it was

“You’re a bad liar Kit.” She said with a smile, her amazing blue eyes looking at me.

“Is that such a bad thing?” I asked rubbing up and down Sam’s back, feeling his soft breathing, knowing he was in one of his coma sleeps...the ones that takes me screaming at the top of my lungs to pull him out of.

“No.” she said as she closed her eyes.

“Your beautiful when you sleep. You really are.” I said in this sappy voice, she smiled and I could tell even in the dark she was blushing, and when you can make a girl blush you feel pretty damn good about yourself.

“Thank you...” she said as she rolled back onto to her back.

“No...come back.” I whined outstreching my hand. She laughed and got up. “Not what I asked for at all.” I said watching her as she walked over to my side of the bed and motioned for me to scoot over. My shirt hung losely around her...resting on her brests perfectly and covering her arms to the elbow...and I noticed she had abandoned my shorts. “Hey where are my shorts?” she pulled up on the shirt and she had rolled them up, she looked down at me and made the move over sign agian. “Speak...” I said and she gave me this look like I’m not a dog.

“Move over...”she said looking me with wide eyes. I huffed, and looked at her and made a gesture like go back to your side. “Move.” she said pushing on my side.
“I do have an 80 pound six year old to move.” she rolled her eyes, laughed and walked over and picked Sam up and moved him to where she had been, he shifted and placed his head on the pilliow, she brushed the hair out of his face and pulled the covers up, and I swear I got a little choked up as she tucked him in and kissed his forehead.

“Now move.” she said as she yawned and streached out like a cat or somthing which made me laugh.
“Fine.” I hissed and scooted to the middle of the bed she slid into bed and I wrapped one arm below her as she like Sam cuddled up to me. “I must be warm.” I said as I kissed her forehead.

“No you just feel right.” she whispered as she closed her eyes and ran a foot and a incredbly smooth calf up my leg. You just feel right...god if I had any doubts about loving her, they were gone in that second...but her leg moving up and down my own drove me wild and with my son in the bed...not good.

“Hey don’t be a tease.” I whispered. She placed a hand on my chest and I felt the curtian of hair on my neck and shoulder as well as my arm. I looked over and her head was resting softly on my shoulder. I was amazed that a creature so soft, so gentle, so caring, could be so tough and as strong as she is, could play the game as good as she can...can throw as good as she can and can do what she does...I was starting to realize that there must have been somthing in her home life which created her to be like this...a sweet soft woman, who cared...I mean truly cared about people...and yet when she had to be she could break your arm and then your pride. Senior year I broke my left arm in a bar fight...and here I stand so back off! That statement had made me laugh...the thought of Leda actualy being in a bar fight made me smile. I heared her take a deep breath then

“Kit! Go. To. Sleep.” she said her eyes still closed, her voice hushed and yet it was as if she was yelling at me.

“Okay Leda.” I said and I felt her shivier. “You cold?” I asked pulling up the covers.

“No...” She said a smile playing at her lips

“But you shivered.” I said in this it’s okay if you were cold voice.... she smiled.

“I just like it when you say my name.” she said getting me to smile, as she opened one eye then her grin came full cirlce as she closed it agian.

“You mean Leda...” I said it and no shiver. “Liar.”

“No you have to say it in that deep tired voice.” She said opening her eyes, and our eyes locked...her deep ocean blue eyes gazing right into mine, her body was curled up next to me and our eyes were locked. I thought about how tired I was, how fast my life had changed, and how much I wanted to say I loved her, I leaned into her ear so I was beneath her head then opened my mouth and I whispered.

“Leda Ray Jones.” she shivered and moved so I was looking at her, she placed her hand over my mouth.

“That’s too much Kit....that’s to much” she said and I knew I had ignited that flame with in her... the one that every woman has and is hard to light but when lit it is the most brilliant flame...okay you see people this is why I’m a writer I can write crap like that and know exactly what it means to me...but to you...you have no idea but I knew that in laymen terms I had turned her on...I had started her engine and she knew that she wouldn’t do anything not with Sam in the room.

“Oh did I do something?” I asked still muffled, she rolled her eyes and let go of my mouth and I kissed her, I had too...it was something I needed to do...I needed to have her kiss.

“Don’t tease me.” She said closing her eyes, and laying her head between my head and shoulder like it was before.

“I intended to do no such thing.” I said in my I’m a black and white film star voice.

“Good now stop talking like Cary Grant and sleep.”

“Fine my sweet.” I said kissing her neck, biting at it a little bit getting her to make a little moan like sound. Then she laughed and shifted closer placing her hand in the elastic of my boxers...now I should specify it was on my side the far side of my body, her arm drapped across my body... but still her hand was in my yankee boxer shorts.

“Dracula nice touch.” she said with a smile, and in my head I said.. You do have a nice touch.. But refrianed from saying that out loud do to the fact that it would be way to corny. Her hand stayed there while her other was scratching my shoulder doing circles which were slowing down as she slowly fell asleep...I loved this...I fucking loved being like this...at twenty six.. I wanted this more than I wanted sex...fuck right now sex was not even on my mind...it was the fact that this amazing woman was in my arms, and she wasn’t going anywhere...not anytime soon.

“Night Lee.” I whispered letting the natural jersey mixed with New York accent push through...showing her my roots.

“There’s my Kit.” She whispered in a wispy tone a hint of a drawl in her voice and as she fell asleep. Her words tonight had been captivating...no you just feel right, your wanted, and my Kit...I was her Kit, and she was my Lee...I had this brief glimpse of her eyes opening and then closing them...I felt her breathing slow and I could catch the faint sent of a mixture of my cologne and her perfume.

Her body this close to me was inticing, and having my son on the other side made me feel extremely lucky. I feel asleep my arms around my girlfriend and my son, in my own mind I wished it was going to be like this forever...but if I pushed those hopes to the front it would scare Leda away and I was not ready to have my heart broken and now that my son’s heart was in the mix I knew I had to protect this relationship, keep it safe...but still show her that I care and eventually that I loved her.

I fell asleep and my dream that night was probably the best I’ve had in a long time. I was standing on an old front porch looking out at what I knew to be the farm in Pennsylvania my grandfather used to take me to when I was little you know pony rides, feed the ducks...that sort of place only there were no tourists...it was quiet and peaceful. Everything Lee had described.... I was standing on the porch in what I guessed was modern day farming clothes...a plaid shirt and jeans. Somthing I would never wear...and I was just standing there until I saw Sam run by me and out into the front yard, the evening light playing with his hair, I smiled and laughed looking around feeling at peace. Then I heared the door behind me open and shut as a piar of arms snaked around me. “Hello.” Lee’s voice said into my ears, as she kissed the back of my neck.

“Hello.” I said wrapping my arm around her, pulling her to the front of me holding her back agianst me, my chin resting on her shoulder, she was wearing a pair of jeans and a white top...looking like a house wife. Then I noticed Sam running around with a big dog chaseing him trying to lick his face, he had a huge smile on his face and I saw the farm sprawled out but all I cared about was soaking in Leda.... “Look at him.” I laughed as she leaned back and kissed me.

“Look at you city boy.” she said in that drawl, I smiled at her and she rubbed up and down my arms and I was about to open my mouth and tell her I love her when a penetrating sound woke me from my perfect world...the world I’d wanted for so long.

“DAD! DAD! DAD! DAD!” Sam called repeatedly jumping up and down on the bed his voice calling my name like a six year old alarm clock...

“Samson!” I yelled throwing a pillow at him forgetting that Lee was in the apartment, for like two seconds...then realizing she wasn’t in my arms.

“Get up DAD!” he yelled jumping up and down once again.

“No.” I said pulling the covers over my head.

“Get up!” he yelled agian.

‘No.” I said moaning as he came to close to jumping in danger zone. Then I smelled bacon, and I sat up.

“He’s Up!” Sam called in this I did it voice.

‘No I’m not.” I said laying back down.

“Oh then you wont want this.” I heard Lee say from the door and it was in that moment that I remebered she was here. I pulled the covers down to just above my nose and saw her standing there with a plate of eggs bacon and pancakes.

“I thought you didn’t cook?” I asked pulling agianst my son who was trying to pull my covers off. “No! Dad tired...Dad sleep.” I said looking down at him. “But you still said you didn’t cook.”

“I don’t cook diner, or lunch but when it comes to breakfast Leda Ray can cook.” Sam grabbed the plate and Lee grabbed the end of my covers and pulled. I felt the cold air hit my bear chest and I whined and grabbed for anything. I heard her sigh and I moaned as she climbed over me and kissed my cheek. “Get up.”

“No.” I moaned closing my eyes tight she laughed, and sat up stradiling me which would be inticing if Dad wasn’t tired.

“He’s a big three year old, isn’t he?” she asked Sam.

“Yep.” he said with a smile.

“Hey I’m still your father.” I said opening one eye.
“C’mon Dad....Lee says we can’t eat till you get up.” I groaned and looked at her above me.

“You steal my clothes and then you starve my son?” I said joking, she laughed and rolled off me landing on her feet next to my bed.

“Get up.” she said crossing her arms over her chest.

“Why?”

“Cause you want breakfast don’t you?”

“Maybe.” She huffed and looked at Sam then me.

“Don’t make me make you get up.”

“And how do you propose to do that.” she smiled that mischief smile, and grabbed the edge of the mattress.

“Sam step back.”

“Lee don’t do it...” I said with a smile.

“Get up!” she said bending her knees.

“No.” I said with a smile.

“I can toss you from here to the door like a bale of hay.” she said with a smile.

“Do it.” I said sound oh too New Yorker ish.

“Your choice.” she said lifting me and sending me to the ground my mattress on top of me.

“God.” I said in pain and she put the mattress back and held a hand down to me.

“You getting up now?” she asked with that grin, I grabbed her hand and pulled her down then pinned her.

“Are you?” I asked my face right next to hers.

“Hopefully, your breath stinks.” I breathed right on her face and she gaged.
“I wont get up until I get something from you.” she looked at me like Six year old. “No..”.I put a finger on my lips.”

“Oh you sap.” she said rolling her eyes.

“Your not moving till I get it.” I said with a smile.

“And I if wait here till spring training?” she asked looking at me.

“Then you and I will both be dead.” I said looking at her, she huffed and kissed me a peck nothing amazing. “Not what I was looking for.” I said shaking my head, she smiled and kissed me with amazing passion, her tongue entering my mouth and her lips moving mine as I kissed her back and we began to make out. Then she pulled back and Sam had his eyes closed shut.

“Six year old.” She said as she pushed me off.

“Fine.”

‘You can open your eyes now Sam.”

“Thank you.” he said handing me a plate.

“Do I dare eat it Sam?” I asked looking at him.

“Yeah me and Lee made it...she made the eggs and I helped with the bacon and pancakes.”

“I don’t have pancake batter?” I asked sitting down...noticing Lee was smiling at me. “What?” I asked looking down.

‘Nice shorts.” she said as she handed me a mug of coffee.

“You like?” I asked standing up and doing a little turn.

“Stop acting like a girl dad.” Sam said as he grabbed a plate from Lee.

“Hey.” she said as she handed him his juice.

“A girly girl.”He said with a smile.

“Better.” she said looking at me.
“Are you wearing dad’s clothes?” Sam asked her as she sat down at the end of our table, sitting yoga style on the chair.

“I wasn’t expecting to spend the night...which means it was a good thing to leave an extra bowl of food for Tigs.” she said with a smile looking at me and then at Sam.

“Are you like psychic?” I asked looking at her as she scratched her stomach.

“No he’s just a fat cat...” she said taking a bite of bacon.

“Tigger’s not fat.” Sam said looking at her, then she realized he had no fork.

“He was.” she said getting up and grabbing him and I forks handing them to us and sitting down.

“What do you mean?” I asked looking at her.

“He was a big fat cat...he used to take up a couch cushion and then he went on a hunger strike like Gahnidi when we moved here.”

“Did you just compare your cat to Gahndi?” I asked in this are you serios tone.

“Shut up kit.” she said with a don’t mock me voice, then I bit into her pancakes and she looked at me like any good...she was right when it came to breakfast Leda Ray could cook. “Any good?” she asked taking a sip of coffee.

“Leda...this is like better then McDonalds....” she set her coffee down.

“It better be.” she said in this don’t compare my cooking to McDonalds.

“Why?” I said with a mouth full of food.

“That’s ella’s recipie...”

‘Wait you made these from scratch?” I asked looking at her.

“Farm girl.” she said in this duh voice.

“She can crack three eggs in one hand.” Sam said and she rolled her eyes.

“It’s not that cool Sam.” she said in this don’t ask me to do it voice.
“Be proud of your talents...” I said and she looked at me and smiled

“Oh yes never mind the fact my fast ball has been clocked at 102, I should be proud that I can crack three eggs at once.” she said yawning at the end.

“Do you want to go back to bed.” I asked ready to stand up and she laughed and stood up and grabbed a plate of pancakes and set them down in front of us.

“Dig in...” she said as she sipped her coffee.

“What about you?” Sam asked.

“I have to watch what I eat.” she said in this I could if I would voice.

“Eat.” I said putting three pancakes on her plate.

“No.” She said mouthing somthing to Sam who laughed.

“Leda...you have like five months to work off three pancakes...EAT!” I said pushing her plate toward her.

“FINE!” she said grabbing her fork and cutting into them.

“Who’s Ella?” I asked as she bit into her food.

“The maid and cook my dad hiered when I was nine...you know to take on some of the house hold duities...she still lives there...she’s about sixty nine...is from georgia andd her great great great grandmother used to work the kitchen for some southern general...and we knew all about that...you don’t wanna do dishes...do you think my great great great grandmother wanted to do dishes on that plantation...do you think they had a sink...No they had to go wash them dishes in the river...which was fifty miles away, up hill both ways.” she said mocking her making me and Sam start cracking up. I chocked on my coffee and Sam started to have tears run down his face and she just sat thier proud of her self for making us laugh.

“So she put you in your place.” I said after we’d calm down.

“Oh you better beliave it...she tried to teach me to cook but when it comes to like dinner and lunch stuff that takes a bit of effort...there’s just a lose wire floating around in my mind that wont connect.” she said playing with her hair and letting it down.
“Did you take a shower?” I asked looking at her she nodded.

“Yeah is that not allowed?” she asked worried.

“No it’s just I normaly wake up to sounds like that.” I said rubbing my head.

“Well maybe if you went to bed on time you’d be able to get up with out Lee tossing you across the room.” Sam said as he took a sip of juice.

“Uncle Sean dosen’t hear a word of that...” I said grabbing my coffee pushing the empty plate toward the middle of the table. “Great breakfast...amazing.” I said standing up and kissing her. Sam didn’t say Eww or throw anything at us he just sorta chuckled. “Is Samson Micheal Richards alright with Dad kissing Lee?” I asked sounding shocked Lee covered her mouth in shock.

“Maybe.” he said and I set my coffee down and took Lee’s.

“What are you doing?” she asked as I pulled her to get up.

“Up.” I said like a guy trying to get a dog up.

“Woof.” she said standing up. I walked over to my radio and turned on good ol’ Frank Sinatra and pulled Leda into a dance. “What are you doing?” she asked through her laugh as I spun her around.

“Testing him.” I said with a smile, she laughed and then the grin covered her face. “What?” she stopped me and jumped up into my arms wrapping her legs around my waist and I held her up as her hair fell about us and she leaned down and kissed me, I knew with that kiss there had to be some kind of love in her for me...but it still wasn’t the right time...but we did kiss for a good thirty seconds until we got what we were looking for.

‘Okay Stop...eww...just stop...” Sam said covering his eyes. Leda laughed and licked her finger and did the one point for us in the air thing which made me laugh and she looked at me and placed her forehead on mine.

“You can put me down now.” she said her eyes closed.

“Not happening.” I said as I rubbed my thumb on her thigh, she smiled and kissed me and then looked up at the ceiling.

“My foots falling asleep kit...” I rolled my eyes and set her down.
“Better?” she pulled on her bare foot and nodded.

“Go take a shower...” she said as she grabbed the plates.

“Your not gonna leave are you?” I asked with actual concern.

“And miss a chance to hang out with superman sam...heck no.” she said and I laughed and Sam jumped up on her back. “Oh so you want a piggy back ride do you?” she aske moving him up her back holding him up.

‘Yeah...I’ll give you the tour.” She smiled and I walked into my room to see her clothes in a heap on the floor...and then somthing in them made me shocked...inside her jeans was a slinky pair of undergarments...a thong...who works out in a thong...wait she had changed...then it hit me...she was naked under neath my clothes...well her bottom half was... cause there was no bra in the heap. I picked up the thong and placed it in my underwear drawer...hide and seek...I thought....I climbed into the shower and washed off whatever I could and I almost wanted to find myself in my own hand...but to discrace Leda like that to want to do that just to the thought of her...made me feel dirty...and not the good dirty the bad...the ass hole dity and I didn’t wanna be that. I stepped out of the shower and walked out into my room a towel wrapped around my lower half only to have Leda standing there a hand on her hip.

“Where are they?” she asked looking at me...I smiled and gave her this I have no idea what your talking about look.

“Where are what?”

“My thong...where is it?” she aske in a whisper looking at me.

“I don’t know...wait your not wearing it?” She rolled her eyes.

“I normaly don’t sleep in any under wear...normaly just a tshirt...okay...so last night I didn’t wanna go all out so I just took off the bottom...god I sound retarted...but where is it?” I laughed and she and I had both forgotten that I was only standing there in a towel.

“I really don’t know.”

“Kit.” she said in this voice which made me think of my mom.

‘I’m not six lee.” I said in this your never gonna find out voice.

“Fine then I’m not leaving until I get it back.” she said crossing her legs on the bed.

“Where’s Sam.”

“Oh I let him go chase the ice cream truck.” I slammed the drawer shut and looked at her.

“What?” I asked hotly...she smiled.

“He’s in his room reading I told him that if he’s missing any issues he can have mine...god you really can’t take a joke.”

“Lee he’s my world okay...so anything even a joke freaks me out...” she smiled and stood up, she wrapped her arms around me. “What are you doing?” I asked looking down at her.

“Well nothing can happen while Sam’s here but there is a lock on the door and you do need to get dressed.” she said in this I have a plan voice.
“What are you saying?” she didn’t reply she just tore off my shirt and I knew that what she was doing was giving me a taste of what making love to her would be like. I saw here standing there in her bra and my shorts and I was taken aback...her stomach flat and lean...her brests, beutiful and full as if screaming to get let out of that black bra...her hip bones were visable and I so wanted to ignore the fact that I was indefenitly getting hard but there’s no ignoring it when your hot girl friend locks your door and comes back to you and kisses you.

“Kit we can’t sleep together right now...but I want you to see me...okay I want you to see all of me.” I wish that was never uttered...I wish she would have said Kit take me...last night I didn’t want sex but I didn’t I wanted to make love to her...I wanted to make love like in the romance movies...slow passionite...love...not sex...sex is just intercourse...making love is two people becoming one...two people resorting to animal like instincts in order to prove they are in love...I wanted to make love to Leda like it was my life blood and the fact that she slid her bra off and then my pants didn’t help.

“God...leda...” I said as I took her in she was perfect...young un tainted...no tattoo...no scar...save the remians of the threads from the baseball...her body tight with mscle was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

“God good...or god put you clothes back on?” she asked nervously. I smiled and kissed her neck.

“Good god...amazing god...amazing you...beautiful you...radiant you.” I whispered and I felt her melt into me as she slid my towell off. “Lee your not exactly resistable.” I whispered as she ran her hands all around my body, feeling rediculas standing here with probably the biggest hard on I’ve ever had.

“Kit don’t be embaressed.... never ever be embaressed around me okay...” she said and I couldn’t resist her...I had to have her.

“Lee...I know we cant go all the way...but just...” she pulled me to the bed and I fell on top of her. “Lee can I?” I asked weakly...she smiled and nodded. That was all I needed, I kissed her passionitly and entered her...she held back this moan which I so wanted to here as this huge shock ran though me. “Leda.” I said not moving she wrapped her legs around me and pulled up to my face.

“Yeah?” she asked in this amazing your driving me insane voice.

“I need to tell you somthing...you may not beliave me at first but after this...I know what I’m gonna tell you is true...do you understand?” she looked at me and moved her body closer and I moaned and she covered my mouth.

“You don’t even have to say it Kit...I love you.” she said kissing me.

“How did you...?” I asked as she and I knew if we didn’t part we’d end up making love.

“I’m a woman Kit...that and I have nine brothers...I know when somebody loves me...I know the touch...the smile...the look in the eyes...Kit I knew I loved you last night...I opened my eyes for like three seconds and I knew...I knew that I loved you...it’s fast I know...but kit...I do love you...and if I didn’t care as much as I do about Sam...I’d let you have me right here right now...cause there’s nothing more I wanna do then continue...but I know that Sam could hear and I wouldn’t want to cause him any harm.” I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

“Leda...I have to say it...you deserve it....Leda I love you.” she was crying now and she kissed me and I so wanted to push deeper, to make love to her...but she cared as much as I did about not screwing Sam up for the rest of his life. “Leda....” I whispered as we both were trying to drag this out.

“Yeah?” she asked as I traced the lines of her body with my finger.

“I can wait...but I don’t know for how long...I have this need for you...and I...”

“Friday.” she said with a smile. “No show kit....I get dolled up...we drop Sam off at Sol’s for a few hours and we come back here and we make love...we make love until we can’t move.” she said slighly releasing her legs.
“Sneaking around like in high school?” I asked with a smile.

“Or college one of the two.” she said and I had to...I took her and I pushed deep, Leda grabbed my pilliow and moaned into it this amazing moan which drove me biserec. “Kit...don’t do that...” she said in this I relly want you too but we cant. “Not till Friday.” I pulled back slightly and she made this gasping sound.

“Did I hurt you?” I asked worried she smiled and shook her head no.

“You could never hurt me kit...” she said as she pulled herself away the rest of the way and I looked at her body.

“Leda you have an amazing body.” I said kissing her... “And being inside you is the most amazing feeling...” She moaned and kissed me. “Leda I love you.” She pulled back and smiled.

“I love you.”

“You keep forgetting the too...” I said with a smile.

‘No...I love you too sounds forced...like I love you oh yeah I love you too...but I love you...I love you...means equal...means truth means...I love you Kit Samson Richards...means that.” It’s Leda’s little bursts of wisdom which have since made me love her more...she can just say that and it sounds perfect...but we did both realize at the exact same time she and I were naked.

“We should probably get dressed.” I said in this I really don’t want to voice.
“Yeah...hey can you and sam take me around the city today...you know see the sights?” she asked not moving.

“Of course..but haven’t you already?” she shook her head.

“I’ve been living like a hermit...I haven’t even seen the statue of liberty save driving in.” she said with this how pathetic voice.

“Then my love...my dear son and I will show you around town....but first fare maiden you must dress and be ready...for your beauty belongs to me and me alone and I will not have you walking around New York naked.” she laughed and fell back and I stood up...no longer hard, but her naked body laying on my sheets didn’t help much.

“Maybe if I had a pair of underwear I could get dressed....but I’d have to stop and feed my loving pet...sir night.” she said mocking my night in shining armor routine.
“Fair maiden...you must also dress in fine garments and breathe no word of our joining to you gate’s keeper. Igor Stevonich.” she laughed and rolled on her stomach her hair was hanging in curls and I was pulling on a pair of underwear Sam had bought me...there were black and had little quotes from different sports heros on them...why they were on a pair of underwear I have no idea but I was getting dressed and she was laying there like a hippy naked as the day she was born. Then in a swift second she stood up and walked past me her breasts moving with her body...the flesh of them brushing against me as she reached in my drawer and pulled out her thong.

‘Nice hiding spot sir knight.” she said kissing me.

“Let me just try one thing.” I said as I pulled her hair over both her shoulders...and it barely grazed her nipples but it was enough to give me this desert island...survivor...fantasy.

‘You trying to cover up my breasts?” she asked in a joking way.

“No...no of course no... I think their beautiful...but I just love your hair down and that look is just a turn on.” she smiled and kissed me.

“You think I have pretty tits?” she asked in this joking voice.

“Oh Lee..” I said smacking her but.

“Ow.” she said as she grabbed her bra and one of my white wife betters and her jeans.

“Serves you right...I try and be romantic and you gotta use a word like tits...”

“What’s wrong with that word?” She asked a smile playing on her lips.

“I just think that women have breasts not tits...tits is just nasty...” she smiled and pulled her bra on.

“So you think I have pretty breasts?” I nodded.

“But nothing...nothing in the world is as beautiful as your eyes...your smile...and well your whole you..not your body who you are...” she looked up at me as she pulled on her jeans and I saw a tear fall off her cheek. “Lee don’t cry...” She wiped her eyes.

“Who said that they were sad?” she said as I wrapped her in my arms.

“I just don’t ever wanna see you cry...your eyes are far to beautiful.” she kissed me and then.
“Kit...you know what made me first start to be drawn to you?” I shook my head.
“What?”

“At first glance you smile...and your voice...and then that night and just now...how much you care about Sam...it’s not often that you see a dad who loves his kid enough to save him from his mother..I guess just knowing that my dad cared so much about us...that we were his world....I just always told my self I’d have to find a guy like that...and kit I found him...I found you.” I kissed her deeply and then a nock on the door

“DAD!”

“Yeah?” I asked.

“What are we doing today?”

“We’re taking Lee around the city...she hasn’t seen any of the sights.”

“What?!” Sam asked shocked.

“Is it that shocking?” she asked pulling on my shirt.

“Yes.” we both said and she unlocked the door as I pulled on a pair of jeans.

“You mean you haven’t seen any of the sights...not even the Empire State?” she shook he head no...

“DAD!”

“I know and we’re gonna go feed tigger, she’s gonna change, and then we spend the rest of the week showing Lee our city Sam okay?” I said and Sam ran into his room and I grabbed Leda and kissed her. “I so want you right now.” I whispered and she smiled.

“It makes two of us.” she said kissing me
“Really...” I said as I pulled on a NYPD t-shirt my dad got me when I was twenty...he’s a cop fan...loves cops...the show and the actual people. She turned around and there was this flare in her eyes.

“God kit yes...I want you so bad right now...if we were alone you wouldn’t be wearing anything nor would I...right now I want you to just take me...having you inside me made me feel right and I want that feeling.” she whispered and I could tell there was no lie...no sarcasim...nothing it was pure Lee and pure truth, I kissed her and she melted into me. “Oh you tease.” she said with a smile as she walked over and did the dishes...and I walked into Sam’s room seeing him going through all his clothes searching for something to wear.

“Hey sam...what are you doing.” he pulled me in and closed the door.

“I don’t know what to wear...” he said a little embarrassed.
“Your six...I’m the one with the girlfriend...I’m the one who should be stressing the outfit, I’m the one who should be worried about what I look like...”

“No dad...I don’t have any long sleeve shirts.” Leda was cracking up in the kitchen and I laughed too and I laughed so hard I was looking up at my son from his rug.

“Did you look in the bottom drawer?” I asked and he ran over and pulled out a blue long sleeve shirt and looked at me.

“Your nervous around Lee?” I smiled at him and jumped up and threw him a pair of jeans.

“Get dressed.” I said as I walked out and Lee was sitting on the kitchen floor holding her side still laughing. “Oh my god Lee are you alright.” she cracked up and I started laughing.

“I heard...I’m the one with....Ha Ha....no...I need a long sleeve shirt...Ha hA...” She let out one of those breaths the long one and wiped her eyes and I helped her up.

“It wasn’t that funny.” I said with a smile she kissed me and ran her hands through my hair.

“Yeah it was.” she said in this cute little voice and I wrapped her in my arms and Sam came out.

“COOL IT!” Sam yelled and Leda gave him this look like please. “No! He’s my dad it’s just wired.”

“But he’s my boy friend....” she said in this whinny tone, and she turned her head to me and mouthed. And I love him.

“I don’t care he was my dad first.” Sam said and I looked at her and made the he’s right face.
“He does have a point...” I said and she laughed.

“Can I hug him...hold his hand that sorta thing?” she asked and Sam rolled his eyes.
“Fine.” he said.

“How old are you again?” I asked and he grabbed his coat and when his back was turned I kissed Leda, then he turned around and I pulled away.

“Are we gonna go?” He asked holding Leda’s player jacket and my black coat.

“Yes god.” I said kissing Lee.

“DAD!” I smiled at him, and grabbed my coat from him.

“Dude she’s my girlfriend and she’s hot.” he huffed at me and I smiled.

“Aww thanks kit.” she said grabbing her jacket from Sam. “And thank you Sam.” she said kissing his cheek.


“So she can kiss you....but not me?” I asked with this Jerry Signefield tone.

“Of course...don’t you know the rules Kit?” She asked opening the door.

“Yeah Dad...don’t you know the rules?” I gave them both death glares.

“Oh don’t look at me like that.” Lee said as we got in the elevator.

“Oh I will look at you this way...cause I can...cause I’m the boyfriend.” She rolled her eyes looked at Sam.

“Well I’m the girlfriend and I don’t want you to look at me like that...I didn’t do anything...I was just stating the facts.” I laughed and we walked off the elevator and I grabbed her hand and laced our fingers.

“Your not mad at me are you?” I whispered as Sam ran at her car. She looked at me and smiled.

“No...I was just playing with you Kit...I don’t get mad that easy...I’m a girl but I’m not one of those girls who gets mad because you say...oh your putting a little meat on the bones...or all that crap...I’m no girly girl Kit...” I smiled and kissed her.

“Good...” She smiled and grabbed at her keys. “No...I drive...I’m the boyfriend.”
“It’s my car...I dove it from Michigan to Pensylvania...and then from there to New York...Kit I can drive a car.” I smiled.

“But I like you being shotgun...and driveing...I don’t like not being in control.”

“Ok fine...but you have to fill it up.”

‘Wait how many gallons?” I asked as we got in the car.

“Forty...” I laughed and looked over at her.

“I’ll fill it up halfway...”

“Fine.” she said as we left the garage and I turned toward her house. “You remember how to get to my house?” she asked with a smile.

“Yeah it was what two days ago I was there it’s veauge but it’s up there...” I said with a smile and she looked back and then I realized. “It’s six oclock in the morning...you got us up at six!” She scooted toward the door.

“He woke me up at four forty five okay...you got up like a half hour ago...just think about that...a half hour...” I smiled...a lot had happened in that half hour.

“What were you doing up at four forty five...and why’d you wake her up instead of me?” I asked Sam in the rearview mirror.

“He tried waking you up...you were to busy dreaming...” she said with a smile.

“What? Did I say anything...like talk in my sleep.” she shook her head no, as her apartment building came into view...

“The garage is right there.” she said pionting to the flashing red aarow.

“I would ahve never guessed.” I said with a yawn. “See I’m tired...it’s still dark out Lee...” she rolled her eyes as we parked and I gave her, her keys and we walked into the apartment building.

“So it took you that long to make breakfast?” I asked with a smile.

“No...we had been done for twenty minutes before you got up.”she said with a smile.

“Okay so I sleep in...I work from home...I go into the office like twenty times a year...and that’s generous...I normaly am just given an assignment via email write it and send it back...if I have to travel I go in and talk to them... but mostly I work from home...and since Super Six year old back there only goes to school half a day...it’ll be good.”

“So your in kindergarden?” Lee asked with a smile.
“Yep almost first grade.” Sam said pride in his voice.

“We started him a year late and by we I mean my darling ex wife.” I said distace in my voice

“Blgh.” Sam said as he got out of the car...I was glad he now realized how much she distasted being a mother.

“Really...well I started a year later too...just because I refused to leave the farm...I would not let go of my dad’s leg and he decided one more year wouldn’t hurt.” She said with a laugh. “You’ll be fine...you get to be older and in high school the girls like older.” she said laening down and picking him up in the elvator.

“Really?” Sam asked. “Dad...is that true will I like girls to like me when I’m older.”

‘You’ll love it....” I said as the doors opened and Lee grabbed her key and set Sam down and pushed on the door as it stuck.

“Home!” She yelled and Tigger came running our meowing. “I know...I know.” she said as she cleaned the litter box and gave him food while I grabbed the new york guide book off the bookshelf and a pad of stickee notes off her desk.

“Don’t take my sticky notes.” she said as she walked into her room.


“I’m just mapping out a few things we’re doing today, okay...” she laughed.

“Kit...Joke.” she said and I laughed and Sam grabbed Tigger who nuzzled Sam, and loved his touch.

“Lee!” Sam called. “Does Tigger have toys?” he asked as I placed a sticky note on the page with the empire state building on it.

“Yeah...there in the basket by the t.v. next to his bed.” Sam grabbed a ball and moved it in his hand and the cat immidetly began playing with it. “Hey kit....” I stood up and walked into her room.

“Yeah?” I asked looking down.

“You can look at me I’m dressed.” She said and I looked up she was wearing the brown cordaroy jackett and a white top which was hanging below the jackett and over a pair of those high fashion jeans and her feet were covered in healed boots her hair was hanging down and she was holding a necklace. “I can’t get it.” She said holding it up, “Could you?” I smiled and took the tiffany heart from her.

“So you’ve been to tiffany’s but no where else?” She shook her head no.
“Kale bought it for me...” She said as she lifted up her thick hair so only a few curls graced her neck.

“Nice brother...” I said as I clasped it.

“He and I have always been close...you’d think I’d be close with catch but he and I were too different.”

“Well somtimes the youngest and the oldest get along better then the middle and the oldest.” I said making no sense, and I let the chain hit her neck and she dropped her hair and I smelled my shampoo on her. “You smell like my shower.” I said and she turned around and gave me this what are you talking about look.

“What?”

“Your hair it smells like my shower does after I take a shower...I like that smell...wakes me up.” she smiled and walked over to her dresser and I saw an old wrinkled photograph in her jewelry box. “Who’s that?” I asked picking it up, the woman had black long hair and it was pin stright...her eyes looked like Lee’s and her smile was Lee’s exactly...

“That’s my mom.” she said as she looked at it. “I have other’s...it’s just my dad took this after she found out she was pregnant with me...so it’s like the Mom know’s about Lee picture.”

“Do you remeber a lot about her?” I asked and she shook her head

“I remeber her voice...and her eyes...I remeber her lullaby...stuff like that...but not much else...I did see a lot of home movies which gave me a better image of her...but I was just too young...I do miss her though...I mean every girl would miss thier mom if they went through life without her...I mean you should have seen my dad when the whole period thing started....I called him in and was all worried I was dieing and he paniced and called Ella in and she gave me the whole lowdown...but it’s times like that...the monuments in life...that I wish she could be there...” I noted she was choking up.

“I understand....” She smiled and I wiped her eyes and I wrapped her in my arms and pulled her into my chest and I felt her start to cry. “It’s okay...” I kept saying as my mom flew into view...I loved my mom...she was an amazing person...she did everything...she was the most amazing person I had ever met...and it was such a shock when she got sick that I kinda blocked that part out...I remeber the good times with my mom...but Lee was so little that I guess it would be hard...I mean she’ll never get to have her mom go with her to pick out a wedding dress, or tell her mom she’s pregnant...have a bridal or baby shower with her mom...see her mom at Christmas...all the holiday’s...I thought about how I could see Lee as a girl going up on that roof and talking to her mom...and I knew...this was somthing that you don’t just rush through kit. She pulled back and wiped her eyes.

“I’m sorry.” she said and I wiped her cheeks and she noted the tears in my eyes and she wiped mine.
“Don’t ever say that...you don’t have to be sorry if you cry....okay it’s not weak to cry...you don’t have to apologize for anything...I know what it’s like to lose a parent...but I don’t know what it’s like to lose them so young...so I have a general idea as to what your feeling and you need to know...you never have to be sorry...not about your mom...if you need to cry and need somebody to cry to or on...or heck I’ll even cry with you...I’m here Lee...okay so don’t ever be sorry to cry...okay?” She nodded and I kissed her. “Now if you don’t mind me asking how’d she die?” She swallowed and wiped her eyes.

“She was in a car accident...she had taken the crappy truck and it was raining...and she was driving to Saginaw...and on the way back she hit a slick patch on the road and the car in front of her just stopped and she hit him and her neck snapped..My dad had the car melted down and she’s buried on the farm...under neath this huge tree she and Dad planted when they were on their first date...I remember her funeral...I remember not understanding.” she was rubbing her throat as if trying to get of the lump in her throat
“I remember Al, he knew I didn’t understand so he kinda protected me from all the people who kept trying to tell me she was gone....see we sat in the closet in his room....we hung out there until Tim found us...and then grandma...Al had told me that mom wasn’t coming back...and that he didn’t want aunt jessy to tell me...that he wanted to be there, cause he loved me to much to watch me get hurt...so he told me and I broke down and he held me...and that’s when tim found us...my grandpa...dad’s dad picked me up and I cried all over him...
and then I remember my dad taking me and we left the house...we just walked out the back door and he kept rubbing my back telling me it was okay...telling me he’d take care of me...he brought me out to the stables and thier was a new colt and he let me feed him and he picked me up when my grandpa came in the barn and he wouldn’t let me watch them put her in thr ground he held my head not roughly just gently...and all I could see was my aunt millie balling all over my uncle Gerald....
and I remember my dad shivvering then whispering in this terrible distraught voice... ‘you’re my only little girl lee...and you were your mothers pride...I’m gonna keep you safe lee...you’ve got a big plans for you...no little kid can come into the world like you and not have big plans layed out for them...I’m always gonna protect you lee...your always my little girl.” She was crying and I pulled her into me and she stopped and took a deep breath and pulled back.

“What did he mean?”

“I was born two months early...my mom had toxiemia...and if I wasn’t born she and I would have died...so I came into the world in a hurry as my grandpa said...I had to get here so I wouldn’t miss out on the action.” I laughed and she wiped her eyes and smiled. “Here I am crying all over you.” she said rolling her eyes. “After my I’m not a girly girl routine” I smiled and kissed her.

“I’ve been through a lot too Lee but it’s the stuff we live through that makes us who we are.” I said rubbing her cheek with the back of my bent fingers along her cheek. “You have her eyes...her beautiful eyes.” I said kissing her, she whimpered then kissed me fervently

“Thank you.” she said as she pulled back. “I have somthing I want you to have.” She said turning to her jewlery box, she reached in and pulled up a silver chain...with a pendent on it.
“What is it?” I asked as she put it on me.

“I don’t know if your catholic but this is my patron saint...St. Lucy...the patron saint of writers. I want you to have it because my grandpa gave it to me...and he told me that my grand mother gave him her saint medal...and he wore it everyday...Kit I’m in love with you...and I want you to have it cause in my family...it’s tradition.” I looked at it and I got a little chocked up at the silver medal a saint etched into it...I looked up at her.

“Lee I can’t take this...” she put a hand over my mouth.

“Don’t be all romance movie Kit...just take it...okay...think of me when you put her protection on...and when you take it off...I give you my saint...that’s a sign that I’m not kidding around when I say I love you.” She said and I tucked it in my shirt.

“She’s my saint too...my mom picked her out for me...I said grabbing my wallet and showing her my saint card... “I’m no devout catholic...but I have enough faith to carry this around with me...but now...you get to carry this...” I said reaching deeper into my wallet and pulling out my mom’s cross...I have no where else to put it and I wanted to give it to Jess but never got the courage.

“Kit...it’s beautiful.” She said holding it.

“It was my mom’s...she gave it to me right before she died...and since you gave me your saints protection I give you my mothers...” I said setting my wallet down and taking her Tiffany’s heart off and placing my mother’s cross around her neck. “Lee don’t say you cant take it...your wearing it...and I know my mom would want it on your neck not Jess’s...I never had the heart to give it to her...but you...you bring this feeling of the life I’ve always wanted to me and I need you to know...that you and Sam are my world now Lee....you and my son are all that matter to me right now...well my dad matters but in my personal inside New York and MI” She laughed. “World...you and Sam...all that matters.” She placed her hand on the cross and I looked at the silver chain and knew...it was where it belonged. “I love you Lee.” I said shoving the saint card back in my wallet and placing it in my pants. “I love you Leda.” She smiled and had tears running down her face as she kissed me.

“I love you...I love you kit.” and I held her and felt hot tears fall out of my eyes as I held the one woman I knew I would only ever love...

“Tigger come back.” Sam yelled as the cat came in the room and jumped up on the bed. Lee and I wiped our eyes and took deep breaths as sam came in. “He just ran in here.” sam said with this I don’t know why voice.

“Cause he’s playing with you...see.” She pionted to the cat who was moving him self under the covers... “He wants you to find him.”

‘He’s like a puppy.” I said as Lee rubbed the cross. Sam jumped on the bed and I heard tigger begin to purr as Sam rubbed his back. “It’s perrfect...” I said fixing the chian...she nodded.
“Kit...this means so much.’ she said and I silenced her with my thumb.

“Knowing you love me...knowing you care enough to share everything with me...that means much more.” she kissed me, and I pulled back and looked at Sam.

“We’re gonna kiss for like two minutes then we’ll keep it to a minimum can we have that?” he nodded and took the orange tabby into the other room. I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her. “Lee you told me about your family so I’m gonna tell you about mine...” she pulled me over to a love seat by the window and we sat down I grabbed her hand and she looked at me like I’m here...I’m listening. “I’m the youngest of two...my older brother Dane...he lives in Silversprings Maryland...he works in D.C. he’s a curator at a museum...he’s not married...he’s not dating...he’s a work aholic...so Sam is my dad’s only granchild...for now...” I said with a smile, and Lee laughed.

“Kit I love you but I do need to get a few seasons under my belt.”

‘No I wasn’t saying...just Dane will probably at some piont...ugh...I don’t know...” I said kissing her she rubbed my biceps and I pulled back. “My dad’s name is Jack....my mom was Katherine, she died of breast cancer when I was sixteen and Dane was nineteen.” She gripped my hand when she saw I was chocking up on the thought of my mom. “It was hard it still is but I know she’d love you...you remind me of her...your way...like making breakfast...last night with Sam, when you tucked him in...just the way you look at him...my mom used to look at me like that...any way...my Dad was a lit professor at NYU he retired last year and he will love you it’s just we’ve kinda grown apart after my mom...I guess it’s cause I look like my mom...I have her coloring...where as Dane has Dad’s...so I guess it’s just something I need to work on...but he’s insanely supportive of both out careers...my mom picked St. Lucy cause I used to write all the time...just stories...stuff to pass the time...”

“Me too... I’d finish all the books in the house so I’d write my own...” she said with a laugh. “Sorry...continue.” She said with a smile.

“There really isn’t much more...I remember her funeral too...but Dane and I had to face all the family...and friends...and I really don’t want to talk about Jess...she wasn’t a high piont...though holding Sam for the first time...that was the highest moment in my life...he was just so perfect...but what killed me was Jess wouldn’t hold him...and the only reason she took him was so she could get child support and use it to further her dancing career...I just need to check you don’t enjoy dancing on a bar around a poll do you?” she shook her head fervently and looked at me like are you insane.

“Christ no...” she said with a smile. “Never.”

‘Good.” I said kissing her. “Now...my maiden...lets hit the town.” She laughed and wiped her eyes and then mine.

“Okay...let’s go.” she said grabbing my hand and pulling me up. I looked out side and saw a splinter of the sun coming up.
“It’s still basically dark out...god Lee you have me waking up...” she squeezed my hand.

“You need to stop whining...” she said looking back at me as we were about to leave her room and I saw it...on the wall...

“What’s that?” I asked pionting to the framed baseball bat.

“That’s nothing.” she said pulling on my arm...I flicked on her light and she huffed and let go of my hand as I walked over to the glass cased baseball bat.

“Lee what is this?” I asked noting a signature on it...

“It’s a bat signed by Lou Gerick.” She said with this it’s a secret tone.

“Oh and that’s NOTHING!?” I asked yelling at the end, she jumped and took a step back...I scared her. “Sorry it’s just that’s worth...”

“I don’t care what it’s worth....it’s a family heirloom... my dad’s dad’s dad’s grandfather...got that, we were cleaning out my grandpa’s house and it was in this box...and my dad slid it into the back of my car with a note...if your ever desprate for money.... I burend that note and framed the bat.” she said with a smile.

“Why was it nothing?”

“Cause it’s like my little secret nobody knows I have it...it’s in my room which few people see and it’s just like...I don’t know...it’s special...and you know I’d show it to you eventually...but it’s just I really wanna see this city.” she said tugging on my black coat.

“You’ve had weeks to see the city...”

“But like I said...” she said and I rolled my eyes and head back.

“Youve been living like a hermit...okay let’s go.” I said grabbing her and throwing her over my shoulder. “SAMSON!” I called like some monty python charecter.

“Yeah?” he asked as he put tigger in his bed and the cat jumped up and hissed at me.

“Your cat just hissed...and we’re leaving.”

“He think’s you hurting me.” she said as I noted how cute she looked actually dressed in somthing other than workout clothes.

“Oh she’s fine tigger dad won’t hurt her.” Sam said and the cat meowed and laid down on the white cushion.

“COME MY SON...Let us show her our city.” I said grabbing the book.
“Wiat my bag.” Lee said grabbing for a brown messenger bag.

“Why would you need such a thing?” I asked still keeping the monty python voice.

“Money, cell phone, keys the normal.” I laughed and grabbed it,

“Can I check my messeges...”she said as an after thought. I walked her over to her messege machine and saw she had two messeges.

“Two...” I said she pushed the button still on my shoulder and the machine began to talk.

“Hey Lee it’s Jackie...”

“Sister in law.” she said with a nod of her head and a roll of her eyes.

“Um...I guess your not there...”

“Really.” she said with I distaste you voice.

“I’m just wondering if you’d mind if me and my boys not Al...Ryan and Rick...wern’t at the the game...Liam made me call you...I think if Al’s alright with it...then you should be since you him an Kale are all on the same mind.”
“What the heck is she saying?” she asked as she tried to get down.

“Well just call me back...that way I can tell Al weather or not he should sell the ticketts.”

“Do you wanna go to a state game?” she asked and I laughed and looked at Sam who nodded.

“I think that’s a yes.” I said and she nodded as her sister in law said good bye and another voice came on the phone, a deep voice strong and old.

“Leda, it’s dad...it’s around ten and I’m wondering what your doing not home...well your probably working out or somthing...I’m just calling to check up on you...see how New York’s treating you and seeing if your still coming back...well I guess I’ll talk to you later...I love you Leda...and I’ll talk to you later...bye.” she nodded and I set her down.

“Do you wanna call them back?” She shook her head.

“I’ll call my dad later... I really don’t like talking to my sister in law...I don’t think she’s all up there.” She said as we walked toward the door.

“Lee you have nephews?” Sam asked and she nodded.

“Four...Ryan Rick, Jack, and Heath.” she said as she locked her apartment and handed me her keys.

“Your not even fighting for the driving.”

“Nope I know better.” she said as Sam grabbed her hand.

“How old are they?” He asked as I took his other hand.

“Twelve, nine, eight, and three....sorry buddy no six year olds.” she said with a smile.

“Good...”

“Huh?” we both asked, looking down at him.

“I wanna be the only six year old.” Leda cracked up and I shoved her keys in my pant’s pocket and pulled sam up on my shoulders.

“So where are we going first?” Lee asked with a smile as Sam started messing with my hair.

“First off...you up there cool it....and we’re going to well hold on you’ve seen Time’s Square.” she nodded. “Have you eaten in time’s square?” she shook her head. “Okay Sam make a note...Lunch we hit Planet hollywood...” Leda laughed and I looked at her. “What?”

“It’s just funny make a note.” I pushed her arm and she smiled.
“But right now...we’re going to the empire state.” she laughed and we called a cab, or Leda did that whistle and I held up my hand and then we climbed into the back of the cab and drove up to the empire state building...it took an hour to get through the lines and Leda and I fought for five minutes over who was paying...she gave in when I said that she could by lunch. Sam Leda and fifteen other people rode an elevator up to the observation deck. When we got there Sam told me to cover Lee’s eyes. “No peaking.” I said as we left the gift shop filled glass enclosure and the cool November air hit us.

“Come on Kit...” she said and I knew she was worried about people looking at us.

“No...you have to wait.” I took her to the side of the building where you could see out into the harbor...you could see the freedom tower being built and the statue of liberty as well as all the buildings that way...when we were up agianst the wall and had nobody infront of us I let go of her eyes and she looked out and took a deep breath.... “Beautiful isn’t it.” I whispered and she nodded.

“Amazing.” Sam laughed, and pulled her to where you could see the crystler building and all of the other tall buildings around the city.

“I figured...let’s show you the whole city from above and then show you it from the street...” she smiled and I wrapped my arms around her as Sam proped him self up in the pole and pionted to Rockefeller center...
‘That’s where the today show is...and that’s where the parade is.” He said pionting over to the area where Macy’s is.

“Hey do you two wanna try and get on the today show?” I asked rubbing her stomach as she melted back into me.

“It’s up to superman Sam...” she said with a smile.

“Yeah let’s do it.” She laughed and looked at me.

“I need to get one thing.” she said walking into the gift shop and buying ten shot glasses.”

“For the brothers?” I asked as she paid

“Yep.” she said with a smile as she pushed the bag into her own bag.

“Okay let’s go if we get there with in the next half hour we can possibly get like three rows back.” I said with a smile.

“It fills up that fast?” she said as we began to descend the stairs and get onto an elevator.

“Um yeah...it’s like impossible to get to on a friday...or a Saturday but we mught be good on a Wensenday in November” Leda laughed as I said that and Sam pulled us off and I saw those tour buses you know the double deckers.... “Hey lets take one of those.” I said pionting to it.

“Those are like expensive.” Leda said and she grabbed her credit card. “ I pay.” she said as she walked up to the guy selling the ticketts and I tried to get her not to pay.

“Lee...I’m the guy I pay.” she rolled her eyes as we walked on the bus and up the stairs and were up on the top with like two other people.

“I’m the farm girl who doesn’t like to impose.” She said sitting down in the back.

“We can sit any where we want and you gotta pick there.” I said as Sam sat on her lap. “Don’t squash her.” I said and Lee wrapped her arms around him.

“He cant squish me...and I like the view...” she said as I was forced down by the moving bus.

“Okay...so I grabbed one of those maps, we get of at this stop.” I said pionting to the one that said Rockefeller Center.

“Sweet.” Lee said looking down then up at the city around us.

“The tour guide began talking and Sam kept having his own running commentary...I snuck out my camera...the one I had snuck in my coat...and took a couple of quick shots of Lee and Sam...she wasn’t looking at me in any of them...she was looking where Sam was pionting and her smile was on her face and Sam was talking...and being able to take those secret shots gave me an idea for somthing...but I can’t tell you yet....ha ha haha ha.

“What are you doing?” Sam asked as I shoved the camera back in my inside pocket.

“Looking for the map.” Lee pionted to my hand.

“You’re a bad liar kit...” she said and sam crossed his arms across his chest.

“Ah look our stop.” I said standing up and buttoning my coat.

‘How convinet.” Lee said setting Sam down and standing up. We walked down the stairs and out onto the street. I ran my hands through my hair pushing it back as Lee and Sam got off and Leda buttoned the trench coat like jacket she was wearing while Sam zipped up his Yankee jacket.

“Okay it’s right over there...we go over wait around till the guy says thier shooting and once were done here you and I are getting coffee.” I said pionting to Lee “And you get hot coco.” he said yeah and we crossed the road and too my surprise were able to get on camera within five minutes and have Lee’s cell go off.

“Hello?” she asked into it.

“LEDA!” Ten voice called,

“Hey guys...”

‘Lee your on t.v....wait there’s a guy with you...okay....who is he?” Leda smiled.

“Kit.” she said getting my attention as I watched sam jump up and down.

“Yeah?” I asked above the crowd, she pulled my shirt and kissed me. I heard yelling and whooping coming from her cell phone.

‘I think they wann talk to you.” she said handing me the phone.

‘Hello?” I asked.

“DUDE FINALLY!” three guys said. “Thank god for you...she needed a boyfriend...”

“I Can hear you!” She yelled and they all started laughing....

“Okay so dude you’re the reporter from the other night Kit...right?” I nodded and the crowed dialed down and the camera’s clicked off.

“Yeah I am...I write for the times I’m a sports columnist.” I said sounding a little like I was trying to explain myself.

“Okay...last name?” a voice I knew to be kale asked.

“Richards.” I said as Lee said she was going to get the coffee.

“Can she still hear us?” a voice I didn’t recognize asked.

“No she took Sam to get coffee, and hot chocolate...”

“Who’s Sam?” Al asked.

“My six year old.” I said as I watched them.

‘Wiat you’re a dad?” I looked up like stupid move.

“Yeah my ex thought he would be a mistake...I didn’t care...he’s not a mistake and he really is taken by Lee...there like best friends....I know that might be weird like her dating a single dad and all but...”

‘Dude...we can tell you aren’t the average single dad...” some voice said.

“That’s a load off...” I said in jersey accent.

“Oh he’s a jersey boy...” Al said.

“Oh ha ha...” I said as if playing around with them.

“Dudes he’s playing the humor...Kit we already like you...don’t stress...”

“I do have one request...can you all say your name so I know who I’m talking too?” the all laughed and one by one said thier name and it registered. “Thank you.” I said as catch finished. “And I love how you went in birth order.”

“That’s how we’ve done stuff since lee was born.” James said with a laugh.

“So your taken lee around the city today?” Kale asked as I saw Lee hand Sam his hot chocolate and held two coffee’s in a drink carrer and grab one of Sam’s hands.

“Yeah she’s been here like what four five weeks and she still hasn’t seen any of the sights....so were taking the tour buses around the city and I’ve got three days to show her all of my city.” I said in a I’m pretty proud of my self voice.

“What are you doing on Saturday?” Tim asked.

“No Friday night I’m taking her out...and I just wanted to have her see where she’s living before I do that...just show her New York...as through a New Yorker’s eyes.” they all laughed.

“You know boys I think Kit needs to come back with Lee...I think we need to meet him.” Al said in this I’m the boss voice.

“You tell Luca over there to bring you and Sam back...”

‘Luca?”

‘THEY CALLED ME WHAT?” She asked as she got closer.
“How’d did Luca Brasie come into this...”

‘Dude she killed a cat with her car then dropped it in the river..” James said

“.it slept with the fishes.” They all said in a rehearsed tone.

“Oh that’s to good... Lee you didn’t.” She rolled her eyes and handed me my coffee.

‘Hey put her on please Kit.” Catch said in this I’m haming it up voice.

“Here she is.” I said handing it over to her.

“You insane nuts what’s wrong with you?” She asked and I heared them all start laughing.

“Okay Lee...you bring him back we wanna meet him...”

“I was planning on it.” she said with a laugh.

“Oh dude this might be serious...” I heard George say.

“Oh don’t jinx it.” Lee said with a smile and I kissed her forehead.

“Hey!” Sam said and I stuck my tounge out at him.

“We saw that Kit!” The phone said and I smiled.

“Well you and my darling Son saw that.” I said and Lee rolled her eyes.

“The camera’s watching you...” I heard Fred say, Lee and I laughed and Sam just took a sip of his hot chocolate and had a huge brown mustache. I smiled at him then Lee, and heared.

‘Lee it’s weird don’t do it...”

“Kit...” She said covering the phone, in that voice I loved.... “Kiss me.”

“KIT YOU LISTEN IT’S JUST TOO WEIRD TO SEE HER...” I kissed her and she wrapped her arms around me and Sam set his hot coco down and came in between us and pushed. “YEAH WAY TO GO SAMMY!” I heard kale yell, and Lee and I seperated.

“Cool it...we had a deal.” Sam yelled...Leda laughed.
“Okay you lot...I’m hanging up....”She said getting a laugh and a collective goodbye.

“Hey hold the phone to kit...” She did as James told her.

“Take care of her...okay...watch out for her...”Kale said and Leda didn’t hear cause Sam and her were talking.

“I promise I will.” I said looking at her.

“We can’t see you right now Kit...the camera’s on Roker...but I think if we could we’d know you aren’t lying... you come on back and we’ll show you a good time.” I laughed and then they all laughed.

“DON’T BE NERVOUS!” Kale yelled. “The only time any of us will ever come after you is if you hurt her...okay...so your cool unless you hurt her...then we kill ya.” I laughed and looked at my watch.

“I promise I’m not nervous..but we’ve been on the phone for a while and I know it’s expensive.”

“Oh he’s looking out for us...okay well we’ll let you go...tell Lee we love her and keep her safe.”

‘I will...I promise.” the laughed and hung up. She looked at me as I closed the phone and took a sip of the coffee slowly waking up.

“You’ll what?” Lee asked as I handed her the phone and she tucked it away.

“Tell you I love you.” She smiled and squeezed my hand.

‘I love you.” she said and Sam I noticed was listening to her Ipod

“What’s he listening to?”

“The Lion King.” she said with a smile.

‘You have the Lion King on your Ipod?” I asked in this are you serious tone.

“What?” She said defensively.... “I like Elton Jhon.” she said with a smile. I laughed and she hit pause on the Ipod.
‘Hey!” Sam said and she took out the ear phones slowly and putting the Ipod away.

“We have a bus to catch.” I said.

“Okay...” Sam said and I grabbed Lee’s hand and pulled her across the street Sam’s hand in Leda’s as we crossed the road.

“Kit...what are we doing?” Lee asked as I pulled her over to the ice rink...

“Pretty cool huh?” Sam asked and she smiled.

“Maybe after lunch we’ll come back and skate...” I said as I snapped a shot of Lee looking at the people her smile not full but still beautiful...her hair was caught in the wind. She nodded and I stashed the camera before her or sam could see. “Hold on we should ask...is there anything you want to see?” I asked and she nodded. “Well what?”

“I want to see Broadway...radio city music hall that...and central park at sunset.” I laughed and grabbed her hand and she grabbed Sam’s. We caught a bus in three minutes and went stirght back to the back of the bus. We rode around for like two hours getting off at a few stops...we got off on at times square and I walked her and Sam up and down the streets and then she stopped me dead. “There is an entire store devoted to Hershey?” she asked looking at it.

“You alergic to chocolate or somthing?” I asked and she smiled.

“No...I LOVE chocolate.” She said excitedly.

“Sam she’s a kid looking at a candy store.” she rolled her eyes and pulled on my arm.

“Let’s go...” she said as she walked ahead of us. We crossed the street and entered the store...Lee was in heaven...she and I bought a total of fifty bucks worth of candy,shirts, and stuff like that. Then we crossed the street and went to the M&M world where Lee dissapeared for like twenty munutes then came back with two bags which she handed to me and Sam.

“What did you do?...What is this?” I looked down at the bag in my hand...it was the personalized M&M’s, “Lee?” she laughed as I saw the bag of blue and white M&Ms with the Yankees symbol on them.

“COOL!” Sam yelled and I looked down. “Dad look it’s all superman!”

“For superman Sam.” she said with a smile.
“And I’m guessing you baught some for you...” she nodded. “And?” she held up a her bag and I saw it had three different colors...green...red....and blue...and on the green it had my name...the red her name and blue sam’s name, I smiled and she smiled, and I grabbed her hand and we left M&M’s world.... we walked around Time’s square and she seemed to be in heaven as the day moved on...all the world appearing from no where...

“Look...they have a Madame Tuseeus?” she asked and I nodded.

“I’ve been there.” I said and she rolled her eyes at me noteing my your way too excited tone.

“Let’s go...come one...” she said as she and Sam left me behind and we entered the Wax Museum and I snapped some pictures of them when they wern’t looking see Kit, Dane was right...photography clases would pay off... One time, Lee looked over at Me and I snapped the shot and then stashed the camera. “You have a camera...” she said walking over to me and poking my chest Sam’s arm’s crossed over his chest.

“Yeah...I do...so...”

“He’s been holding out on us sam....you could have told us.”

“It’s dead...I was just seeing if it worked...the batery’s are out though.” I lied...I have a plan I promise you’ll love me for it.

“Oh well that’s too bad.” Sam said as we entered a room filled with superheros...Lee pulled out a disposable Camera.

“This is like a year old...Sam...” She said as we stopped at Superman. “I need your picture...” she said with a smile... Sam stood in front of Superman and placed his hand on his hips and stuck his chin up and grined like an idiot. “Perfect.” Lee said as she snapped the shot. Sam jumped down and she turned around. “Your turn.”

‘What?” I said looking at her like no...

“Then smile.” she said and I flashed her one of my best grins and she took my picture. Then stowed the camera. “Perfect.” she said with a smile, and I kissed her. Then we moved from the justice league to a room filled with sports figures...
“Oh lee you have to...” I said pionting to the figures of Babe Ruth and Lou Gerick who were standing next to each other...

“Kit...don’t draw attention to that.” she whispered.
“Why not?” I asked

“Cause not all of New York will be super excited that I’m the new pitcher...”

“Your Leda Jones?” A guy said next to us.

“Maybe....” she said with a smile.

“Leda...we don’t hate you...they put your record out this morning... heck I think my wife’s gonna like me going to the games more now...cause I can throw out the whole feminisit thing....you know...honey I’m going to see her pitch and hit because she’s such an insperation to the woman...” Leda and I laughed and the guy smiled.

‘I think my brothers would pull that....Lee.” she said extending her hand.

“Joe...” she smiled and he pulled out a note book. “Could you...you know just so in ten years I can make a cool mill off it.” she smiled and he gave her a marker.

‘It’s kinda odd you having this...” she said as she took it.

“I’m a dad...I carry everything...this is for car rides.”

“Been there.” I said with a smile.

‘You her brother?” he asked with a smile.

“No I’m her boyfriend.”

“Lucky guy.” he said making me and Lee laugh while Sam was eating his M&Ms

“Okay so what do you want me to write?”

‘Well it’s an autograph so your name.” she laughed hard at that.

‘No do you want me to write to Joe or for Joe or write somthing.”

‘Whatever you want Lee.” she smiled and looked down and wrote.
Dream big...Live bigger. Leda Jones. Her autograph wasn’t super girly save the curls on the beginig of the L and at the end of the S...but Joe was thankful and I looked at her after he had walked away and the somewhat smally crowded room had almost cleared.
‘That your motto?” I asked from behind her as she helped Sam up.

“That was in a letter my mom wrote to me...when she was pregnant for me...she wrote them for all of us...and Dad would give it to us on our sixteenth birthday....her mom did it for her...and she did it for us... Dream Big Live Bigger...that was the last line.” she said as we walked over to Babe and Lou.

“Well your mom was a pretty wise woman.” she nodded and I kissed her, and rubbed her back.
“I’m okay Kit...I am...” she said kissing me and I smiled and placed my forhead on hers.

“I promised your brothers I’d take care of you...I’m gonna...so don’t hide...don’t hold in...okay...I’m here...Sam’s here...okay....” she nodded and I kissed her forehead and made her stand next to Babe.

“Okay what do you want me to do?” she asked as Sam took her bag.

‘Put your hand on his shoulder and pretended your talking to him or somthing....”

‘Or somthing...should I kiss his cheek or somthing.”

“Funny.” I said as she put her arm on his shoulder and crossed her left foot over her right and smiled. “Perfect.” I said as I snapped the shot.

“Okay let’s get outta here.” She said grabbing her bag.

“To the bus or the lunch.”

‘It’s twelve thirty...we could do lunch.” she said with a smile

‘Yeah planet holly wood.” Sam and I quicked dashed to the bathroom and when we came out Lee was on the phone with her Dad.

“Okay Dad...I know...I will...no....eww...stop...stop...shut up...sorry...I will...oaky... I love you...bye...” She flipped the phone closed and dropped it in the bag.

“What was eww about.”

“He was telling me to be careful and look out for quick moving city guys like you.” she said with a laugh. “Naturally if it’s not a life lesson or a farming technique my father judeges and creates his opinions based of film and television...you aren’t a quick moving city boy.” she said with a smile.

“I don’t know...we’ve moved pretty fast..” I said with a smile.

“Hey...” she said stopping me as we hit the street. “You having second thoughts about us?” I smiled and shook my head.

“Nothing could put a shred of doubt in my mind about us...that will always be true okay Lee...never...ever...doubt that I love you...I do...it’s scary how fast I fell in love with you...but I did...and I am...but you need to know there will always be no shred of doubt in my mind.” Sam rolled his eyes as I kissed her.

“Good...cause I love you Kit...un like I’ve ever loved anyone...and I know it’s moving fast but...if we let the natural course take us...” I leaned into her ear.
‘We’d be in my bed right now.” she laughed and kissed me cheek biting down gently on my ear lobe. “Oh you tease.” I said as I pulled back.

‘Yep.” she said taking Sam and he jumped on her back. “Come on superman Sam...” I let them walk in front of me and then as Lee did a circle on the side walk I snapped that shot...and stowed the camera. We walked to planet Hollywood and when we got there Kitty was our waitress.

“High...I’m Kitty...I’ll be taking care of you.” That line always made me smile.

“Hi.” we all said with a laugh, we ordered our drinks and Sam was in heaven...Sam loves the movies...the movie theater and anything that has to do with movies...I had to buy him all the spiderman movies....the day they came out...cause he was convinced the good ones went first...he had gotten all of the superman movies for christmas one year...and well you get the piont.

“So after lunch I say we get back on the bus and take it down to battery park and take Lee to the statue of liberty and Elis Island.”

“Yeah...” Sam said with a smile as his cherry coke was placed in front of him.

“That souds great.” Lee said as she crossed her Legs across from me...Sam at the head of the table, me on the left...Lee on the right...it was cute. Her foot brushed up my leg and I looked over at her. “Sorry...thought it was the pole.” I laughed and placed my hand on her ankle, then slowly I moved my fingers into her jeans and up her pant leg and danced my fingers on her calf. “Sorry.” she said as if in away telling me you tease.

“It’s fine.” I said as I saw her looking through the menu then when I pulled my hand out and slid it up her leg and then back down she stopped and gripped the menu then put her hand under the table and grabbed my hand and laced our fingers.I squeezed them tight and she smiled and I pulled her hand on top of the table and we held hands like teenagers.

“You know what you want Sam?” Lee asked rubbing my hand with her thumb.

“Yeah the Mac and Cheese....you.”

“The fajitas.” she said with a smile.

“So Lee like spicy.”

“Dude Kung Pow.” she said sounding like her brothers...I laughed.
“You just sounded like Catch.” She gripped my hand and I cringed, forgetting how strong she was.
“I do not sound like my twin...”

‘He’s your twin?” I asked as she relaesed and I laughed.
‘No...but everybody thought we were...he’s short.” she said with laugh. “Sorry bout you hand.’ she said looking at the table. I rubbed two fingers in her palm and she smiled.

‘No hard feelings...” I said with a grin.

“Really..”

“I just need to you know do somthing.” She looked at me like what. I kissed her hand and then she leaned in and kissed me.

‘Better?” she asked as she kissed my fingers.

‘Much.” I said with a laugh.

“Hey...” Sam said and Lee let go and scooted toward him.

‘What you doing?” she asked looking at the drawing he was working on.

“That’s Dad...” he said pionting to a tall stick figure with yellow hair and blue eyes. “That’s you.” he said pionting to figure with long yellow hair and blue eyes who was holding my figured hand. “And that’s me.” he said pionting to a little figure holding Lee’s hand.
‘What are all the little blue dots?” she asked pionting to the ground.

“The M&Ms I accendently spilt in the wax museum.” he said and she laughed....I so wanted to snap that shot, I turned on my camera and said I was going to the bathroom, Lee nodded and Sam went on telling her about his picture. I walked behind a case across the room and zoomed in to them my zoom thank god was good enough to catch Lee holding one side of the paper and pionting to a place on it and Sam holding a crayon began explaining. I snapped it and was thourghly enjoying this hidden paparatiz game I was playing. I walked back to the table and sat down.

“That was quick.”

“I just wanted to wash my hands.” She smiled and Sam showed me the picture.

‘Look Dad...” he said standing up.

“What’s this?” I asked in the cute Dad voice you adopt. I saw out of the corner of my eye Lee smile and take a drink.

“It’s you me and Lee...and look...this is our apartment.” he said pionting to a building which looked like mine... “and this is the Empire State..” But sam had put an idea in my head...I stowed it away... later I thought... “This is the bus and this...this is the boat...you know the big one you take to the statue.” I smiled and kissed his cheek.

‘Manifiec.” I said mocking an italian man. “You know where this is going?” he shook his head.

“No.” he said worried

‘On the fridge the second we get home.” I said as he sat back down.

“Sam when the watiress comes back I’ll put it in my bag that way nothing will get on it.” Lee said with a smile. Her eyes met mine and I got trapped, she winked at me and then began to help Sam draw the Yankee symbol. Then once they were done Sam handed Lee the picture and she kissed his cheek and said tank you and then pulled out a note book and slid the picture in the middle of it and then tucked it in the bag and looked over at me as I was straning to read somthing above her head. “You okay Kit?” she asked and I looked at her.

“Yeah...I’m just trying to read that.” I said pionting to the plaque.

“Oh...wait trying?” I smiled and pulled out my black rimmed glasses. “I didn’t know you wore glases.”

“Unfortunetly.” I said as I pulled them on.

“No they look good.” she said and I smiled and grabbed her hand.

“Do they?” I asked in this I’m toying with you voice.

“Yep.” she said with that grin.

“Well I only need them to read.” I said with a chuckle pulling them off and tucked them back in with my camera.

“Do you have any secrets about your appearence?” I asked and she smiled.

‘I wear contacts...I’m far sighted.”

“Wait you have glasses?” she pulled out a pair of rimmeless glasses.

“I cant put them on not with my contacts.” she said stowing them.

‘Why not?”

“Cause it’d be like wearing my glasses times two.” I laughed at that and she smiled, I rubbed her arm and wrist and felt a small bracelet.

“What’s this?” I asked as I pushed back her sleave.

“Just a bracelet.” she said turning her wrist.
‘Nothing spectactular?” I said with a smile.

“Nope, just a bracelet...I think I bought it at target...” she wasn’t lying.

“Really?” I asked and she shook her wrist.

“Cheep metal...”

“With a little L on it.” I said with a smile.

“Yup...that’s my style.” she said with a laugh and she sat back. “Target.” she said holding her jacket. “Kmart.” she said holding the white top. “Well my Jeans are American eagle, and my shoes payless.” I laughed,

“Well that’s style on a dime.” She nodded.

“I was a college student...”

“And a minor League baseball player...”

“But I didn’t take as big a paycheck as the rest of the team...in order to prevent the whole...there paying her twice as much...look at her check...deal.” she said playing tic tac toe with sam. “Aw Sam you won agian.’ she said as he went diagonaly.

‘Yeah!” Sam said punching a fist in the air.

“Wait just a question...how much you gonna make now?” she grabbed her napkin and took the blue crayon and wrote somthing down and slid it across to me.

“Don’t freak out.” she said with a smile. I lifted her hand off the napkin and looked at the blue writing. Ten Mil a year... With endorsements ... I looked up at her. “Don’t.” she said taking the napkin back.

“Lee...”

“Don’t...” she said looking at me like I shouldn’t of...

‘No I’m just gonna say...I’m not in this to mooch off you okay...I have a job...I can take care of me and Sam...I’m not gonna come and ask you for money...”

‘Though if you needed it I would...”

“I would never ask...okay...just know that...okay...just know that.” she smiled and rubbed my hand.

“I’m not gonna change Kit...I am who I am and sure I’ll gain fame and fourtune...but I’m still gonna be Lee and I’m still always gonna love you.” I smiled and Sam went eh hem. “And you know I’ll always love you.” she said kissing his cheek.

“Good.” he said wrapping his arms around her neck. “Cause I love you.” she smiled and hugged him, I looked at them and had found my self in the world I wanted for so long.

“I got food.” the waitress said and I wanted to yell at her for breaking up the moment. But the lunch went on smothly with Sam telling Lee all about my old apartment.

“It had blue carpet.”

“Blue?” she asked with a smile.

‘I didn’t pick it.” I said with a smile.

“And the fridge had a weird handle...” he said thinking about it.

‘It was broken.” I added and Lee smiled.

“But I had a cool room.”

‘He did.” I said biting into my fries.

“What made it so cool?”

“It had a windowsill...and my aunt made him a cushion with Yankee fabric...his bed had the same Yankee bedding it has now...and well He had the master bedroom...it was better for him...he had to much stuff.”

“But now we swapped in the new apartment.” Sam said with a smile.

“Yup...but you still get to have all those toys.” I said rolling my eyes.

‘Yeah I have more toys at dad’s place then I ever had at moms.”

‘Ah so your like tigger...your spioled.” she said with a laugh.

‘My son is not spioled.” I said defensivley.

“He should be...” She said with a laugh.

“Aww...”I said with my grin, she smiled and winked.

‘Hey Lee you wanna ride the feris wheel in toys r us?” Sam asked and she looked over at him with a smile.

“Sure!” she said excitedly.

‘You have to say yes to him....you can’t say no can you?” I said acusing her.

‘Nope...he’s too perfect.” she said with a smile and Sam put his big grin on with a mouth full of Mac and Cheese.

“Oh yup just boost him up all you want.”

“I think dad’s Jelaous.” she whispered,

“Am not.” I shot back, she nodded in the yes you are way.

“Yes.”

‘No.”

“Yes.”

“No.

“Yes.” Sam said and we all started laughing. “Lee you know what could make him not jealous?” Sam said in the kindergarden voice you know the one that says he’s thinking.

‘No what?” she asked and he covered his eyes. “Oh.” she said as she got up and sat next pulled up a chiar and sat next to me.

“What?” I asked stupidly, she ran a hand through my hair and rubbed her thumb on my cheek. “Oh.” I said and leaned in and she and I kissed...this amazing not long, not short, perfect kiss.

‘See kit...no reason to be jealous.” I chuckled and kissed her agian and Sam we noticed was peeking.

“Are you two done yet?” he asked and Lee put one hand over his eyes and kissed me deeply demanding as she had in my room this morning.

‘Now we are.” she said putting the chair back and making to walk over to her spot but I grabbed the back of her pants and pulled her back.

“One more.” I said and she rolled her eyes and kissed me rubbing my scruff.

“Okay we know.” she said as she sat down. “To a minimum.” the rest of lunch went perfect and when we finished. I bought lunch and Lee bought Sam a blue elephant with a planet hollywood t-shirt and then she chucked a t-shirt at me. “In case I need something to borrow.” she said as Sam listened to a movie soundtrack which he fell in love which then Lee bought. “Okay so what are we doing now?” she asked with a smile.

“Toy R us is right over there...we go there then I have one place I wanna take you before we go to the statue of liberty.” she looked at me like what are you playing at. “You’ll see.” I said with a smile.

‘Okay ...Sam let’s go ride that Farris wheel.” she said shoving the elephant in the bag so his head stuck out.

“Nice touch.” I said as I patted the elephants head.

“He has to breathe.” she said in the uh duh voice.

“Oh right right right.” I said with a smile. We walked into the toystore and then Sam pulled me and Lee into the thirty minute line. Lee and I just talked as Sam looked around, then once on the wheel...Lee took a few pictures of me and Sam and then I snuck my camera out as she was looking over at somthing and Sam was on his knees next to me. I snapped her and she didn’t even move. “Lee you okay?” I asked and she nodded and smiled.

“Yep just kinda in shock.” she said with a smile.

“Oh...” I said as Sam yawned. “You tired.” he shook his head no and then sat down

“So where are we going Kit?” she asked crosing her legs and placing them on the seat next to her.

“Actually I think you and Sam can go to the disney store and I have to get a few things...” she rolled her eyes.

“He’s sneaking around sam.” she said with a smile.

“I have my reasons.” I said with a smile.

“Fine be that way...but I saw candyland....”

‘Uh Lee we spent forty bucks on chocolate...no more candy.”

“Alright dad.” she said in a joking tone. “Then me and Sam are hitting the video game room and getting new games for the xbox.” she said grabbing his hand and I followed them in and she bought three games, and three wireless controllers, while fighting off me trying to pay. “Kit stop or I’ll punch you.” she said turning around bag in hand.

“Fine...but I get the next check.”

“Your going to your secret store...you pick up that check I’ll pick up the disney store check.” she said as we grabbed a cab and headed for fifth avenue.
“You’d think those busses would go here.” I said as I payed the fare.

“Okay...do you have my cell number?” she asked and I shook my head, she gave it to me and I logged it in my phone then called her. “I have yours now, just in case.” she said with a smile.

‘You be good for Lee.” I said grabbing the toys R us bag from lee, and knealing down kissing his forehead.

“He will.” she said as I stood up and kissed her.

“I’ll call you and we’ll meet right out side the door of the Disney store.” she kissed me and sam grabbed her hand.

“We’ll be fine Kit...we’re gonna go hang out right in here.” she said as we stopped out side the store. “We wont leave.” Sam smiled and pulled her in.

‘I love you.” I said and she mouthed it as she was pulled over to the pirates of the carribean section. I pulled my coat up and made my way down the road. Stopping at the place I wanted to go to. Tiffany and Company, okay...I’m not buying an engagment ring...or I wasn’t originally going to...I walked into the store and up to the area of all things silver. I walked over to a counter where a woman intercepted me.

‘Hello sir can I help you?” she asked setting a black rectangle down in front of me.

‘Yeah I’m looking for a bracelet for my girlfriend.” I was going to replace the cheep target bracelet.

“What’s her name.”

“Leda.” I said with a smile.

“Okay what do you think Leda would like?” she said as she moved me over to a case of bracelets necklaces and...rings...

“Anything really she rolls with anything.” I looked down and saw a bracelet of pure silver band and on it a letter. “The one with the letter.” I said pionting to it.

“Thats the monogram series...ha your lucky this has an L right on it.” she said pulling it up and setting it down in front of me. I picked it up and ran my hand over it,

‘It’s perfect.” I said and she smiled.

“Do you wanna look at anything else?” I looked down and saw it...next to the monogram series was a ring...a diamond ring...it was just calling to me...I know the diamond is calling...I mean listen I’m not asking her to marry me after three days but if I had the ring and get to propose to her at some piont when I’m ready...then it’ll be perfect right?

“That.” I said pionting to it.

“If your looking at engagment rings...the next floor up is probably where you want to go...” she said not like a jerk just like giving me advice.

‘I like that one.” I said as she grabbed it, I held the silver in my hand and looked at it.

“You have good taste sir...this is one of the designers favorites...it’s down here as part of the bridal collection....you noticed the large center diamond...” I nodded. “That’s hand selected...and the outer dimonds those are selected to match.” I knew it wasn’t gonna be cheep...and I didn’t care...I had my plan and I was sticikg to it. “The band is white gold and well sir I need to know her ring size.”

“I don’t even know her ring size.” I said with a laugh, then I remebered... “Hold on.” I said as I grabbed her keys out of my pocket. “Would this tell you.” I said holding up her penstate class ring.

‘That it would.” she took that and walked away...taking the silver bracelet with her...as my phone started buzzing.

“Hello?” I asked into it.

“Dad...” Sam said.

“Sam where’s Lee?”

‘I’m right here.” she said in a raised voice.

“Dad they had a drawing for a vaction to disney world at christmas and Lee won.”

“What?” I asked with surprise.

‘The guy at the front door asked Lee if she wanted to take me to disney world and she said sure and she entered and he said the drawing was in twenty five minutes...dad Lee won we have four ticketts to disney world...like all...what was it lee?”

‘Just put Lee on the phone.” I said with a smile.

“He want’s to talk to you.”

“Okay...here.” she said and they traded somthing I could tell.

“Your just too lucky you know that...” I said with a smile

“Hey it’s not my fault...Sam’s my good luck charm...he signed his name on the side of the paper...I owe it to him...so kit what’d you say you wanna spend christmas in Disney world...we get to stay at the grand floridien...which I’ve been informed is the nicest of all the hotels..we can have two rooms...”

‘What you don’t want to share a room with me?” I asked with sarcasim.

‘No...we’re taking sol...I do have an extra ticket.” she said with a laugh.

“Well...I’ve only been to Disney World once and Sam’s never been...”

“Good were going.” she said and I laughed.

“I don’t even get a chance to say yes you just say it for me.”

‘Yep...I’m the girlfriend...” she said with a laugh.

“Oh you’ve been working on that haven’t you.” I said as I saw the lady come back.,

“Oh you bet...okay Sam and I are sitting in little Mickey Mouse chairs he’s playing with his new pirates toys and I’m eating M and Ms...just calling to let you know we’re going to disney world.” I got a mental image of that.

“So I know right where to find you when I come and get you.”

“Yup.” she said and I knew she was eating at the time.

“Okay enjoy your candy.”

“I will.”

“I’ll see you in a few.”

‘K.”

“Love you.”

‘Love you...wait hold on.”

“Love you dad.” Sam said in this cute voice.

‘You two kiddo...I love you.”

“Bye.” From Sam.

“Bye.” from me.
“Bye.” from Lee.

“Bye.” From Me. and then tuck the phone back in my pocket and she smiled at me.
“That her?” the lady asked as she set a box down and opened it

“Yep...her and my son.” I said with a smile.

‘Her son too?” I shook my head.

“Well what are they doing...and does she have any idea you’re here?” she asked with a smile thinking I was cute just by her voice...like sweet I’m taken so I don’t care if she thinks I’m hot...really don’t...but she was looking at me like she would a pupy dog and then I saw it, somthing that put me at ease. The baby belly...and wedding ring...load off.

“Um actually she just won a trip to Disney World...thier down at the disney store...and I don’t think she knows I’m here.” I said with a smile.

“I’m sorry I never got your name.”

“Kit.” I said with a smile.

“Okay Kit...well I think Leda will be throurghly impressed...though I noticed a baseball bat on the ring...”

‘It’s hers.” I said with a smile.

‘Oh okay, well here’s your bill I’m just gonna let you look at your bill.” I slapped my credit card down.

“I’m buying it.” I said with a if you give me five minutes I’ll change my mind tone.

“Okay well let me be the first to say congratulations....and I’ll be right back.” I smiled and my phone buzzed agian.

“Hello?”

‘Kit.” my Dad’s voice said.

“Dad?” I asked looking down.

“Kit...Dane’s in town...”

‘Is that why you called?” I asked kinda ticked.

‘No...what are you and Sam doing this weekend? I wanna have you him and Dane out here...Kit we need to talk....we have things we need to talk about work out.”
“Dad...”I said taking a deep breath, “I can’t just bring Sam.”
‘You know Jessica is not allowed in this house...”
“She’s not allowed in mine...I’ve met someone...Dad.... I’m in love with someone.” He chuckled.

“Does she know you’re a dad...”

“She met Sam first Dad.” I said as I smiled at the Lady and signed away a considerable amount of money...but I do make a good amout of money...I live in Manhattan...

“Her name.”

“Lee.”

“Short for?”

“Leda.” I said as she wrapped them up in the blue boxes and slid them in a bag and handed them to me. “Thanks.” I said as I covered my phone and slid my card back in my wallet.

“Last name?”“ he asked as I got in the elevator suprisingly alone.

“Jones.”

“Your dating the pitcher...ha ha ha Kit your not funny.”

“Dad I’m not lying...I’ll bring her on Saturday...”

“Good you do that.” he said with a laugh.

“So dad how ya been?” I asked as I left the store.

“Fine...in good health...just had a physical.”

‘How’s your levels.”

‘Where they should be for my age.” he said kinda annoyed.

“Good.” I said as I pulled the ring box out of the blue box and slid it in my coat pocket. I left the bracelet in the blue bag and walked toward the Disney store.

“So Mr. Baseball...what you up to today...sounds like your on the street.”
“I’m showing Lee around and she and Sam won a trip to Disney world...so I guess I’m going to Florida.”

“Ah Disney World... is this Sam’s first time?” he said trying to be a good dad.

“Dad cut the I’m a good grandpa act and just tell me why your really called.”

“That’s just it Kit...I’m trying to become that...and your not letting me...”

“Maybe because every time somebody comes near my son and I don’t know their intentions up front I fucking flip out...okay...Dad...”

‘Hey watch it.”

“How do I know your not in some kinda trouble?” I asked stopping out side of Louis Vuitton laughing at the heiress shopping in the store.

“I’m not Kit...okay...Dane told me I should see a shrink and I did, you know to deal with the loss of your mother...” he stopped and cleared his throat. “And while going through that I realized that I’ve been pushing you away...I don’t know why Kit...I don’t know why...but I need to stop...I need to be who I am...I am your father, whether you want me to be or not...I am Sam’s grandfather whether you want me to be or not.”

‘The thing is dad...I want you to be those things but do you want to be those things?” I said really regretting I had quit smoking.

“Of COURSE I WANT TO FUCKING BE THOSE THINGS!” He yelled and I knew he was standing.

“Don’t yell at me dad.” I said so wanting a cigarette.

“Kit you listen to me...right now...listen...are you listening...?”

“Yeah I’m fucking listening.” I said as a group of girl scouts passed by. I cringed and mouthed sorry.

“Kit...I know you love your son...I know your twice the Dad I was...I know your fighting to keep him safe...and I need you to know that I’m proud of you for that...I’m proud of you that with out a second thought you took on being a father...I’m proud of you for that.” somthing inside me cracked at that piont....and I felt tears form. “And I know that I’ve been an ass to you and I’m trying to make amends, I wanna be there when you go through all the milestones...birthday, Christmas, New Years eve, fuck if you get married I wanna there...Kit I wanna be there, I wanna be a dad, I wanna be a grandpa...plaease kit...just give and old man a chance.” I was crying I stopped at a fence by a church grabbed it and with all my strength held on. I sucked in a deep breath, and raised my head.

“Oh christ.” I said feeling the weight of the x box bag and the tiffany bag seem to heavy.

“Kit...” my dad said in this weak voice, and I knew he was crying.
‘Yeah.” I said taking control trying to stop crying.

“I love you.” I was done...there was no holding tears back.

“I love you dad...I do...and I do want you to be at all those things...fuck I wanted you to be at all those things.” he sucked in a breath. “What you doing for Dinner tonight?” I asked as I did finally start to breathe regularly.

‘Nothing...”

“Is Dane at your house?” I asked with one of those weak breaths.

“Yeah...he’s um outside right now.” I coughed.

“Your not smokeing still are you?” He asked.

‘Nope...haven’t in two years.” I said letting go of the pole. “Dad do you know where I live?” I asked.

“Um...” he gave me my address and then “or have you moved in with baseball beauty?”

“Don’t call her that.” I said with a smile. “And no I haven’t...I still live there...it’s what two now?” I asked.

“Two fifteen...”

‘Okay...well we’re going over to Liberty island and taking the boats...um do you wanna come by for dinner say seven...you and Dane...meet Lee hang out with Sam?” I said thinking that Lee was my lucky charm.

“I’m sure we’ll see you at seven....but I’ll call you if somthing comes up....like I don’t know... I win the lotto.” I laughed and he chuckled.

“So I’ll see you at seven?” I asked as the disney store came into view.

‘We’ll be there.” I smiled and then. “I love you son.”

“I love you dad.”

“No too...what’s up with that?”

“Lee she says that when someone says I love you too it sounds forced...like oh he said I love you so I have to say well I love you too....so yeah.”

“Smart girl hold on to her.”

“I intended to.” I said as I stopped right next to the store.

“Well I have to go...butch is bringing back lunch.” (Butch is a ten year old bull dog.)

“Scratch his ears for me...and I’ll see you tonight.”
“See ya.”

‘Bye.”

“Bye.” I hung up and took a huge breath and wipped my eyes then I dialed Lee.

“Where are you?” I got as an answer, as I entered the store.

“What happened to hello darling how are you?’

“One thing I’m never gonna call you darling I’m not June Clever...you might get a sweetheart out of me but no darling....and I’m almost out of M&Ms...”

“I see you.” I said with that playfull tone...she had pulled her hair up and it was hanging down past her shoulder blades...Sam was playing with a few figures and she had a very thick folder sitting infront of her

“Where are you?” she asked looking around. Sam laughed and blew up davy Jones who Lee was holding... “hold on....” she put the phone into her shoulder. “no fair...I’m talking to your dad...no fair...you killed me when I wasn’t looking.”

‘That’s fair.”

‘Oh...you little...” she said with a smile. “Fine you win...Davy Jones is dead for good.” she said laying him down.

“Ha ha haha ha.” He said as he moved Jack and Will all around.

“Okay Kit where are you?” she said looking up.

“I’m looking right at you...behind Donald’s butt.” she looked over at the rack of stuffed animals

“Liar.” she said her eyes scanning.

‘Nope...”

“Just come out.” I laughed and hung up and walked out from around the rack hands behind my back. She hung up and stood up. “I see you...Kit...”

‘Yeah?” I asked she looked back at Sam who was playing still.
“Kit have you been crying?” I smiled.

“My dad called..actually he’s kinda coming over for diner tonight him and my brother...” she looked at me like are you insane. “He wants to meet you...you have to be there.”

“Kit...” she said like don’t make me.

“Nope...no is not an option.” she rolled her eyes.

“Fine but you have to tell me where you were.” she said as I set down the big bag and pulled the Tiffany box out of the bag and dropped it on the ground. She looked at me with this well you gonna tell me look. I pulled the box out from behind my back and she looked really taken aback...she looked down at the box then back up at me. “Kit...” she said weakly.

“I figured...let’s upgrade this.” I said taking her cheep bracelet off and placing it in my pocket. I untied the white ribbon and opened the blue box. I opened the black box and slid the bracelet on her wrist.

“Kit oh my god.” she said with a smile.

“Do you like it?” she smiled and wrapped her arms around me.

“I love it.” she said and I wrapped my arms around her.

“Good.” I said as she pulled back and I kissed her. “I thought you would.” She kissed me and then pulled back.

‘We have to go make dinner...” I laughed and rubbed her back.

“Lee...it’s two...there coming over at seven.” she smiled.

“I’m calling Ella...I’m gonna cook.” I looked at her like think about it.

“I might need to have the fire department on speed dial.” she laughed.

“I need to figure this thing out...I lived off noodles and oatmeal ...I need to cook...and I don’t know I just need to...okay...and it’s gonna take a while...so I’m gonna call Ella and we’re going to the store.”

“DAD!” Sam said looking up...

“Hey buddy!” I said lifting him up.

“We won... Look.” he said pionting to the folder on the table.

“Really...Let me see.” I said taking the folder.
“Oh man we’re in for a pretty sweet trip.” Lee said with a smile.

“Hey maybe we could get a few more ticketts...”

‘My brothers won’t come Kit.”
‘But mine and my dad would.” she smiled and her eyes seemed to sparkle.

“That might be a good idea...” she said with a smile.
“We’ll run it past Grandpa and Uncle Dane tonight.”

“What?” sam asked.

“Grandpa and Uncle Dane are coming over tonight...for Dinner...Lee’s gonna cook.”

“Can I help?” Sam asked and she smiled.

“I’m gonna need all the help I can get.” she said with a laugh.

“Okay...let’s get home...” I said as I grabbed most of the bags and within a half hour we were home. We just went to my place...we dropped everything on the table while Lee was talking to ella.

“Okay...so I do what with a potatoes?” I laughed.

“You mash them.” I said and she stuck her tounge out and looked at the list in her hand, and then down at the recipe and sat down and kept writing. “ Lee calm down you can do this.” I said as she was writing very fast.

“Shh...” she said and Sam and I set up our new contorlers and started to play our new racing game. She talked for twenty more minutes and I think wrote down every word.

“So sweetheart what are we having?” I asked as Sam took the lead. “HEY.” he laughed and she chuckled.

“Chicken Divan and green bean casserole and apple pie.” she said with a laugh...

“Oh your in for it.” I said as Sam won. “Dnag.”

“Can I have a ride?” she said with a smile.

“Sam let’s go to the store.” we shot up and after an hour and half of shopping were back.

“Okay Lee I’m gonna pick up you get started.” she nodded and emptied the bags and began cooking. “Sam...your gonna pick up your room and then you can help Lee with the pie.” he nodded and went into his room. I worked for about a half hour while Lee was setting up, when I was done with the living room it looked more organized then it had ever been. Lee had her potatoes mashed and layed out in the dish while the oven was preheating. I walked over and wrapped my arms around her waist “This is gonna be great.” I said kissing her neck, she smiled and turned around., and put a dolup of mashed potatoes on my nose.

“Thank you...but I’m stressing.” she said as she started chopping up chicken.

‘What about?” I asked as I looked at the recipe.

“Well A...I’m meeting you dad and brother....and B...there gonna be eating my cooking...so if I don’t kill them I’m gonna have to try and make them like me.” I grabbed her hand and she stopped chopping.

“If you be you...they’ll love you...and this isn’t a meet my dad and brother dinner this is a my dad called and made me cry on fifth avenue and I didn’t want to drive out to Jersey dinner.” she smiled and kissed me.

“Okay...but um I need to get that gravy in there and add the chicken or I’m gonna get out of the zone.” I laughed and she walked by me and added the chicken brocoli and gravy along with another layer of potatoes then adding a little bit of cheese on the top slid it into the oven. I looked at the clock it was now four thirty and Sam was singing along to somthing. “Go check on him...” she said as she started making the pie crust.

“Thank’s mom...” she stopped and looked back at me.

“I’m sorry...” she said like really sorry.

“Woah I hit somthing...I should be saying I’m sorry.” She smiled.

“It’s just today...I don’t know Kit...I felt like a mom....” She looked like she was gonna cry.

“Hey...hey...” I said in a comforting tone.

“That’s weird right....to have met a kid and a guy three days ago and spend one day with them like this and toatlly feel...I don’t know...where it’s your supposed to be...” I kissed her and wipped her tears and felt my own start to fall. “Kit...I really do mean that...”

‘I know you do and I feel right being with you...I feel like this is how I’m supposed to be living... how I’m supposed have been living...Lee I love you...and today just watching you with Sam and seeing you acting like a mom made me wish you were his mom...that way I could be this happy all the time.” she smiled and ran her hands through my hair.

“I love you kit...I really do.” I kissed her and wanted to ask her to move in with me...but something stopped me.

“I love you Leda.” I said kissing her.

“DAD!” Sam called and he sounded excited.

“Always there to end the moment.” I said with a smile and she kissied me and we rushed in.

“Yeah?” I asked my hand in Lee’s.

“Lee’s on T.V.” we both looked over to the little mickey mouse tv he had in his room.

“I am?” she asked looking at it, we sat there and watched as her coaches and the Yankee staff talked about her recruitment and that she was in fact a wise chioce. And then her cell went off, “This cant be good.” she said as it wasn’t Sol. “Hello?” she asked, placing it on speaker.

“Leda this is George...we need you to make a statement tomorrow...we need you to write it and send it in...your manager said that you could do it...”

‘Thanks Sol....” she said with roll of the eyes. “Yeah George when do you need it by?”

“Tomorrow at noon.”

“It’ll be there.” she said hanging up.

“Well that’s just a little tidbit.” I said she smiled.

‘I’ve had to give statements before...it’s not a big deal.” she said with a smile.

“Okay well we have three hours...dinners in the oven, what elese to we have to do?” Leda looked at me like are you daft.

“Okay...the main dish is in the oven...I still have to make a pie, and a casserole.”

‘I’ve made green bean casserole before.” I said she looked at me and I knew I had gotten myself into something.

“Good then you can make it...” she said tossing me a can of mushroom soup.

“Fine.” I said getting the nessecary stuff and getting to work. While she and Sam were making the pie. I sat across the table so I could look in the kitchen at them.

‘Okay Sam...I cut em up...you put em in and then we add the filling and wiat till the chicken and cassoroles done then we put it in.” She said as she cut into her third apple and Sam was standing on a chiar next to her with a huge smile on his face as he put the apples in the pie crust. After an hour the chicken was done and Lee took the dish and put it in the microwave.

‘Um it’s done...” I said as I hit the preheating button and the oven was there in like five minutes.

“It’s in there to stay warm.” she said with a smile. “We won’t add the filling till after the cassoroles done.” she said with a smile and then looked at me. “Now we can relax for an hour.” she said and I pulled her hand and Sam turned on good old Frank and she smiled. “What is it with you and Frank Sinatra?” she asked as I turned her around.

“He just puts me in a good mood.” I said as sam started playing Xbox. Lee and I danced through three songs until my house phone rang. “Hello?” I asked not letting go of her.
“Kit it’s Dane...”

‘Hey.” I said getting worried.

‘Yeah Hey where should we park?”

“What do you mean?” I asked turning off the music.

“Dad left early wanted to suprise you...”

“Um theres a garage, no theres a lot right across the street I’ll come down and meet you.” I said hanging up. “There here.” I said kissing her.

“What?” she asked “there two hours early...” she said looking at Sam. “This is not a drill...let’s get this pie done.” I grabbed my coat and ran my hair back.

“Lee you’ll be fine...”

‘I know...just don’t keep them waiting.” she said as she grabbed the door I was standing in the hallway.

“I love you.” I said as I pulled on my right shoe, then my left.
“I love you.” she said as I dropped my coat and picked it up making sure nothing fell out....nothing had thank god....

“I’ll be back.” I said with a smile.

‘Don’t keep us waiting Arnold.” she said as the elevator closed and she shut the apartment door. The elevator moved slowly and when it hit the ground I had my coat all buttoned up and I thought I looked pretty good. I walked out on to the street and saw my brother and Dad getting out of the car.

“DAD!” I called as I ran across the street...a cab nearly hitting me. “Hey...” I said hitting the hood. “I’m trying to walk.” I said getting a laugh from my father and brother.

“Oh fuck you.” the guy said and I rolled my eyes walked over to them.

“Typical New yorker.” Dane said with that I’m so much better than you voice.

“Oh shut up at least my city dosen’t have a name fit for a girls perfume.” he laughed and hugged me.

‘How ya been?” he asked laughing.

‘Great I’ve been great....” I said smiling at him.

“Here you got a girlfriend.” Dane said as he let go.

“Yeah...” I said as I looked at my Dad. “Hey Dad.”

‘Hey Kitter.” he said getting me to roll my eyes and hug him.

“And I was how old when you gave me that name?” I asked pulling away.

“What you too old for Kitter?”

“Dad I have a six year old.” I said as we made for the street.

“Yeah how is Samson...better question where is he?” Dane asked as we walked across the road.

“He’s up stiars with Lee....she made dinner.” I said as I dug in my pants for my keys and realized I put them in the dish. “Fuck.” I said holding Lee’s keys.

“What?” My dad asked.

“I grabbed Lee’s keys.” I said pushing the button.

“Yeah?” Sam asked.

“Sam tell Lee to let us up.”

“You forgot your Keys didn’t you.” she said into the phone.

‘Just let us up.” she laughed and the door opened.

“Oh she knows you all to well.” Dane said as I grabbed my mail.

“Oh shove it.” I said as I hit the elevator button.

“So how long you two been dating?” My dad asked as we got in to the elevator.
“You wouldn’t beliave me.” I said as the door closed.

“That long...Kit.”

‘Nope.”

“Wiat...you didn’t just meet today?” Dane asked.

“No we met three almost four days ago.”

‘And your in love with her...” I nodded.
“You’ll see why.” I said as the door opened I walked down to my apartment and knocked on the door.

“Who is it?” Sam asked in a high pitched voice.

‘It’s the tooth fairy.” I said getting a laugh.

“Do you have an apiontment?” Lee asked.

‘Let us in.” I said with a smile.

“I don’t know I don’t think we invited the tooth fairy to dinner did we Sam?” Lee asked with a laugh getting my brother and father to laugh.

“It’s Dad.”I said.

“Oh it’s Dad!” they both said and the door opened and Lee was standing there her jackett gone her white nice like dressy t-shirt looking stunning as her hair fell about her.

“Look sam no tooth fairy..just dad...and you must be grandpa and uncle Dane.” they nodded.

“Jack.” My dad said taking her hand.

“Leda...but call me Lee, and it’s nice to meet you.” my dad smiled and I knew he already liked her. She smiled back and she turned to Dane.

“Dane.”

“Lee, and it’s nice to meet you.” she said and looked at me. “And you are?” she said getting a laugh.

“I’m your boyfriend you nut.” I said as we all walked in and Sam came running at my Dad.

“Grandpa!” He yelled as my dad picked him up.

‘Hey Sammy.” He said kissing him.

‘I helped make the pie.” He said very proud of himself.

“UNCLE DANE!” he yelled running at my brother.

“Hey Sam.” He said hugging him.

“So Lee I have to ask...you’re the pitcher?” she laughed and nodded.

“I signed my contract last week.” she said with a smile.

“Well then...congrats.” she waved a hand like can we not talk about me.
“So Lee...your dating him?” my brother asked and rolled my eyes as she took thier coats and I checked on my cassorole.

“Yeah...” she said as she hung all our coats up. “Any reason I shouldn’t be?” She asked getting my dad to laugh.

“Not that I can think of it’s just...”

‘Don’t you dare say I’m to pretty.’ She said in this I don’t condole flattery tone which got me to laugh.

“Hey Lee where is my cassorole.” that got a huge laugh.

“It was done so we put it on the table.” she said with a smile.

‘Then lets eat.” My dad said and we all sat down and Lee walked over and sat the chicken down.

‘Okay I need to put the warning out...this is the first meal I’ve ever attempted to cook...and I had help but...still I touched it so it could be like doomed.” she said with a laugh.

“You helped?” Dane asked.

“I can do a little cooking.” I said with a smile, as I grabbed some cassorole and noiceted chopped veggtables and carrots with cheese melted into them, the rolls we had bought and some kinda jello like thing... She had made a meal.

“So Lee you didn’t have to cook your mom do all that sorta stuff?” my dad asked and I cringed and looked at him.

“No actually my mom passed away when I was three...my dad hired a house keeper and a cook Ella she’s the one I called to get the recipes for all this...she used to do all that stuff.” my dad I could tell felt foolish for asking about her mom.

“I’m sorry ...”

“Don’t be you didn’t know...really don’t be sorry.” she said with a smile as I grabbed a bottle of wine and a moutian dew.

“Now if I let you have this do you promise to try and go to bed?” I asked Sam, who nodded fervently I opened the can and set it down.

‘You know he won’t go to bed.” Lee said with a smile.

‘Well at least I didn’t give him that and a bag of skittles.” I said with a laugh.

“Half a bag...half.” she said as I poured my dad some wine.

“That needs an explanation.”

“Yesterday...I was helping Lee work out...she has to or Sol will yell at her...and she was running and she said I could have skittles and mountian dew....”

“Where was your dad?” Dane asked.

“Getting his computer...but I was with Lee and Sol so I was safe.” I nodded and poured Lee wine who smiled and mouthed thank you.

“Who’s Sol?” my dad asked.

“He’s my manager.” she said with a smile. “He’s about sixty five and has been going to Yankee stadium every day for about the past twenty thirty years...now he has a job thier...well he used to before he retired and I hiered him...” She said laughing at her self.

“So you always want to be a baseball player?” Dane asked.

“Nope...actually baseball was more like therapy at first...I was originally studying to either be a journalist or a journalism publications teacher...or a kindergarten teacher...that’s what my mom did...so one of the three and then that one week of my college coach catching me and then recruiting me and putting me on my path.” she said with a smile, which made my dad and brother smile, I could see Lee as a kindergarten teacher....she’d be perfect for it....but she was my Yankee insted and that was pretty sweet.

“So it was just you Ella and your dad growing up.” She started laughing.

“I wish...” she said and Sam started to laugh. “I’m the youngest of ten.” My dad dropped his fork.

‘Did you say ten?” she nodded.

“And I’m the only girl.” she said taking a sip of wine.

“Well then god bless you.” my brother said with a laugh and I put my hand on her thigh and she did that thing with the fingertips on the muscles.

“Thank you...I think I need that sometimes.” she said as she helped sam scoop cheesey carrots as he called them onto a plate. “You like the cheesey carrots?” she asked with a smile.

“There good.” Sam said as he nodded fast and she sat the bowl down.

“It’s all very delioucos Lee.” Dane said and she smiled.

“Well I didn’t do it alone...but thank you.”

“I told you you could cook.” I said with a smile.

“That was only after you ate my pancakes.” she said taking a bite of her food.

“Wait you make breakfast too?” My dad asked. “Kit I’m moving in.” Lee laughed at that and sam smiled.

“Lee can crack three eggs in one hand.” he said excitedly.

“Can she?” Dane asked with a smile Leda nodded and I smiled.

“I have yet to see this.” I said holding up my hands.

“Well if you’d wake up when we get you up...you wouldn’t miss anything.” Sam said from down the table.

“Cool it Samson.” I said and he smiled, and my dad laughed.

“It’s still strange seeing you as a father.”

“He’s a good one isn’t he.’ Lee said with a smile, and it meant the world that she was saying it like...isn’t he a good dad...not like asking my dad if I was a good dad, and I looked over at her and smiled, and I think she knew how much it meant.

“He’s a fun dad.” Sam said with a smile.
“Well I’m gonna be a mad dad if you don’t eat the veggies.”

“Ok.” Sam said with a laugh, I grabbed Lee’s hand under the table and squeezed it...she squezzed back.

“So what else could we ask Leda?” Dane asked as he scooped more of the chicken onto his plate.
“How many boyfriends she’s had?” My dad said with a laugh.

“Four...including kit...first one high school sophmore year lasted two months...seconed Senior year five months....third freshman year of college lasted two years.” she said taking a sip “And fourth...first year as a yankee and is going strong.” she said and I smiled.

“Amen.” My dad said and they clinked glasses.

“I agree.” She said and Sam heared the timer go off.

“LEE! It’s done!” she smiled and stood up.

“Come on.” she said helping him down and walking into the kitchen.

“Your right I do see why.” Dane said and I chucked a carrot at him.

‘Mine.”I said and my dad laughed

“Well Kit I think you might have found your soul mate...” I looked at him sideways.

“Huh?”

‘You two match...I just see it...call it a father’s instinct...but you just seem to match and she seems to match up with both you and Sam.”

“She’s like the mom I wish Sam had.” I said taking a sip of wine.

“She’s that good with him.”

“Those two....they connect on so many levals...and she cares about him...like a mom should...” I said notcing we were whispereing.

“After three days?”
“Yeah...I’m in love with her...I am...and I know that there is nothing that will stop that.” I said biting into a chesey carrot.

“Have you slept with her?” Dane asked and I looked up at him and gave him this grow up look.

‘Not technically...and I really think it’s good.”
“Ah she won’t let you.”

‘Kinda...she doesen’t want to have somthing happen with Sam...she cares about him to much.”

‘Now you said technaqally what’s that mean?” Dane asked.

“I’ve been well...you know.”

“Oh so she gave you a taste.” he said in the I’ve been there done that voice.

“Let’s not talk about that okay.” I said and my dad laughed as Sam jumped up and down as Lee set the pie on the counter.

“No...don’t stick you fingers in it...you’ll get icky hot apple crud all over them...elk.” I heard her say like a mom.

“I actually see that.” My dad whispered.

“Let it cool and you can have the first piece.” she said then “Deal?” he laughed.

“Deal.” he said slapping her hand then jumping onto her back off of the stool and she walked him to the seat then set him down.

“No pie till carrots are gone.” I said with a smile.

‘Lighten up super dad.” Dane said.

“Hey...I’m the parent.’ I said looking at him like you wanna go.

“I’m the big brother.”

“Yeah and I’m the father...she’s the girlfriend and he...well he’s very special cause he’s the son...the gradson...and the nephew...you be proud Sammy you get all those titles.” he laughed and so did Lee, Dane and I.

“Okay Lee.” Dane said setting his fork down. “I think you lied to us...” she looked at him like what do you mean. “You said it was doomned...that was some pretty good food sweetheart...so don’t go pediling the I can’t cook card.” she laughed and I rolled my eyes at him and mouthed. Mine back off.

“Thank you.” she said standing up, and leaning in my ear. “I saw that.” she said with a laugh which got my dad son and brother to all crack up. She was perfect flawless she took our plates and brought out coffee mugs and said “For later.” then she picked Sam up. “Come on superman Sam....let’s get you that pie.” she said and he rushed over and she handed him a slice and he walked over and put it on his place then sat down as she walked over with it, and set it down. “Semi homemade apple pie.” she said with a smile.

“How is it Semi?” Dane asked.

“Premade crust and filling...all I did was cut the apples and put the folds on top and Sam over there put the apples in the pie.” he beemed and took a bite...Lee could cook I think she had been lieing to me that or she thought she couldn’t cook.

“This is the best apple pie I’ve had in years.” my dad said and she and Sam high fived each other, which got us all to laugh. There we sat a family as it would appear...we talked for an two hours until it was round eight and the wine was empty. That’s when Lee brought out coffee and poured it for every one...and put sugar and cream on the table...where she got it I have no idea. It was them when she looked at me and mouthed...ask them.

“Oh...Dad, Dane...we wanna know if you want to come to Disney world with us over christmas?” Sam got excited.

“Lee won.” he said with a huge smile.

“We went to the disney store and I won a drawing...Sam’s just my lucky charm.” she said rubbing his head.

“You bet.” he said with a smile, she laughed and then I looked back at my dad.

‘What do ya say...you wanna go do all that you were saying earlier?”Dane smiled.

“I’m coming no way I can pass up on disney world.” Dane said with a smile Sam yelled yes and jumped up and hugged him the grabbed his new blue elephant and ran around.

“You gave him the mountian dew.” Lee said as I watched him run around the couch both of us making to go and get him when he fell.

‘I’m okay...snuffles fell first.” he said standing up and running into my room.

“He has his own room why does he go into mine?” I asked looking at her.

“He’s six...why does he do anything...because it’s fun and exciting.” she said with a laugh.

“Still waiting dad.”I said and my Dad laughed.

“Who can pass up a vaction with you lot.” I smiled and Sam came running in

“YEAH!” he yelled running around and Lee stood up and waited for him to run around the table and she caught him and held him up.

“You and...”

“Snuffles.”

“Right you and snuffles need to um...run the bases.” she said setting him down.

“Where are they?” he asked.

“First is the rug in the living room, Second is the door....third is the kitchen and home plate your room.”

“Okay Lee, pitch to me.” she smiled and he walked over to his room, she made a fake wind up and then a pitch and sam mocked hit the ball.

“Run sam...run.” I said as he made for the rug Lee behind him making sure he wouldn’t fall...

“Did I hit a home run?” He yelled as he tapped the front door.

‘It’s outta the park!” Lee called as he hit home plate and we all cheered, and Sam yawned. She picked him up and looked at us and mouthed. It worked. “Hey Sammy Sosa you wanna lay down?” he rubbed his eyes and nodded.

“Lee...” I said standing up. “I’ll...” she shook her head.

‘I can.” she said walking into his room. His head on her shoulder.

‘Dude...she’s like a great mom.” Dane said as we heared the channels flip in his room.

‘NO T.V!” I called.

‘It’s on sleep timer.” she called back.

“Fine.” I said taking a sip of coffee. I stood up and walked toward his room and saw her pulling his covers up and tucking him in and brushing his hair out of his face. She sat down next to him and he and her were talking and she laughed stood up kissed his forehead. Then I heard.

“I love you Lee.” she kissed his forehead agian whispered.

“I love you Sam.” he hugged her and my mom’s necklace fell out of her shirt. She hugged him then he layed down and closed his eyes. She walked toward the door a smile on her face. “Light on or off?” she asked.

“Off.” he said and she flicked it off.

“Door open or closed?” she asked and the guys laughed.
“Not all the way closed.” she pulled it closed a little bit so three inches was left.

“You’re a natural.” my dad said as she sat down.

“Eh.” she said with a smile. “He’s just a great kid.” she said sitting yoga style next to me.

“Well lets move to the living room.” I said and she grabbed her mug and followed me her hand in mine as we walked into the living room. My Dad took the Yankee blue arm chiar I’ve had since college. Lee sat next to me...my arm around her on the couch and Dane sat feet up on the love seat. We sat there toatly un aware as to what to do.

“Anybody up for a movie?” Lee asked as she got up and walked over to my shelf.

“Let’s see your taste Lee my dear.” My dad said as I got up, Lee laughed.

“I’d have you watching the natural...” she said with a smile getting a laugh from the room. I grabbed my dad’s favorite movie and handed it to her. She smiled and kissed me and handed it back to me and I rolled my eyes and walked over to the brand new t.v, and put the movie in. Dane flicked the lights down and I sat with Lee like we had during the Godfather, and that got a smile from my Dad as I kissed the back of her hair and winked at him and Dane was engulfed in the movie, and I prayed she wouldn’t fall asleep. And trhough the whole movie she stayed awake...she made conversation and when the clock hit eleven, and the movie ended Dane and Dad decided to leave. They said goodbye to Lee in the apartment and she hugged them and handed me my keys and I laughed and kissed her. When I was about to say goodbye to my dad he pulled me aside and looked at me.

“She’s wearing your mother’s necklace.” he said with a smile.

“Mom told me to give it to sombody I knew I would spend my life with....I know Lee is that person.” He hugged me and rubbed the back of my neck.

“Thank God.” he said and I laughed. “I love you kit.” he said as Dane turned the car on.

“I love you Dad.” I said as I closed his door, Dane rolled down the window.

‘No love for the big brother?”

“You know I love you but the whole brother code...” he laughed and waved goodbye and I looked up at my window and saw her standing out on my fire escape. “You pulling a juliet?” I asked from the street.

“You gonna be my romeo?” she asked as she moved down a level.

“Maybe...” I said climbing the ladder and coming closer.

“That’s not much of an insentive.” she said looking down three levels at me.
“Really?” I said climbing up a few more steps.

“Yeah I mean the least you could do is roll off a few lines of the balcony scene.” she said with a laugh.

“Through yonder window breaks...er...for thy is the west and juliet is the sun?” I said and she laughed.
“You didn’t pay attention in Lit class did you?” she asked with a smile.

‘Oh you could do better?” I asked and she nodded.

“My sweet romeo... thou kiss is my sin so give me my sweet sin agian.” she said sounding like she knew what she was saying.

“Is that all you know?” I asked with a smile as I got closer.

“Not of shakspere but of romeo and juiliet, um yeah.” I laughed and she smiled.

“What else do you know?”

“To be or not to be that is the question...wither tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of death or suffer the impenitrating waves of life...wither tis nobler to give into suddle temtations or withstand agianst mortal perril.”

“You made that up....” she smiled.

“Maybe.” she said as I got closer and she was standing there above me...bare foot and a huge grin on her face.

“Go on...finish it.” she looked up and smiled.

“Do I dare suffer or do I releve my self of this pain...do I end the perril of a lonley crooked life or do I expose the wicked and redeme my sinfull soul...and take upon my life the quest which thee my father left me...for thou wast un lawfully destryoed and descraced by my mothers own lust and my uncles own hand...and I’m makeing this shit sound like shit.” she said as I watched her walk up to my window.

“I have to say I’m impressed...I really am...you have a creative mind...you do.” she laughed.

“I’m a good bullshitter is that what your saying?” she asked as I layed myslef on the stiars and looked up her body.

“I never said that...” she laughed and layed down on her stomach on the fire escape and looked at me.
“But you implied it.” she said with a smile, I laughed and pulled my self like a dying man closer to her.

‘Did I?” she nodded. “Well I didn’t mean to.” I said as I hit my level and she pushed her self on to her knees and within seconds I was making out with her, she was on her back and I was laying on top of her.

“You have a good way of apologizing.” she said as I kissed her neck.

“Do I?” I asked as she and I stood up.

“Yeah...you do...” she kissed me. “I love you kit.” she sad with smile,

“I love you Lee...I always will...” a tear fell down her cheek as she rubbed my mom’s cross. “My dad was glad you were wearing that...he really likes you...” she smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“He thinks were soul mates.” she said with a smile.

“You heard that?” I asked looking at her.

“All of it...Kit...all of it.” I kissed her deepley and held her close.

“I meant it all Lee.” she nodded and held me tighter.

“I know....I know.” she said and she pulled back. “You know what we need?” she let go and walked into the apartment. “Stay.” she said as she went in, I rolled my eyes, and with in seconds young at heart began to play.

“Lee!” I said sticking my head in the window, she wasn’t in my line of view.

“Get back out there.” she said coming out wearing, nothing but my black t-shirt, it looked like one of those dresses you see clubbers wearing she slid out the window and I smiled at her and pulled her into my arms.

“Nice touch.” I said with a smile.

“Yep you do have a nice touch.” she said and I laughed. “I know corny.” she said kissing me and I held her close.

“I’m so glad I met you Lee...I needed to meet you.” she smiled.

“I agree compleatly.” she said rubbing the back of my neck, she looked at me with this look.
“Lee?” I asked.
“Do you think if we’re quiet he won’t wake up?” She asked looking at the ground then me. “I know we had a thing on Friday but Kit...” she said and I kissed her.

“I know.” she smiled at me.

“Maybe if we keep the music on...and I promise I’ll do my best to keep it to a minium...cause I would never want to I don’t know make him feel like he’s back with his mom....but Kit...your driving me insane.” I grabbed her and held her close.

“I think if we go slow...and try hard not to he won’t wake up...but I don’t know if I have a condom.” she laughed.

“I’m on the pill Kit.” she said with a laugh.

“I’d still feel safer...” I said and she nodded.

“There are three in my bag...it was a joke from my brothers...just never got around to taking them out.” I kissed her,

‘You really want to?” She nodded fervently.

“I’m gonna go check on Sam...you go in my room and...”

“I’ll get ready.” she said with a smile.

“See you in five.” I said as we walked into the apartment, she grabbed three candles off the kitchen table and five off the top of the fridge and walked into my room.I heard a different Frank song begin to play in my room and I knew she had put the love ballad CD in and turned off the other cd. I walked into Sam’s room...he was out cold and his TV clicked off and I laughed and turned it back on.... “you can have it tonight.” I said with a laugh, he didn’t move...I brushed the hair out his face and looked at him. “Sam I have to tell you this...okay...I know you can’t hear me...but no matter what your mom ever said to you...you were no mistake ok...you were an unexpected blessing...Sam you made me a man...I love you with all my heart...and I’ll never let anything happen to you...Lee and I are always gonna be here for you....just know that without you I would have never met Lee...and you know what Sam I think I’m gonna marry her...but right now...you just need to keep on sleeping keep on dreaming...and I’ll see you in the morning...I think Lee might make breakfast...but keep sleeping...please keep sleeping...but know I love you sam, and Lee loves you and your never alone...and your never a mistake not in my eyes...or Lee’s or Grandpa’s or uncle Dane and I’m sure not in Lee’s family’s eyes...I love you...sweet dreams...night Samson.” I said standing up and walking toward the door. I closed it and looked at my dark apartment..

That feeling of the fire inside took over slowly. I walked across the apartment pulling my coat off and setting it on the rack flicking off every light save Sam’s night light and his T.V., I looked at my bedroom door this faint candle light glow was coming from it. I pulled off my shirt and undid my belt setting them on the dryer, I pulled off my jeans and shoes off and walked into my room, she had changed it...the candles were positioned perfectly and the music had changed to soft wordless music...I recognized it as some kind of soundtrack...and then I saw her...she was sitting on the bed her back to me...nothing on her body...her hair fell down to a point below her shoulders. I walked slowly over to her, while pulling off my boxers and knelt in front of her.

“Hi.” she said in this whisper, I smiled and looked in her eyes.

“Hi.” I whispered and she held up the condom. I took it and as rapidly as I could put it on...while making sure it was on properly. I looked up at her and she smiled. “Okay.” I said as I looked into her eyes rubbed her thighs and she leaned down to me and I kissed her. Her lips were like fire and I was drawn into her like a moth to a flame.... she pulled me up by my arms and I scooped her up and laid her down pinning her beneath me. I kissed her hungriliy meeting her passion and her hands traveled me...as I waited as long as I could before entering her until she grabbed my neck and pulled her head into my ear.

“If you don’t fucking stop teasing me...so help me.” I laughed...

“You’ll do what?” I asked and she laughed.

“I don’t know...but come on.” She whined and then she gasped as I entered her. “Thank you.” She said in this voice and it was then that I began to make love to her...sweet pasionite love...four times...we made love for times that night...until we both fell weakly onto the sheets. We were both breathing ragged and heavy...I looked over at her...she was looking up at the cealing and her breasts were rising and falling rapidly as the clock hit three...we had made love from eleven thirty to three in the morning...I’m sorry but that’s like a record.

“Lee...” I asked out of breath, she looked over at me.

“Yeah?” she asked rolling on to her side.

“You alright?” She laughed and propped her self up on her hands and kissed me.

“I’m fucking amazing...as are you.” she said as I ran my hand’s through her hair... she laid back down and put her head on my shoulder...her hair was damp and her body warm....my arm snaked under and around her. “Cliaming what’s yours?” she asked with a laugh as her breathing began to regulate.

“Oh you better beliave it.” I said kissing her temple.

“I’ll always be yours kit...always.” she said rolling on her side and wrapping her arm over me.

“Good.” I said wrapping her in my arms.

“You better set the alarm that way we wake up before Sam.” she said with a laugh.

“Why?” I asked looking at her.

“Cause were kinda not dressed.” she said with a smile.

“Oh yeah that.” I said with a smile and turned on my alarm. “Enjoy your three hours of sleep.” she laughed and kissed my chest.

“I love you.” she whispered I rubbed her back and up and down her spine.

“I love you...I do Lee.” she pulled my head with her hand and I looked into her eyes.

“I will love you until my last breath...I know that...your dad was right Kit...he was...we match...”

“I share that...that feeling...I really do Lee you have no idea how much I do.”

“After the past few hours I think I have a ballpark idea.” she said pulling herself up to my eye leval. I laughed and kissed her.

“Do you now?” I asked with a smile.

“Kit you don’t make love like that unless you’ve made love with your soul mate....you don’t feel like that during that with out making love to sombody your gonna make love to for the rest of your life.” she said and I smiled...see what I mean little bursts of threroy and wisdom...maybe she was a greek in a past life?

“Jesus Lee.” I said kissing her.

“But don’t worry...I still need to make it through my first season...” she said laughing.

“What would I worry about...I have a few things to do...but I know I will marry you....I know after three or four days...that much...my mom used to tell us you’ll know when your with the right person...you’ll know when your with thw one you will love forever...cause you’ll see the world and the life you want in her eyes...and lee when I look in your eyes I see the life I want I see the life I want for me and my son...Lee...move in...”

“What?”

‘Move in...bring tigger and we’ll combine all our stuff but you have to move in....I can’t wake up and you not be there...” she kissed me a smile on her face.

“Yeah kit...yeah...yes...I’ll move in with you.” she smiled as I wrapped her in my arms and pinned her agian. “But I’m too tired.” she said with a smile and I kissed her deeply and wholely...

“Wiat till we tell sam.” She laughed at my excitment, and I smiled.
“Wait...” she said with that grin.

‘What?” I asked.

“I think...I think I’m not tired anymore.” I laughed and fell on my side.

“I have my limits Lee.” she laughed and kissed me.

“Goodnight...”

“Lee...”

“Yeah?”

“Stupid qeustion...what is Jones...like ethnicity?” she laughed.

“I’m scottish, welsh, french, irish and a little bit dutch.” she said with a smile

“No any languges?” she leaned into my ear and whispered somthing in this irish accent which was I must say pretty good. “Okay what was that?” I asked with this stupid grin.

“Galiec.” she said with a laugh.

“And what did you say.”

“For thoust is my only love and forever will thy be...”

“Wiat.”

“Romeo.” she said laughing and wrapping her arm over me agian.

“Juliet.” she laughed.

“Yep that’s me.” she said in this sarcasitic tone.

“Okay then who are you.”

“I’m Leda.” she said and I laughed.

“And I’m...”

‘I’m not really sure...” she said and I grabbed her and held her with this playfull mannor. “Fine...your kit...my amazing...wonderful... brilliant...handsome...boyfriend.”

“Correction...” I said holding up a finger.

“Yes?” she asked

“Soul mate...I’m your soul mate...” she laughed.

“Is that how I intoduce you to my dad..Hi Dad this is kit my soulmate.” I laughed.

“On ocasions like that I am the boyfriend...but when we’re like this...you’re my soul mate...and I’m....”

‘You’re my soul mate.” she said as I looked at her.

“Sleep my sweet maidien...for tommorow...”

“Tommorow...I say I’m moving out.” she said with a laugh.

“You don’t have a lease?”

“No it’s temp housing...see it’s on a month to month thing...I was just planing on draging it out.” she said with a smile.

“Well that’s perfect.” I said kissing her.

“Odd how everything seems to be perfect with us?” she asked and I shook my head.

“Nope...not at all.” then my cell rang... “WHAT THE?” I asked looking at it,

“put your pants on and answer it.” She said as I got up and she puched my but with her foot.

“Hey...” I said grabbing my phone.

“What?” she asked looking at me like what’s wrong with you? I laughed and looked at the screen.

“SEAN!” I said into it.

“Your strangely awake...” I smiled and laughed, leanving the room walking out onto the fire escape. I shut the window.

“Because I just got done haveing the most amazing sex of my life.” I said looking out at the city.

“Really...lucky you...I’ve been fighting off calling...but I figred if she was there you’d ignore me...but I’m actually calling to see how that artcles coming?” I smiled and looked at the city.

“Do you wanna write it?” I asked.

“Why?” he said with a yawn

“Cause she’s moving in...and I need to foucous on that.” He laughed at me.

‘Three days and she’s moving in?”

“Sean if I tell you somthing will you promise not to repeat it?” he chuckled.

“I swear...now do you want me to come over there and briad your hair while you tell me?”
“Sean..”

“Sorry...go ahead.”

“I bought a ring.” the phone hit the floor. “Sean?!” I asked and he picked it up

“You bought a fucking engagment ring?”

“Today...I took her around town and we split up she took sam to the disney store and I went to Tiffany’s I didn’t plan on buying it...I saw it and...I just knew...Sean she’s my soulmate...she and I fit...she and Sam fit...she loves sam...She loves me...”

“Has she told you that?”

“Yeah and I’ve told her.” his wife grabbed the phone.

“Kit...”

‘Hi Josie...”

“Hi honey are you thinking right?”

“For the first time in a long time yeah...” I said looking over to my window seeing the little candle lights go out one by one,

“Then Sean’s gonna take that article and your gonna go in there and be with her...and I want to meet her.” I laughed.

“Fine Kit will hang up...tell sean I’ll send him the stuff in the morning.” I said yawning.

“Good night Kit...”Sean said with his wife then silence. I hung up and walked into my room and looked at Lee...she was sitting with her knees up and her arms were wrapped around her knees and she was drapped in my sheet...her bare back and body enticing me as she sat up her eyes closed.

“Hey...you okay?” I asked and she nodded and smiled.

“Just thinking.” she said looking at me.

“About?” I asked sliding up behind her and rubbing her back, which I could literaly feel her melt into me.
“What’s life gonna be like here...how I got here...Sam...life...you...just thinking.” I pulled her back into me.

“What’d you get when you thought about life here...with me...and Sam.” she shifted and got comfortable.

“I thought about getting to wake up next to you every morning..how I get to see Sam every day I get to take him to school with you...I get to I don’t know be a part of a family....and tigger being here...”

‘Oh the cat...” I said rubbing her abs.

“Hey he’s my cat., and Sam loves him.”

“ I wasn’t saying he wasn’t welcome it’s just I’ve never had a cat...”

“You know what we should do...” she said with a smile.

“What?”

“We should get a puppy.”

“What?” I asked pulling her head back.

“Tigger loves dogs...and I think we should get a puppy...” I laughed.

“You can’t have a dog in New York.”

“Ton’s of people have dogs in New York.” she said with a smile.

“You wanna get a puppy...your gonna subject your poor cat to living with a puppy, and Sam?” She nodded and rubbed my legs.

“Let’s get a puppy.” I laughed and she laughed and grabbed my shirt off the bed and pulled it on.

“Fine we’ll get a puppy.”
“We’re getting a puppy?” Sam asked coming in.

“What are you doing up?” Lee asked hitting the bed as if telling him to come sit.
“I just woke up.” she laughed and he looked up at us as Lee pushed the condom under a pilliow and pulled her undearwear on very descretly. “Put we are getting a puppy?” I nodded.

“Sam I have a question for you...” I said tightening my grip on Lee.

“Yeah?” he asked rubbing his eyes.

“What would you say if Lee was gonna move in...live with us?” he looked at both of us like are you kidding...are you serious...

“Really? Your moving in...you and tigger?” she nodded and I smiled and nodded. “YEAH! YEAH!” He said jumping up and down and wrapping his arms around her. “Your gonna make breakfast every morning?” he asked and she smiled.

“As often as I can.” she said with a laugh.

“YEAH!” He yelled agian then I yawned.

“And we’re going to get a puppy in about four hours.” she said and I shot to attention.

“Wait you mean we’re getting a puppy today?” I asked and she nodded.

“The sooner him and Tigs are introduced the better.” she said and Sam jumped up and down.

“Oh what did I sign up for.” I asked laying back down.

“Don’t worry...we’ll all chip in and take care of him...right?” she said and Sam nodded. “And we’ll keep him and tigger safe..and tigger loves dogs...” she said and Sam smiled then yawned.

“See he’s tired too..now let’s go to sleep and we’ll talk about getting a puppy over breakfast...Lee when are you thinking about moving in?” I asked and she looked back at me.

“Saturday...” she said and I laughed.

“Sounds great.” I said kissing the back of her neck.

“I’m gonna get all my stuff ready to move...I have a storage unit...so I’ll just some crap in there...and we’ll move in.”

“We’ll help...we’ll get the puppy then hang out at your house...” she smiled as we all layed down agian and Sam Lee and I began our world as a family...well a makeshift family. That night I did dream...and I’m almost embarssed to tell you what I dreamed....it was the farm agian...but it was our farm...Lee Sam, Tigger, the puppy and my farm...I knew it was when Lee and I were sitting on the porch watching Sam run around agian...but this time it wasn’t the six year old alarm clock jumping on my bed it was my six year old running around Lee chasing him.

“You two can’t let me sleep....can you?” they stopped and shook thier heads then Lee sent sam to his room, just to get dressed, she plopped down on the bed and crawled up to me. “What are you doing?” she smiled and kissed me.

“Can I borrow your computer...just for like twenty minutes.” I laughed and kissed her.

‘If your gonna live here you don’t have to ask...” she smiled and kissed me.

“I’m a girl of manners...I have to ask....plus you have a password.” she said with a smile I laughed as I streached.

“So you already opened it...but I have a password, so you can’t get in with out my permission...okay fine...did you make breakfast?” she laughed and rolled on her side.

“I made bacon and eggs and toast.” I smiled and kissed her.

“My password is Samson.” she smiled and I ran a hand inside the shirt, and she smiled and pulled the coversup over our heads. “But that won’t matter cause your not going anywhere.” I said wrapping my arms around her.

“Really I’m not?” she asked with a smile.

“No...” I said with a shake of my head.

“Well then my poor cat will die.” I laughed and pinned her the sheets casting a faint blue light over her face.

“No I’ll send Sam over when he’s sixteen.” She laughed and I kissed her.

“Kit...” she said as I pulled back.

“Yeah honey?” I asked and she smiled

“I’ve never had a guy call me honey before...but last night...you said you had some things to do before we you know...what sorta things?” I laughed and kissed her, pushing her hair out of her face.

“Well I gotta meet and ask your father...” that got a smile and a laugh. “And I have to meet your brothers...check on it with Sam and Sol...tell my dad, and brother...and then I ask you...and you spend as much time as you can planning it...and then after the yankee’s win the series cause they have the best arm in the league...we do it.” she smiled and kissed me.

“I love how your trying not to jinx it...by saying it.” I laughed and kissed her. “But I’m gonna get a huge fine if I don’t make that statement...”

“They fine you?” she laughed.

“They suck the media coverage out of your check.” she said with a laugh.

“Fine you may go write...hey did you sleep with your contacts in?” she shook her head. “Good I don’t want anything to happen to your beautiful eyes.” she kissed me and I let her up smelling the bacon. She rolled out from under me and grabbed her jeans and pulled them on grabbed my laptop entered my password and smiled at me. “What?” I asked as I sat down next to her my plate in hand a coffee mug the other.

“Nice background.” she said as a picture of Sam in an oversized yankee helmet was visable.

‘I thought so.” she laughed and leaned her head back and kissed me. I noticed she grabbed her glasses off the coffee table and pulled them on her face. Sam came running out of his room as Lee began to write.

“Hey!” I said excitedly as he turned on the T.V. and then the Xbox.

“Dad...guess what Lee bought with out us even seeing?” she laughed as I looked over and saw her fingers flying away already filling up half the page.

“What?” I asked shoving a hunk of eggs in my mouth.

“This.” a superman game came flying onto the screen.

“Nice touch lee.” she shrugged her shoulders and nodded her head. I finished breakfast and reached across her shoulder and grabbed my computer.

“Hey!” she said looking back at me.

“Two seconds.” I minamized the document and sent Sean my draft and all my info on Lee...none of the personal just the professional. Then handed it back to her and she opened her document and typed for like five more minutes then sent her document and I smiled and grabbed my card reader, and my camera and walked into my room while she and Sam played the game. First thing I did change my background to the picture from Planet Hollywood then I uploaded all my pictures and then put them on a disc and then into my pictures. I pulled the reader out and stashed it in the drawer. Tossed the condom from below the pilliow in the garbage and turned on the shower...I walked into my bedroom and when I got into the shower...a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. “You’re supposed to be watching my son.” I said with a smile.

‘Is that all I’m good for.” Lee asked and I turned around and kissed her.

‘No...your good for so much more...” She smiled and ran her hands through my hair and then after about twenty minutes of making out she washed my hair and then she washed her own while I kissed her back and neck arms and hands....when we were both clean she didn’t turn off the water...she pressed her self agianst me and kissed me deeply. “Lee...” she smiled and kissed me one more time then she flicked off the water and grabbed my only towel (only one on the rack.) “Lee.” I said standing in the shower looking out at her.

‘Yeah?” she asked as she pulled on her jeans and bra.

“I need a towel.” she chucked one at me and I stepped out and wrapped it around my waist.

“Sam’s gonna need a bath tonight.” she said as she ran her hands through her hair.

“Why?”

“Cause he’s a little boy who hasn’t had a bath in three days.”

“He’s had a bath...he takes them by his self...”

“He’s six...that’s like putting him in a wadding pool..he didn’t wash his hair.” she said as I pulled on a pair of underwear and my jeans, wrapping my arms around her.

“Your acting like a mom, and it’s a huge turn on...” I said kissing her neck. She laughed and turned around.

“We have to get a puppy.” she said pulling on the planet hollywood shirt and walking out of the bathroom. I rolled my eyes and pulled on a button up shirt and followed her into the front where she and sam were both getting ready to leave and she tossed my coat at me and I checked the pocketts sliding my camera back in...feeling the velvet box and my glasses.

“Where do you suppose we go to get this puppy?” I asked looking at her.

“The humane socoitey...” she said with a smile.

“They have dogs....”

“Then do you want to go to a pet store?” I nodded. “Do you know where one is?” I nodded. “Then Lead the way.” Sam jumped up and down as we left the apartment...we got into my car which is a Jetta...I know a dad car...but I am a dad. Sam was so excited on the way to the pet store I couldn’t help but smile, Lee looked pretty proud of her self as we drove past the televison screens and her statement was up on the screen outside ABC. I pulled off in front of the pet store I knew to be cute and kid like...because I had gone in there about a year ago when I missed sam too much and thought a dog might help. Leda got out of the car and Sam grabbed her hand and pulled her inside...we were all alone save the store keeper and the far wall was filled with puppies in cages acsesed from the back. We looked around for about ten minutes until Sam stopped and gabbed my jeans.

“Daddy.” He said in this cute voice I smiled and looked over at Lee, she was scanning...then it hit me he hadn’t called me Daddy in a long time.

“Yeah?” I asked bending down. I saw what he was looking at a small little puppy no more than a month old...a cute little dalmation...he was short and started to lick the glass when he saw sam. “Lee...I think Sam found him.” she bent down and laughed.

“Yes he’s perfect.” she said with a smile. “Excuse me...” she said standing up...the shop keeper came hurrying over and she pionted to the dalmation.

“Ah he’s just got in...he’s lucky.” the old italian man said as he walked into the back and three seconds later came out with the puppy. He handed him to Sam who sat down and the puppy jumped up and started licking his face.

“How old?” Lee asked.

“Two months.” I smiled as my son began to play with the new member of our family.

“We’ll take him.” she said.

“Lee...” I said turning around.

“Stay with him Daddy.” she said kissing my cheek. She knew I was enjoying this.

“Look...” Sam said holding him up...the big brown Dog eyes looked at me and I took him in my hands and he started licking my face.

“He needs a name.” I said looking down at him.

“Ask Lee.” Sam said as she signed some paper and turned around holding a blue collar.

“Ask me what?” she asked looking at me.

“He needs a name.” she laughed and looked at the puppy. “And spot isn’t an option.” I said with a smile. She lifted the puppy out of my hands and he started to lick her face and yip.

“I don’t know...” she said with a smile

“Come on Lee.” I said as she placed the collar on the puppy, she smilled and looked up at me

“Gipper.” she said with a laugh.
“The gipper.” I said rubbing his ears. He barked and Sam laughed.

“I like it.” Sam said with a smile and she handed him down to the open arms of my son.

“Sam Lee’s gonna hold gipper in the car that way he’s safe till we get him a crate...okay?” Sam nodded and lee handed me a book. Raising a dog in the city. I laughed and tucked it under my arm. Sam held his new pet close as we bought a leash and were handed a newspaper. Lee smiled and thanked the guy as we left, she helped sam into the car then lifted gipper out of his arms and wrapped him her arms and walked around and sat down in the front seat. “Hey Gip.” I said petting his head, he yipped at me and licked my hand.

“Dad where are we going?” Sam asked putting his head between the seats and Lee moved Gipper so Sam could pet him.

“Pet smart.” I said as we left the city and headed for New Jersey. When Lee’s cell went off.

“Hello?” she asked and gipped started yipping.

“Lee is there a dog in your car?” Lee’s dad asked.

“No dad there’s a dog in Kit’s car...we just got him...Gipper.” Leda’s dad laughed.

“Nice name kiddo.” she laughed.

“Hey dad I have other news.” He laughed...

‘I know your dating him...” she smiled.

“Dad I’m moving in with him and Sam.” I heard him take a deep breath and she flipped it off speaker phone. “Dad...are you sure...really...Dad...” she looked over at me and I smiled...she mouthed, get ready... “Yeah sure...here...” she handed me the phone and I pushed back agianst the door.

“Are you insane...” I mouthed and she smiled.

“Take the phone.” I smiled and grabbed it.

“Hello?” I asked into it I heard a deep intake of breath and then.

“Kit is that right?” Liam asked.

“Yeah I’m Kit.” I said looking over at her like your dead.

“Can Lee hear me?” I looked at her and she was moving to the back seat with great form and set gipper down between her and sam sitting next to each other gipper in the middle.
“Nope she’s in the back with Sam and Gipper.”

“Okay...Kit...Lee’s my only little girl....and this is all a lot to deal with...I just need to know that you’ll take care of her...and you really care about her...” I leaned forward and smiled.

“Sir...I love your daughter though I know that might be a bit fast for you to beliave but I do...I’m not in this relationship because she is well wealthy....but I really do love her...and she’s said she’s in love with me...she loves my son and I don’t get into relationships unless I can trust the person with my son...so sufice to say I haven’t had many relationships...it is my full intent to take care of Lee.” He sighed and chuckled

“That’s all I need Kit...to have you over explian stuff, so I know your nervous and just to know that you’ll take care of her ...makes me feel okay with her moving in with you and your son her cat and gipper...” I laughed and sat back. “You mind putting her back on...”

“No no problem...here she is.” I said handing it back to her.

‘Hello?” she said and then a few yeah’s a couple of tears and an I love you bye...and lee was offically moving in. She and sam were playing with a very excited puppy.

“Lee your dad seems to like me.” she laughed and picked Gipper up and set him in Sam’s lap.

“He likes everybody...” she said and I looked at her

‘You coulda told me that!” I said with mock anger.

“It was fun to see you squirm.” she said kissing my cheek.

“Glad you think so honey.” She smiled and looked at me in the rearview.

“It’s cute sweetheart.” she said with a smile.

“Ah look Pet Smart.” I said as we pulled in.

‘And gipper didn’t pee once.” Lee said as we stopped, she put the leash on the dog and set him down on the pavement, the little dalmation kept up by running then Lee scooped him up as we entered.

“Okay so we need to geta all the puppy basics.” I said grabbing a cart I picked sam up and set him in the cart, Lee walked with gip in her arms and we walked up and down isles and isles of stuff...sam sitting in a sea of puppy toys while we got a few things for tigger and then I payed while Lee and Sam played with gipper. We got to lee’s house at two pm...we woke up at eight. When we walked in the door Tigger was sitting on the couch and Lee put gipper down and he started running around Tigger chasing him...

“They’re already playing.” Lee said as she dialed her land lord, I played with Sam and gipper for about a half hour then Lee’s landlord dropped off her last bill and Lee pulled a bunch of boxes out of a closet. I helped her pack up all day, it was actually fun...we turned on music and tigger and gipper were dancing around our heals all day...I loved seeing sam all happy and gipper seemed to add to the happy. When the day ended we sat in a boxed up apartment Tigger and Gipper asleep on our laps... Sam asleep his head laying agianst Lee’s leg. Her head resting on my shoulder Gipper laying on her chest.tigger currled up in my lap purring softly. “He likes you.” she said looking up at me.

“Gipper loves you and Sam,” the little dalmation whippered and opened his eyes.

“He’s so precious.” she said petting his head. “Look at Sam.” she said brushing the hair out of Sam’s face and looking like a real mom.

“Look at you...” I said and she looked over at me and smiled.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” she asked leaning close.

“You’ve become a mom.” I said kissing her.

“I’m gonna let you in on a little secret.” she said planting a soft kiss on my lips.

“Yeah?” I asked as I brushed a bit of hair of her neck.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom.” I smiled and kissed her, feeling a tear fall out my eye and then her hand wipped my cheek. “Don’t cry kit...this is to good for either of us to cry.” she said placing her forehead agianst mine.

“Who said I was sad?” I said kissing her as the radio shifted into a soft love song.

“Nobody...but still I’m the one who gets to cry.” She said as I kissed her and she tilted her head so I could kiss her better.

“I could get used to this.” I said and she smiled.

“Good.” she said kissing me “Cause I’m already used to it.” I laughed and I rubbed her cheek with my thumb. Sam stirred and she pulled away and looked down at him, all he did was curl up. Lee handed me Gipper and pulled Sam up and she laid down, sam in her arms her head on my leg while I held my pets...tigger licked the top of Gipper’s head and the puppy yipped.

“That was too cute.” I said and she looked up at me, then laughed. “What?” I asked and she smiled.

“Kit your being a newspaper.” she said pionting to the growing stian on my pants and it was from my darling puppy Gipper.
“Oh fuck.” I said getting up and Tigger meowing and jumping down. Gipper just kept on peeing. “Come on Gip give it a rest?” I asked and he gave me two more squirts and I smiled at him and he yipped. “Proud of yourself?” he yipped agian and Lee stood up Sam in her arms.

“I have a pair of Kale’s work out shorts...grabbed them by accendent...here.” She said handing me Sam and taking the peeing puppy. I sat down and Sam put his head on my shoulder and then Lee came back with a pair of green shorts.

“Thank you.” I said as I put Sam on the couch and she sat down Gip in her hands, Sam’s head back on her thigh. I pulled off my jean and slid on the green work out shorts. I wrapped her in my arms and Tigger jumped up behind us and meowed.

“Hey Tigs.” Lee said and she scratched the cat’s ears.

“Hey buddy.” I said petting his head. “You gonna like it at my place?” the cat licked my hand. And Gipper wagged his tail.

“Aw Gip...” Lee said scratching his ears. “Your gonna like it with us.”

“Until he gets huge.” I said and she laughed. “But for now I need to figure out what we’re gonna do seeing as we’ve already made love...”

“We can go to central park...take one of those carriges...play it cheep.” she said with a smile.

“I think that may be a good idea.” I said with a smile as she leaned into me and I kissed her neck.

“You know what else is a good idea?” she asked with a smile.

“What honey?” I said with a chuckle.

“Our little family here going to sleep.” she said as she looked back at me.

“That is a good idea.” I said as I looked around at the bare bones apartment and thought about her moving in. “Did you call U-Hall?” she nodded, “okay now I can sleep.” she rubbed Gips’s head and then bent over and kissed Sam’s head, then leaned back into me and we fell asleep. I did dream that night and I have to say it was the best farm dream yet...because Sam was running around with Gip and tigger while Lee, our newborn and I sat on the porch...yeah I did say newborn...I was sitting on the porch swing and I looked over and she was just standing there holding him...he was perfect, looked like sam did when he was a baby...al wrapped up and snuggled agianst Lee as I rubbed his head and kissed her... and then the six year old alarm clock woke me up. “SAM!” I said falling off the couch hearing a laugh from behind the couch. “Ugh.” I said rolling over getting a puppy in my face licking and yipping. “Gipper.” I said and he barked I got on my knees and hit the floor. The puppy barked and started to play, I looked around and couldn’t find Lee. “Where’s Lee?” she came out from the bathroom a smile on her face.

“Right here.” she said as she pulled up her hair andher phone went off, she looked at it read the caller ID and ignored it.

“Dad I got to talk to Kale...and Al...and Tim...and Fread...and Catch and George...and James...and Mike...and Jack...and...” Lee laughed.

“That’s all of em Sam.” she said with a smile.

“Oh so word spreds fast in the Jones family.” I said picking up Gipper.

“Oh you better beliave it.” she said with a smile.

“Hey I get to go to Sol’s today.” Sam said as I handed him Gipper, Sam sat down and set gipper down who inturn jumped around chasing me.

“Yep you do.” Lee said handing him an egg mcmuffin.

“So you went to McDonalds.”

“Sam and I did.” she said as she tossed me a sussege mcmuffin with egg and cheese.

“Hey this is my favorite...how’d you?” She pionted to Sam, and pulled out a beagl sandwhich and set orange jucie down where the table had been and sat down. I walked over and Gipper barked at us and tigger pushed on him with his head and Lee pionted to his bowl.

“Go...” she said and Gip barked. “Go.” Tigger meowed and Gip barked “I’m trying tigs...go Gip.” I got up and moved the bowl over infront of the cat and puppy...the puppy immeadetly began to eat and tigger just looked at his food then pawed at it then ate.

“Dad...” Sam said a mouthfull of food...I looked over at him “Are we a family?” I smiled and looked over at Lee.

“Yep...we’re a big family...”

“We’re little...”Sam said and Lee laughed.

“But we’re a good one.” she said with a smile.

‘That we are.” I said holding up the coffee, in a toast. “To us...the coolest little family in New York.”

“Here here.” Lee said tapping her coffe cup with mine.

“Yeah!” Sam said holding up a small cup of orange jucie.

“So Sam...” Lee said with a smile. “What are you gonna bring to Sol’s?” she asked taking off the bagel parts and setting them next to her on a napkin and biting in to the meat and chesse.

“Um...maybe some comic books...and some of my toys...and my baseball cards...and...a set of Pjs.” Lee laughed.

“I think Sol’s gonna have a great night with you...” I said patting his head.

“He already said we’re gonna watch a bunch of movies....he has a bunch of them he said....when I told him I like movies...” Lee smiled. “What are you guys gonna do?” I smiled and looked at Lee.

‘I think we’re gonna take Gip for a W-a-l-k....” he knew what that meant and smiled. “And then we’re gonna just hang out for a while and then we’re gonna come get you and spend the night at Lee’s agian...and then tommorow...she moves in.” Lee smiled and her cell phone started buzzing on the floor.

“Jones.” she said into it after looking at the screen.

“JONSEY I’VE MISSED YOU!” Sol yelled.

“Hey Sol.” we all called.

“Hey boys...how’s life?”

‘Moving fast.” I said with a chuckle.

“I heared you two are moving in together...” Lee mouthed that she had Emailed him.

“Yep...but why you calling?” Lee asked as she gave tigger a little bit of her begal and Gipper came running over and taking bits.

“To tell you that Sammy’s welcome over anytime after four...” Lee laughed.

‘That when you turn in?” he laughed.

“Your not funny Jones you may think you are but your not.” she laughed.

‘I think we’ll drop him off at six thirty.” I said and she looked at Sam who nodded and she took a bite only to have gip walk over and take his hash brown.

“GIP!” Lee called tossing me the phone.

“The puppy Lee had to buy just at Sam’s hash brown...” I said with a laugh as Lee put the dog on the counter.

“Get outta that one hudini.” She said and I could swear Tigger was laughing at the puppy. Gipper would walk to the edge of the counter wimper and step back. “Bad puppy.” she said kissing his head.

“Oh that’s good discipline.” she scratched his ears.

“He’s to cute to yell at.” she said as tigger jumped up and rubbed under her hand. “Not to be forgotten.” she said and Sol laughed.

“ Okay Kit well you tell Jones good statement and I’ll see you guys tonight.”

“I will Sol...see ya.”

“BYE!” Sam and Lee called. Sol laughed and hung up and I stood up and told Lee I was gonna go get her car and I needed to take Sam with me. She smiled and kissed me goodbye, then she hugged Sam and I walked down the stairs and buckled Sam in and began to drive.

“Hey Sam.” I said looking at him in the rearview mirrior.


“Yeah dad?” he asked and I took a deep breath.

“Would you be alright with me asking Lee to marry me?” he smiled really big.
“You mean Lee would be my mom?” he asked and I looked back at him.

“She’d be your step mom unless you wanted her to adopt you...” He smiled even bigger.

“Dad I want Lee to be my mom...” he said with a smile.

“Really?” I asked as we pulled into my parking lot, I stopped the car next to Lee’s and he climbed up next to me.

“Yeah...she’s so cool...and she’s like my really good friend...she helped me stop crying...and she gave me mountian dew and skittles.” I laughed and reached into my pockett.

“Okay sam you can’t tell her we had this talk okay...it’s gotta be our secret.” he nodded. “You wanna see the ring I bought for her?” ne nodded and I held open the box. He held the box and looked up at me.

“Can I help?” I smiled and got a good idea about how to ask her.

“How bout we ask her when we’re in disney world....you and me ask her to marry us?” He nodded and handed me the box and when I put it away he wrapped his arms around my neck.

“I love you daddy.” he whispered and I held him tight and kissed his head.

“I love you Sam.” he pulled back.

“Is it true that mom’s not comming back.” I reached into my laptop bag in the back and grabbed on to my copy of the letter.

‘This is a letter your mom wrote...to mr. Person...my lawyer...in it says that she’s not your mom anymore....that your all mine....” he sat back, and I saw a tear fall out of his eyes. “Sam?”

“Why doesn’t mom want me?” he asked looking at me. “Why does she say I’m a mistake...and the only reason she kept me was the money?” I grabbed his face and made him look me in the eye.

“I don’t know why your mother acts the way she does...but you are not a mistake...never ever say that agian do you understand me...your not a mistake...you weren’t planned but you weren’t a mistake...Sam you’re the best thing that happened to me before Lee...without you I would have never met Lee...Sam...you’re my son...and I love you with all my heart...I have since the moment I held you for the first time....Your mom is so wrong it’s embarasing on her part...she’s wrong Sam...she’s wrong....okay...your not a mistake...don’t even dwell on that thought do you hear me...don’t even give her the time of day...she’s not worth your tears...she’s not worth mine...and she’s not worth Lee’s...we’re a family now...you me and Lee...we’re gonna be happy now Sam...there is nothing more wrong then you being called a mistake...okay.” he grabbed my neck and held me as hard as he could. “I love you.” I said holding him. “I love you.” I grabbed my laptop bag and I grabbed him and we sat in Lee’s car and I know it’s not the best thing to do but I let him sit up front with me as we drove back over to Lee’s

“Let’s ask Lee in cinderella’s castle...” Sam said excitedly... “I saw a show on t.v. all about disney world....and there’s a private room in the castle...that or we ask her underneath it....but it has to be somewhere inside the park.” I laughed.

“So you can go on a ride right after?” he laughed and nodded. “Good.” I said with a smile.

“Okay so how do we ask her.”

“Sam it’s a month away.” I laughed.

“But I want it to be perfect.” Sam whinned, and I patted his head.

“It will be...it will be.” Here I was twenty Six talking to my six year old about asking my girlfriend to marry me... it made me smile. We got to Lee’s apartment and when we walked in she was sitting with a book in her lap writing in it gipper on her thigh and tigger laying on his back, next to her...she looked at peace her glasses on and her hair hanging about her. “Leda...we’re back.” she jumped and closed what I beliaved to be her journal.

“Took you long enough.” she said leaning back, I walked over and kissed her.
“So today what we doing?” I asked looking at her. She stood up and stashed the book.

“I say we take the little stuff over...books movies clothes that sorta stuff, and tigger and gip.” I laughed and Sam was trying so hard not to tell Lee, he was looking around acting kinda suspicious. “What’s up with you?” she asked with a smile.

“Nothing.” he said unconviningly...

‘What’d you do?” she asked looking at me.

‘Nothing he and I have just been talking bout Disney world...stuff like that.” she nodded and we spent the next hour filling up her car and then we drove over to my place and unpacked slowly moving Lee in...it took three trips until all that was left was a few boxes of clothes her couch a radio, a couple of cearl boxes and some bowls. That night I took a shower and got ready in Sam’s bathroom telling Lee she could get used to our room...god that felt good it was our apartment, and our room, our bathroom and our family. Sam helped me pick out a tie from the three I had. “Okay buddy... blue...” I said putting on my shoulder, “Blue and stripped...” I said setting it next to the other “..or Grey.” I said putting it on my other shoulder. He stood on his bed and took all three and set them down then he unbuttoned the top two buttons of my shirt.

“Better.” he said sitting back down. I rolled my eyes and looked in the mirrior.

“Wiat you can’t tie your shoes but you can give me fashion advice?” he laughed and I looked at the clock, and smiled...I walked over to our room and knocked on the door. “Lee...it’s six, we’re gonna be late.” she laughed.

“Two minutes.” she said and Sam rolled his eyes.

‘Let’s time her.” I said and she laughed, and looked at my watch. “One minute and thirty.” I said and the door flew open.

“You have no paticnce.” She said coming out, wearing a black dress, a cocktail dress, with a curved neck line and small straps. She looked so amazingly beautiful...the dress was cut low enough for my mom’s cross to rest on her bare chest and the bracelet I had bought her fell down her wrist as she pulled off her earing and set them down in her messenger bag.

‘Well I needed to see you in that?” she smiled and looked at Sam who had his coat on and a back pack on.

“Do I look alright?” she asked him. He nodded with a huge smile and she kissed his cheek. “Thank you.” she said picking him up. “You gonna have fun tonight?” He nodded fervently. Lee smiled and Sam looked at me and smiled. “What happened to you two today.” she said as she set Sam down.

“Well were two guys not used to having a woman in our apartment and then you had to go and put that on.” I said taking her hand and spining her around then pulling her into me. “You look beautiful.” she smiled and kissed me.

“Thank you...you look great.” I smiled and grabbed my keys and she walked into my...sorry our room and came out holding a black coat. “We ready...you ready?” she asked looking at Sam. He nodded and we left Gipper in his new cage which was lined with newspaper and a bowl of food and a bowl of water along with his bed. While Tigger sat on the couch as if watching TV. Lee smiled at me as we got in the car and Sam started talking about what he was gonna do with Sol while I held Leda’s hand...feeling compleately at peace.

“Lee?” Sam asked and she turned in her seat.

“Yeah?” she asked looking at him, I looked back at him in the mirrior.

“I love you.” she smiled and grabbed his hand.

“I love you...so much.” he smiled and looked at me then back at her. “But somthing is going on and I’m out of the loop....hmm...I’m gonna find out you two...I am.” she said crossing her legs which drove me insane.

“No you won’t.” Sam said with a smile. “Cause Dad and I can keep a secret.” I laughed and sat forward.

“That we can Sam that we can.” I said as we turned down Sol’s block. “We gotta figure out where to hang Lou’s bat.” I said looking at Lee.

“Tomorrow Kit...Tomorrow.” She said with a smile. We pulled into an old driveway and a ranch house sat in front of us Sol standing on the porch a smile on his face. Sam threw open the door, and ran at him.

“SOL!” he called climbing the stairs, Sol lifted him up and hugged him.

“Hey Sammy...how ya been buddy?” he setting him down and looking over at me, as Lee pulled on her heal on in the car “Richards you clean up nice.” he said and I smiled and waved a hand.

“Wait till you see Lee.” I said as she opened the door and came walking up the walkway.

“Jonsey there’s a girl under there.” She laughed and looked at me. “Okay you two got time to come in and take the tour?” I smiled and Lee nodded. We walked into sol’s house and I saw a couch that had to date back to the sixtes a new tv hung above the fire place and there were tons and tons of photo albums in bookshelves.

“Sol we’re you a photographer?” Lee asked and he smiled and shook his head.

“Not by profession by passion....” She looked at him, and smiled.

“May I?” she asked as she pulled on one.

“Oh sure go right ahead...” Sol said as Sam sat down in a recliner. Lee opened the album and I walked up behind her and looked at it.

“Sol these are like amazing...” I said as Lee turned the page and pictures of Old Tiger stadium we’re visable.

“Sol is this in Detriot?” she asked and he came over.

“Back when you were probably three or four yep.” She smiled and I looked at them.

“This is where you saw your first baseball game?” I asked pionting to the pictures, I had never been to old Tiger stadium...never really seen it either I looked at Lee who was smiling looking at pictures of Michigan, she nodded answering my question. I laughed and Lee looked up at sol.


“You could publish these and make a fortune Sol...” she said sliding it back in it’s place.

“I said for passion not profession.” Lee smiled and looked over at me and I grabbed her hand. “Now you two let’s get this short tour over with so you can move on with your date. We laughed and followed sol through his home seeing a few pictures of Sol and a woman Lee and I infered was his wife and were correct when we saw a picture of them on thier wedding day.

“Sol if you don’t mind me asking...who’s this?” She asked pionting to a picture.

“That’s my late wife...Diana....” the old man grew solom for a moment and then he looked at Sam who was reading a comic book and laughing. “He’s a good kid...lucky...” I looked at sol.

“Sol I shouldn’t have asked.” Lee said trying to mend the cut she’d ripped open.

“Jones...you say your sorry and I knock you one...she’d do the same.” Lee laughed and Sol smiled at her. He continued looking back at us a few times and then we made our way back to the door. Sam stood up and walked over to us,

“I’ll be good I promise.” He said kissing me and hugging my neck.

“I know you will.” I said as I let go and Lee bent down and hugged him.

“Ask Sol about disney.” she whispered and kissed his cheek.
‘Love you dad...Love you Lee.” we smiled and looked at Sol then down at Sam.

“Love you sam.” we said together as we left and Lee stopped on the step.
“Lee you okay?” I asked as she looked back at the door.

“Can we stay?” she asked looking at me.

“Lee?” I asked grabbing her arms and rubbing them.

“I just don’t wanna leave Sam...not that Sol wont take care of him he will...I don’t know I just feel like...”

‘It’s strange how quick it hits isn’t it.” I said looking at her, she looked at me.

“What?” I grabbed her hand.

“Worrying.” she smiled and laced her fingers in mine and we walked to the car.

“So it’s never gonna go away...am I gonna feel like this when we drop him off at school?” I nodded “And when I go away...like to training?” I nodded. “And when he’s out playing?” I nodded. “God.” she said looking out the window.

“What? You’re not bailing on me are you?” I asked actually afriad. She laughed.

“Hell no.” she said grabbing my hand. “I’m just still getting used to it.” I kissed her hand and we drove into the city.

“Good.” I said as I stopped the car and parked it in a lot taking a ticket, and walking up to lee who was putting her cell phone and ID in her coat pocket. She shut the door tucking her purse under the chair and I grabbed her hand and we walked through Times square talking about everything there was to talk about. I found out that she’s a republican like me...and voted for Guliani in the 08 election...her brothers never let her forget a mistake and then I asked her to tell me about her old boyfriends. She sighed and looked over at me.

“You want to bring them into this?” she asked with a smile.

“We don’t have to...I just...” she smiled and laughed.

“First one...Greg...he liked me I liked him...his dad knew my dad...his mom used to teach me piano and he’d come along with her and sit and listen to me play...he was a good guy...and we shared a lot together...but it was a high school freshman relationship...and things got in the way...he started I don’t know changing...and then it was over...” I stopped her.

“You play piano?” she rolled her eyes.

“Played.” she said moving on... “My dad’s the girshwin of the family...he used to play at night when he thought we were all asleep...I took lessons until I was sixteen...I started at ten...I think a piano would still be familiar to me...but not as it once was...okay moving on number two...senior year...Daniel...he was tall black haired and had a voice that drove me insane...he was amazing a lot like you...he’d hold my hand kiss me and just hold on...little did I know he was trying to convince himself he wasn’t gay...he failed...he had a commitment ceremony I was invited.” I started laughing. “Hey it’s not funny...I had to sit there and watch the guy I once thought I was in love with kiss and marry the guy who I used to mop floors with at the dinner do you know how humiliating it is for his mother to come up to me and say... ‘well I think you were his last attempt dear.’” I started cracking up so hard I had to sit on a stone ledge and hold my stomach. “You’re a jerk.” she said hitting me.

‘Hey.” I said grabbing her hand and pulling her into me and kissed her.

“Fine your not a jerk.” she said and I laughed, and kissed her agian.

“Number three?” I asked and she rolled her eyes.

“Ah number three... the relationship to end all relationships...Ian... we met on a trip to Mackinac Island...he had been my friend for a few years and was really good friends with one of my girl friends...we were perfect...we loved each other...we matched on so many different levels...I was comfortable with Ian...I felt at peace...”

“Do you feel like that now...with me?” I asked and she stopped me.

“Kit when I’m with you I feel at home...at peace was not at home...okay...you’ve got nothing to worry about...okay...there in my past and all they are...are heartbreaks which made me stronger...” I smiled at her and kissed her.

“Now what happened?” I asked as we made our way towards central park.

“After a year I started I don’t know feeling like all I was to him was a call girl...and I let my self become that too...I gave into him because I was afriad of being alone...afriad of diening alone...any way after two years together...it happened...I came home and mind you he didn’t live with me....I came home and he and the friend who had introduced me to him...were in my bed...she was wearing my perfume...and I sat there paryilized on the floor in the bathroom as I listend to him reveall to her...that all I was...was sombody to replace her...that since she didn’t want anything more than a friendship...why not try it with her friend...he said some of the most terrible things...and then when they found me...they acted like it was nothing...they tried to defend themselves...said I shouldn’t have been listening...when it was my fucking apartment...my fucking life and my fucking boyfriend.” she said getting angry.

“Woah Lee...” she sat down on a window ledge and grabbed my hand.

“They got married Kit...a year later...they got married...now they have two kids...and I saw him at one of my Whitecaps games...his son...was next to him...and afterwards...when I was signing crap leaving to go home...I passed him...and he said ‘there goes the biggest mistake I ever made...don’t ever go out with a girls best friend to make her jelous okay...save time and ask the girl out.’ He called me a mistake Kit....” I bent down and kissed her. “I gave him two years and he called me a mistake... to his son...who was like five...a mistake Kit.” She was crying and I held her in my arms and whispered.

“Lee I told this to sam and I’m telling it to you...you’re not a mistake...okay...don’t ever say that agian...do you here me Leda...I never want to hear you say that agian....is that understood?” she kissed me hard and I wrapped her in my arms and then she pulled back.

“I love you.” she whispered.

“I love you.” I said back and then we walked into the park, little did I know that Lee’s past was about to come crashing into her present. We walked through the park as the sun began to set...when out of no where.

“Leda?” A man asked as he and a tall blonde woman with two kids walked by...Leda froze...her hand gripped mine and I looked at her. She mouthed it’s him. “Is it really you?” she looked at the sky and turned around.

“Ian?” she asked in a fake enthusastic voice.

“Oh wow....” the woman said. I was bout ready to round on them and say I’ll oh wow your ass, you pigs... your kids know what you did to her?

“Hi Eliane.” she said looking at her. “How you two been?”

“Fine...” Ian said taking her in...and I wanted so badly to fricking pull his eyes out of thier sockets, and shove em in his throat...she’s mine buddy you had your fing chance...and you hurt her so back the fuck off.
“These must be your kids.” Lee said with a smile.

“Oh yes this is...Jack...and this is Ryan.” Eliane said with a smile...a bitchy smile. Lee smiled and I knew she was going over what to do...looking for the neariest exit.... “And this is?” She asked with mock class.

“Oh sorry.... This is Kit...he’s my boyfriend.” she said and I stuck my hand out.

“Kit Richards.” I said and Ian Marks shook my hand back.

“So Lee I hear your actually gonna pitch in the big leauges...you sure you can handle it?” The ass hole asked...I could almost see Lee saying.. ‘start running and we’ll see how fast I can chuck a rock at you head.’ but she didn’t pity....she smiled and looked down.

“I think so...seeing as in try outs I was clocking em up at 101, 100 102....all in that area...” I could feel her get hot.

“So how’d you even get a try out?” Eliane asked as the two boys walked over on to the playground.
“Um you see when a player has talent...” I began. “Scouts will hear...and then they go and watch them play...they bring tapes records...inter views all sorts of stuff to the team and then only the creme de la cereme get a try out and only the elite of that group get a job...” Lee squeezed my hand.

“Well I hope you’ll be playing more than one game Lee.” Ian said and I could tell that was it with Lee.

“Okay look...I don’t know what I did to make you two hate me...but whatever it is I’m sorry....I’ve moved on...I guess just knowing that your entire relationship began by betraying me...by hurting me might be the reason you both insist on trying to hurt me now...or maybe your just upset that you let my paycheck walk out the door...cause lord knows you two can’t be doing much.”

“I’m a teacher.” Ian said.

‘They let swine teach? I thought that it would be a violation of health code...” Lee asked and I chuckled.

‘Hey buddy this don’t concern you...”

“Um actually it does...seeing as Lee is currently my girlfriend...and is currently living with me...is currently the mother of my child...it does...so you know I think your just upset because she pegged you...so buddy when you walk into New York, my city and hurt my girl agian...your gonna get shit from me...and you...” I said looking at his wife. “Had better learn that the frizzy hair look left with frankie when he said relax and that if your still despretly trying to cling to the big hair...fleshing is right across the bridge.” They both looked at me and had nothing to say.

“He’s right...” another New Yorker said behind me. “You mess with Leda you mess with New York...” I laughed.

“We’re a very loyal band you see.” I said as the guy walked by, he stopped and looked at me.

“You want me to take him out?” I shook my head.

“Thanks though man.” He smiled.

‘Yeah yeah...see ya round richards.”

‘Thanks Sean.” Lee smiled at him as he walked away and turned around and winked at her. “So if you don’t mind...I think it best if you got over your loss... you flattened your hair... and you and your falsely built marrige try to keep out of my city.” they both gaped at me.

“Ian.” Lee said from behind me and I knew what she was gonna do. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” he asked dumbly. Lee place a hand on his shoulder.

“For ever meeting you and your lovely wife...this is good bye...and good luck.” she said extending a hand.

“No hard feelings?” He asked with a smile.

‘I wouldn’t go that far..but let’s just say this..I’ve got much better things to do then waste my energy and possibly hurt my arm by letting out what resentment I have for you and your slut...” I wanted to so yell you go girl but refiraned. “But...you see my father taught me...that those who think they have more class than any body in the world have none...those who think the hold control...hold a handfull of sand...and those who think that hurting people then rubbing salt in the wound is okay...are just insecure because thier marriges are built on betrayl and miss trust...destruction and sick pothetic petty fights...and in the end...it’s the one who walks away...who does nothing...the one who lets them live thier life as though she never existed...she’s the one who will one day hold all the cards...she’s the one who will one day be able to truly be happy with the experince we shared...because in the end...it’s the one who grows from it...the one who changes because of it...that will prosper...god has strange ways...he does..and well let’s just say that Karma isn’t just a made up tale...so I leave...go home to my son...and live as happy as I have been...and you two...can go home and think about what kind of life your living...about what you did to get here...and then I’m guessing...you’ll figure out that he’s got a girl...on the side..and she’s fucking your boss.” she stepped back. “Have a nice night.” she said and I laughed.

“Bye.” I said with a little wave and grabbed her hand. We walked away and when she and I knew they were out of sight. She started laughing so hard she was crying.

“I love you so much Kit...I do...” She said as I kissed her.

“Theres a little fighter in you.” I said draping my scarf over her neck.

“Oh that’s like five years of built up anger.” she said with a smile.

“And I love how Sean was out for his run.” she started cracking up and had to sit down...

“Does he have his phone?” she asked and I nodded, and dialed.

“Sean?” I asked.

“DUDE WHO WAS THE ASS HOLE?” He asked over traffic.

“An ass hole who broke Lee’s heart...” she smiled at me.

‘Did you deck him?”

“Nope...but I think Lee might have ended a marrige.”

“What she left you?”

‘ARE YOU INSANE!” Lee called.

“JUST CHECKING GIRLY!” he yelled.

“Only you can call me that Sean only you.” she said and he laughed. “But if you ever see him agian pull a tony soprano.” Sean laughed and did his impression and Lee cracked up.

“But I mean it Lee..you’re a New Yorker now...you got the city behind ya girl...” she smiled.

“Thanks Seany.” she said and he laughed.

‘Go home to the wife.” I said with a smile.

“Keep it safe kit.”

“Stay outta trouble Sean.” I hung up and she stood up and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“So I’m the mother of your son now?” she asked and I rubbed her sides and her back.

“You’re the best one he’s had yet.” she smiled and kissed me...

“I love you.” she whispered.

“I love you.” I said and she put a hand on my cheek.

“He’s gone...and I have you to thank.” I placed my forehead on hers.

“I’m always gonna fight for you Lee...I’m always gonna be your champion.” she kissed me, and I felt her tear hit my cheek. “Don’t cry...” I said and she smiled.

“I need a champion...so much...” she said with a laugh.

‘You’ve got me...and Sam...my family...and soon the whole god damn city of New York...”

‘But mainly you.” she said with a smile.

‘But mainly me.” I said grabbing her hand. She smiled and we walked along the park lanes until it was dark and we hopped in one of the horse drawn carriages.

“Okay your turn.” she said as we covered up our legs with the red blanket and I started to laugh.

“Okay.” I said mocking how light she was being. “I’ve had three relationships. Including you.” she moved in closer to me and I wrapped my arm around her and looked up at where the stars should be. “First one...Junior High...Peggy...she was perfect...until she stared getting clingy...” Lee edged back and I grabbed her and pulled back. “Um clingy’s bad in middle school...in our situation...it’s not clingy...it’s romance.” she smiled and kissed me. “She wouldn’t let me talk to any girl...and so I ended it.” she smiled. “And number two began in high school...” I said taking a deep breath and smiling at her. “She was in all my classes senior year...she was a good student...and I thought a good person...we went out that summer...then when we were in college here at NYU she got pregnant...and tried to end it...both with me and my son...and then I married her...and three years later...she was topless at Sean’s bacholer party and Sam was home alone...and they still didn’t give me full....it took her abandoning him and realizing she wasn’t fit to get her to finally sign away all parental rights....” She put a hand on my chest and sat up.

“You mean you have full custody of Sam?” she asked and I nodded. “Thank god...I couldn’t bare that feeling if I knew I was handing him over to her.” I laughed and kissed her.

“Agian isn’t it strange.” she rolled her eyes and sat back.

“So...tell me about your dad.” she said looking up at me. I revealed all of my childhood to her, and after my hour...she did the same...by the time we got back to my car.... I knew everything about Lee and she knew everything about me...she and I had told stories all night and now at eleven we were going to pick up sam...Lee fell asleep in the car and I pulled over and snapped that shot. It took me a little while to get back to Sol’s and when I did Lee jolted awake and I smiled.

“Morning.” I said and she looked at the clock...

‘Liar.’ she said getting out of the car and following me up to the steps. Sol swung the door open as we got there. “Hey Sol.” she said with a smile.

“Hey you two...did you have a good time?...” he asked whispering.

“Great time.” Lee said “Where’s Sam?” I laughed.

“Nervous Nelly.” I said and Sol laughed.

“He’s asleep on the couch....we’re watching our third black and white picture...” I smiled and saw Roman holiday on the screen.

‘You pic these out?” I asked and he shook his head.

“Sam thought Audrey was pretty.” Lee Laughed and scopped him up, he didn’t open his eyes but layed his head on her shoulder and yawned, I grabbed his bag and looked at Sol..
“What do we owe you?” I asked and he pushed my wallet down.

“Your family.” he said and I smiled... “Just keep her and him safe till the season and we’ll be square.” I shook his hand and Lee kissed his cheek.
“You’re an Angel Sol.” she said as we left the house.

“I’m a yankee.” he said with a smile and Lee laughed. She sat down in the back with sam and pulled a seat belt over both of them and laid down...

“I’m alone?” I asked she smiled.

‘I missed him to much.” she said kissing his head.

“Fine...but just this once.” she nodded and I stopped out side my building and snapped a picture of them and then woke lee up and she and I walked a dead weught Sam up the stairs. Gipper had peed three times and Tigger was curled up on the top of his cage. “You cat is taunting the puppy.” I said as I flicked on a lamp.

“He’s our puppy and our cat.” she said as she opened Sam’s door for me and I laid the Superman Pajama wearing six year old down in his bed and lee slid off his socks and covered him up while I locked the front door. When I came back in she was humming somthing soft and slow and picking up snuffles and tucking him under Sam’s arm. A slight smile crept over my face, as I took her coat and hung it up... she was still looking ay Sam in his room when I handed her a glass of wine.

“Lee?” I said from the couch looking back at her...she looked over at me and smiled.

“Yeah Kit?” she asked and I took in the beautiful woman standing agianst the wall outside my son’s bedroom... she was mine...all mine and she would never be anybody elses...that I knew...that I wanted to protect. If there was one thing I wanted to do at this moment was drive her down to Atlantic City get married and come back...She smiled at me. “Penny for your thoughts.” she said sitting down and I wrapped my arm around her and took a drink of my wine.

“Huh?” I asked looking over at her.

“What are you thinking?” she asked as she put her feet up on the coffee table and slid off her heals. “I hate heals.” she said as she flexed her foot.

“I was just thinking, wondering what Sam’s gonna be like in ten years...or twenty....it’s just scary.” She kissed my cheek and I looked away from my fire place.

“He’s six honey...right now he’s six and that’s all that matters.” I smiled and kissed her looking at the time set her wine glass down and set mine down and lifted her off the couch “Kit...” she said as I kicked open the door...

“Hey it’s your first night...we gotta make you feel at home...plus that dress has been driving me insane...” I said as I set her down and she kissed me. “Plus Sam’s basically comotose...” she shushed me.

‘Don’t ever say that.” she said sternley and I smiled, and kissed her.

“He’s in a deep sleep which take me yelling at the top of my lungs two get him to wake up.” I slid a hand to the bottom of her dress and she shivered and kissed my neck., her body was mine and I was forever glad of that. We made love three times that night and when I woke up she was sitting on the love seat we has brought over, looking out my window a cup of coffee in her hand and her cell phone on the floor...I knew somthing was wrong...I could feel somthing was terribly wrong. “Lee?” she sucked in a deep breath and looked at me...she had been crying, I shot up and slid on to the couch.

“Kale’s sick...” she said looking out the window...I had this feeling that Kale ment a lot more to her than any of her other brothers... “he’s been worried about it for a while and he went into the doctor...and they ran tests...and my dad called this morning and...” she started crying, and I knew I had to act...I wrapped her in my arms and just let her cry into me...just let her cry...she wasn’t just crying she was sobbing...

“Get dressed.” I said sitting back and rubbing her back.

“Kit...I can’t not today...” she said leaning back agianst the arm.

“Get dressed we’re going to Michigan...” I said standing up and pulling on Jeans, she stopped and looked at me. “I have enough of a column already written to get it in today and it be done...Lee you need to get home so I;m taking you there...we’ll take the tank...we’ll drive...okay we’ll have you home by tomorrow....” She grabbed my hand.

“Kit, I can’t do that to Sam....” I knelt down and cupped her face in my hands.

“You’re a part of our family...you’re a part of us...we’re there for you...and I know that going back to Michigan is what’s best for you right now...your brother’s gonna need you....I’m sure you’re dad and the other brothers will need you too...we need to get you home....” she nodded and kissed me.

“Thank you...” she whispered and I noticed she was wearing my nervana T-shirt.

“You look good in my shirt.” I said hugging her. She laughed and clung to me
“I need you Kit...right now I need you.”

“I know baby...I know.” she held onto me and I let her cry into me, softly massageing her back...she finally pulled back. She kissed me deepley and I held her face and then after about three minutes I had gotten dressed and was packing. She could barley move...it was so devestatiing...it was...it hurt too bad to look at her... finally Gipper errupted in barks as Sam got up. “Lee, baby...” I said sitting down rubbing her foot.

“Yeah?’ she asked.

‘I’m gonna go talk to sam.” she nodded.

“Okay.” she said and I rubbed her cheek.

“I love you.” I said and she smiled.

“I love you.” she said rubbing my wrist, I kissed her and walked out of our room and found Sam playing with Gipper.

“DAD!” Same yelled wrapping his arms around me.

‘Hey buddy...are you up for a trip to Michigan?” he looked at me funny.

“Next week yeah.” he said as Gipper danced around.

“No bud we’ve gotta go today.” I said getting on my knees and holding Sam’s sides.

“Why? Is Lee okay daddy?” he asked and I nodded.

“Lee’s fine but her brother Kale...he’s sick Sam so Lee needs to go back and help him.”

“You mean like he’s got a cold.” I shook my head. “Oh.” he said and then ran into my room.

“Sam.” I said going after him...when I found him he was wrapped in lee’s arms and telling her that Kale’s be okay...she was crying and rubbing his back.

“It’s okay Lee...we’re gonna go...we’re gonna help you make Kale better.”

“Thank you sweetheart.” she said kissing his forehead. “Your just to perfect for words.” he laughed and hugged her tight.

“I love you Lee.” he said and she squezzed him.

‘I love you Sam...I love you so much.” she said standing up and just holding him.

“Okay...I said wrapping them both in my arms. “It’s gonna be okay.” Le put her head into my shoulder and her body shook and Sam held on tighter...trying to help. We both helped Lee gain her composure to the piont where she could take a shower and get dressed....the we loaded the car with bags, Dvd player, dog, cat, six year old, woman with a life crisis, a six year old who want’s nothing more than to help, and a scared man, scared for the woman he loves, who is going to anything he can to help her. It took two hours to get everything in the car and another twenty five minutes to get out of manhatan. Then we were on our way...Lee writing out directions for me and I plugging in her address into her GPS system...we took the suburban, just so sam gip and Tigger could sprall out. Sam had a Dvd player set up between Lee’s and mine’s seats and was watching with this huge headphones Gipper in his lap Tigger next to him his superman blanket on the seat his yankee comferter laying over his lap. He named it fort Sam....it was his travel room. Lee didn’t talk much but we did have some long lengthy conversations about our lives, I learned about Lee’s childhood...her grandparents, her father, her brothers and every time Kale came into the conversation Lee’s smile would waver... she would crumble and then build her self back... She was exhusted...I could tell...just by looking at her as we crossed a state nearer and her body was growing weaker. I rubbed her head, her hair, and feeling her body shake as she propped her self on the t.v. a pillow under her head, I just wrapped one arm around her and held on. I held on until I felt her breathing regulate and I knew she was asleep, and that was my que to look back at Sam. He was conked out a sleeping puppy in his arms a cat around his feet. I was the only one awake which gave me time to think.... I thought about everything, anything...until Sam stirred and Lee, woke up moved over to the door and propped her self on the door curled up and fell asleep agian.

“Dad...” Sam whispered.

“Yeah buddy?” I asked as I turned on a new highway.

“I gotta go.” I laughed and pulled off the highway and sam and I stopped at a gas station coming back to a still asleep Lee. “I think Lee’s down for the count.” Sam said as he popped Superman 2 into the player.

“Yup...Sam, it’s gonna be hard for Lee....you know not to ask Kale if he’s sick, or ask questions that involve him being sick....and to just have fun okay.” he nodded.

“I promise.” he said not making sense but I knew he understood. After I woke Lee up for lunch she was up and quiet...burried in her own thoughts.


“Lee baby...come on.” I said rubbing her hands.

“I’m just tired.”