Page 46 of Midlife Crisis

“I’m sorry, Mom.” He turns to Midge, who seems a little startled by his apology. “I didn’t mean to act like that.” He reaches for her, hugging her tight, and Midge holds him. She mutters something to him, and he responds, “Love you, too.”

What would it be like to hold a child?

“Ugh.” Liam sighs.

“Do they fight often?” I whisper, watching Midge embrace her son.

“Just lately. Since we came back from spring break. He’s more mad at Dad, but he’s taking it out on Mom. At least, that’s what she says.”

“What do you think?” I figure why not ask him. He seems full of information.

“I think she’s right. Mom normally is.” I chuckle at the response. “You coming to my game tomorrow?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Sweet.”

Yeah, it is sweet. They are great as a family, and I dare to envision myself as part of one like them someday. Maybe this one, I hope.

19

Just a game

[Midge]

As I sit on my camp chair, I watch Liam warming up while my mind flips through last night. Hank was a rock star with all those kids, keeping his eyes open for hidden alcohol or corner kisses as he put it. The night went off without a hitch. Except for Elston. I don’t know what’s gotten into him, other than this business with his father and attending college back in Illinois. Maybe it’s Paul’s impending wedding. The boys aren’t exactly thrilled with Melanie, his future wife. She’s young, in her twenties, and I wonder if Elston thinks she’s too close to his age. I certainly do, but then again, I don’t have a say.

I’m waiting for the game to begin when Tommy and Edie arrive with a cooler in tow.

“Whatcha got there?” I’m excited to spend more time with them, especially Edie. We’ve talked often lately. I explained to her what I did, how I quit my job, and how I’m working on securing another one. I shared some of my concerns, which include how I might be too old for such a dramatic switch, but she assured me I could do it.

“Plus, you already did, only six years ago when you moved here,” she reminds me.

“We come bearing gifts,” she teases. “I love Sunday doubleheaders, and Bloody Marys make them better.” She laughs at her own rhyme. She’s already told me about her son, Caleb, and his career as a minor league baseball player. He’s hoping to be called up for a major club this year.

“I feel like a chump. I only brought chips.”

“Good one.” Edie claps.

“Darlin’, you two already hit the bottle?” Tommy jokes, spreading out a blanket for him and his wife. He’s wearing a baseball jersey for a team I don’t recognize while Edie wears a shirt with her son’s last name on the back and a large number twenty-five.

“Ivy still coming?” I ask. I didn’t want to pry into her cancellation last night. I remember having three small children. Life can be chaotic.

“Talked to her this morning. She’ll be here with the kids.”

A few minutes later, Hank arrives. He looks delicious in a tight gray tee and faded jeans. He wears an open flannel over it, but he’s already removing it as he walks. I wore shorts today with a long-sleeve shirt, thinking it might be warm in the sun despite the early April mild temperature. Baseball season is always unpredictable.

He sits in the camp chair next to me, then leans over to give me his signature quick kiss.

“When you two getting married?” Tommy teases, and my face heats. Married? He won’t even sleep with me, I think, so I react quickly.

“We aren’t getting married.” I turn to Hank, expecting him to join the joke, but his eyes close, his fingers steepled against his lips. His pinched brow worries me, and I reach for his wrist, recalling suddenly what he said about his former lover never wanting to marry him.

“Actually,” I exaggerate the word, and Hank’s eyes flip open. I turn to Tommy. “After he asks me, you’ll be the second to know.”

“Why the second?” Tommy asks with a chuckle.

“Because I’ll be the first.” I haven’t released Hank’s wrist, and I give it a squeeze before turning back to face him. His crooked smile proves he’s pleased with my answer. I’m still holding his wrist when I look up and find my ex making his way to us.