Felix (The Ninth Inning #1) (11 page)

What difference does it make if I’m there or not? Oh right, I’m the lucky charm. I laugh out loud, thinking I should get him a locket with a four-leaf clover and my picture in it, so he can carry it around with him. I would love to see his face if I really do that.

My laugh halts at the knock on the door. Warren is here to pick me up. I grab my clutch and head to greet him. After small pleasantries, we head out to the car. Warren tells me about his other classes and I tell him about mine. The conversation is slow and nothing great. I’m beginning to wonder where we’re going when he pulls into a parking lot of what looks to be an abandoned warehouse.

“Where are we?”

“This is a new club that opens early. They have a really great happy hour and dance floor.”

Wait...what? He’s brought me to a bar on a date?

“I thought we could have a few drinks and dance a little bit. We’ll leave long before the rowdy crowd makes an appearance.”

I’ve never been a partier. I’ve been to a few clubs and I have been drunk only once in my life. I don’t mind a drink or two after class or at a game, but a
bar
?

“Great,” I lie and we get out of the car.

Warren leads me into the bar, holding my hand. It’s clammy and I know he’s nervous. It’s kind of cute, actually. I softly squeeze it and hope it encourages him a little bit. I may not like clubs, but maybe a few drinks and a couple of dances will be nice. I shouldn’t be so much like LA and jump to conclusions.

Inside the dimly lit bar, there are about thirty people. Warren waves at the pretty blonde bartender and guides me over to a corner table.

“I thought we would sit at the bar?”

“Nah,” he waves his way. “It’s quieter over here.” He holds my seat out for me.

“Thanks.” I sit down and the blonde puts two beers down in front of us. “Um...come here often?” I grin.

“Somewhat. Is this okay or do you want something else?” He points to the beer.

“It’s fine.” I’m not sure what kind of beer this is, but I drink it slowly.

Warren peels at his label and I’m not sure what to say. I always hate this part of dates. I need to think of something to say, but before I can, Warren goes into a feverish conversation about why he went into grad school. I listen intently as he tells me that one day, he wants to work for a large book publisher as either an editor or possible professional book reviewer. He tell me he loves to read memoirs and historical novels. Although, he doesn’t read romance at all; he thinks it’s all fake and wishes authors would write
real
men every once in a while.

Warren loves to read because his mother read to him all the time and it reminds me of Mom and what Felix said about his mom. No, don’t think about Felix right now. I make sure my attention is on Warren as he continues to talk. I add in my few comments, but it’s nice to see this side of him.

The music begins to beat through the surround sound and I notice how many more people have come in since we sat down. It’s not crowded, but it’s getting there.

“We should go.” He stands.

“Wait, I thought we were going to dance.” I point to the middle of the room where a few people on the wooden floor.

“Really?”

“Fair warning, I’m not the greatest dancer.” I shake my head.

“Me either, but let’s see if we can make it through a song or two.” He takes a firm grip on my hand and it makes me smile that he seems relaxed around me again.

We sway to the music and he’s not as bad as he let on. I’m hoping I’m not looking like a flopping fish as I move against him. He gets me to giggle as he spins me several times and I’m dizzy for a brief moment. He catches me easily in his arms and when he brushes my hair out of my face, his green eyes are staring into mine. He’s much cuter this close to me and I hadn’t noticed it before. His lips softly touch mine and we both stop moving. In the middle of the dance floor, Warren kisses me and it’s
much
better than last time.

MY WHOLE DAY has been great. Classes were great; the coffee from the local café was good, and even my dirty mop of hair turned out good. It’s all because of my amazing date with Warren. He’s a great guy, much better than I gave him credit for.

Now, as I finish getting ready for my date with Felix, I text him again.

Me: You have fifteen minutes until the date starts.

I think that’s the fifth text I’ve sent him today to remind him it’s Friday and our date night. I double-check my red dress to make sure it’s not too short and not showing too much of my chest.

The four loud raps on the door tell me that Felix is here.

“Look at that! You didn’t forget me this time and you’re early,” I tease him, opening the door. He’s in a pair of gray dress pants and a blue polo.

“I could never forget you twice. Are you ready since I’m early?”

“Yes, I am.” I grab my clutch. “Am I dressed okay? You didn’t tell me where we were going.”

“You look beautiful.” He grins.

“Aw, see? You’re getting better at flirting.” I shut the door and we head down the stairs to this car.

“Really? Maybe I’ll just say that all the time. Should still work, right, since it’s true? And what girl doesn’t like to hear she’s beautiful?”

I laugh as he opens the door and I slide into the seat. When he gets in, I tell him, “Every girl likes to hear that. Now, are you going to telling me where we are going? I’m not a fan of surprises.”

Felix doesn’t tell me right away as he drives out of the complex and heads toward the other end of town. “We’re going to a reading. Still excited?”

I gasp. “A reading? Really? Who?”

“Tom Clary.”

“Shut up.” My mouth drops. He’s one of my favorite murder mystery authors. “I didn’t even know Tom Clary was in town. I just finished his latest book. Damn, if I’d known this, I would have brought the book with me. I’m sure they’ll sell some I can buy, right?” I’m trying not to pout because I’m excited to go, but I hate that I don’t have anything for him to sign.

“I already have two copies of the book. They’re in the backseat. I wasn’t sure if you had it yet or not.”

“You did?” I’m in shock that he thought of me. I glance in the backseat and I see the two hardback books lying there. My heart swells. “That’s sweet, Felix.” I lean over and kiss his freshly shaven cheek. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And we’re going to Clarabell’s for dinner afterward.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Since we’re not that far from the event, there isn’t much conversation. Felix pulls into the lot and parks. He holds my hand as we walk into the library, which is already packed with people. Felix keeps his hand on the small of my back. I can feel the small circles he traces through the thin material of the dress. It sends small shivers through me.

We’re able to find seats and I may have scooted in closer to him. He puts his arm around me and I want to lay my head on his shoulder, but I refrain as the reading starts. I hang onto Mr. Clary’s every word as he reads two chapters of his book. He takes a few questions and as soon as it started, it’s over, and we’re shuffling out to the lobby to have our books signed.

“I can’t believe what a great reading that was. He’s very passionate when he reads, don’t you think?” I hold my book close to my chest.

“Yeah, he is. Hopefully I’ll be able to read it on the next road trip.” He puts his in the backseat and he drives to the restaurant.

“You read the books you have signed? Not me. I set them on the shelf and worship them as idols.” I giggle because that’s almost the full truth. “I use my Kindle most of the time.”

“I’m not that committed. I don’t own an e-reader and why buy two copies of a book just because one is signed? The story doesn’t change you know,” he jokes.

“This date was going well until you said that. What do you mean you don’t own an e-reader? It’s a necessity in life. And the reason I buy two is because one is for my shelf and one is so I can read it. I don’t want to damage the one I have signed.”

“Do you somehow damage the one that isn’t signed?”

“Yes. You get fingerprints on it, you might bend the spine, and God forbid you might spill something on it.” How can he not care about the books?

Felix booms out a laugh and he pulls up to the curb to the valet. I reluctantly sit my book in the back and step out of the BMW.

“This date was going well until I realized you’re crazy,” he whispers close to my ear as we walk in. “Fingerprints, really? Books are meant to be read. If you bend the spine, it’s a good thing.”

“Oh dear, I don’t think I can hear such blasphemy. Let’s change the topic before I
accidentally
stab you with my fork.” Felix chuckles and tells the hostess his name and she leads us to a table. “How’s baseball going?” I ask once we’re seated.

“Baseball is fine. Did I tell you I caught Blake kissing the team’s massage therapist?” He looks at his menu and sips on his water.

“What?” That seems a bit bold. “Isn’t he the ‘player’ of the team? I think LA told he’s the man-whore of the Angels. Or is that Hector?” I remember LA telling me all about the players on the team, but I only half-listen to her.

“Blake’s nickname is Grumpy. Do you think he could be a player with a nickname like that? I don’t know if he is or not, though. It’s not like he shares much.”

“What a horrible nickname.” I wouldn’t want one like that. “I thought your team was close. The news keeps saying you’re all getting along well.”

The waiter comes over and we give him our orders and Felix orders a bottle of wine.

“We are. Hector gave him the nickname and he’s probably Blake’s closest friend on the team. Blake knows about it. That make it better?” He grins at me again.

“I guess. I never understood strange nicknames. I mean, LA’s is simple because she is Leigh Ann, but Grumpy?” I shake my head. “Do you have a nickname?”

“Grumpy isn’t strange. It fits because he’s, well, grumpy. I don’t have a nickname though. Must not be special enough for one,” he jokes.

“Not even from your brothers?”

“Nope. Just Felix. What about you? Do you have a nickname?”

“Yes. My dad gave one to me as a small child, and my sisters still use it. I hate it at times, but then...sometimes it reminds me of how much they love me.” I shrug.

“Well, what is it?” he pushes. I debate if I should tell him or not, but then again I’m sure he’ll hear it eventually.

“Abby-bear. I use to carry a teddy bear all the time and Dad started calling me Abby-bear after that.”

“That’s sweet.”

The waiter comes back with the bottle and I take a small sip of the white wine. It’s sweeter than I’ve had before, but soothes the dryness in my throat from all the talking I’ve done.

“When’s your family coming? Are you going to take them on a tour of Memphis?”

“They’ll be here in two weeks.” There’s some excitement in his eyes. “We’ll probably all go on a tour of Memphis. It’ll be fun and my mom likes to do all the touristy stuff, so we’ll do things like that.”

“There’s really a lot to see here. Make sure you take her to Beale Street. Oh, and Graceland. It sounds silly, but the building is gorgeous.”

“Maybe you should be like our tour guide!”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family time. That would be rude.” I would like to meet his family, but it’s not something that happens when you’re just friends.

“Not if I invited you, Abigail. You know this place better than I do. Makes perfect sense that you show us all around. So, what do you say?”

“Felix, it’s your family and they came to spend time with you. I’m sure they don’t want your...friend or lucky charm tagging along.”

“I told you it’s no big deal, but if you don’t want to, it’s fine. I was planning to walk around aimlessly and hope we stumble upon a tourist hotspot.”

I roll my eyes. “You can’t do that. Fine, I’ll be your tour guide. I can’t believe you were going to wander aimlessly,” I mumble. “Have you even been around Memphis to see the sights?”

“Abigail, I still use my GPS to get almost anywhere in this city. What do you think?”

I laugh because I remember him saying that before. The waiter sets the food in front of us and I can’t believe how fast it arrived. “Well then, you do need me to help. Are you sure your family won’t mind?”

“Not at all. They’ll probably be grateful to have you show them around instead of me. You could even give me a private tour first, if you want to practice.” Felix’s grin is contagious and I smile back. His brown eyes light up and it’s nice to see this sweet side of him.

“Look at that! Your flirting is getting better.” I laugh softly. “Maybe on a second date we could do that. There are a lot of great restaurants downtown. Well, I mean, if there’s a second date, of course. I don’t want to push my luck. Wait, I am the luck, aren’t I?” I wink.

“You’re starting to like being the lucky charm, aren’t you? But yes, you’re the luck and if you would like a second date, then we’ll go on another one.” He cuts into his prime rib.

“Well, you’re going to be home for the next five days. Maybe we can come up with something together. I do have a lot of work this week though. I think I’ve overdone it a bit, taking so many classes. Plus, I need to go to therapy this week.” Shit. I stop talking and turn away from him. Why am I telling him such personal stuff all the time?