Page 41 of No Fear

“You’re a Yankees fan?” a man to his left said.

“Yep, ’fraid so.”

The man laughed. “Your team’s going down today, Yankee boy. Glad to see your girlfriend cheers for the right team.”

Charlie looked at Donnie, expecting him to correct the fan, but he didn’t. The man had already turned his attention back to the game when she sat back down and stared at the field. Nate should be here. With them.

Damn, it still caught her off guard. Ten years, though sometimes it felt like ten hours. She glanced at Donnie. It felt right they were talking again. She could almost sense Nate’s approval.

“What are you thinking about?” Donnie's voice was soft.

“I was just thinking how much Nate would have loved this,” she said quietly. Her lip trembled and she fought to not let the sadness overtake her. “He was such a huge Yankees fan.”

“We planned to go to Yankee stadium to see a game together that summer,” Donnie said quietly.

“You did?” She turned to face him. Donnie shifted in his chair. He was a big guy, and the seats were small. She was acutely aware of his thigh pressed up against hers. He raised an arm, placing it along the back of her seat, not touching her.

“Yeah. I still haven't made it there yet. Gone to other stadiums. Most of my team are Padre fans, except Steve, who is Red Sox. I’ve not been to Yankee Stadium. Not without Nate.”

The way he said it made her heart squeeze.

“I miss him so much.” Tears filled her eyes as she looked at him, both now oblivious to the game.

“I miss him, too.” he whispered as his arm cradled her shoulders. She leaned into him, taking deep breaths against his chest composing herself. He kissed the top of her head.

“It’s OK, Charlie, no one is taking any notice. They're too busy watching how good the Yankees are playing.”

He was trying to make her feel better and she smiled against his chest, enjoying the comfort. When the Jays scored again and the stadium roared, Charlie quickly sat up and wiped her face trying to forget about the feel of Donnie’s arm around her and his solid chest against her cheek.

***

DONNIE LOVED A GOOD baseball game, but right now he barely noticed it. Damn, she was gorgeous. He couldn't take his eyes off her, however inappropriate that might be. If she were single, he’d be asking her out. And not for some one-night stand either. Yes, she was sexy as hell, and he wanted to explore every one of her curves. She was also interesting, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. He wanted to know everything about the last ten years of her life. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket. Dex.

Dex: Call me when you’re free. No rush. I’ll bring you up to speed.

The game was in the top of the seventh inning, so easily another hour here. He glanced at his watch, then typed.

Donnie: Does 1830 work? I’m not alone right now.

Dex: You bet. Talk to you then.

“Everything OK?” Charlie asked.

He pocketed his phone and smiled. “Yes. Work. Sorry.”

“Do you have to go?” Was that disappointment in her voice?

“No. I need to be on a call a little later. We’re all good.”

A groan went up in the crowd as the Yankees finally scored. Donnie stood, cheering.

“Stop it!” She tugged at his T-shirt. “You can't cheer for the Yankees here.”

“Oh yes, I can. In case you haven't noticed I’m not the only Yankee fan here. And might I remind you; you were born in New York State?” He kept his tone teasing.

“Let him have his moment. My boys are still winning,” the Jays fan to his left said, lightheartedly. Charlie laughed and Donnie forgot about the Yankees as he watched her whole face light up. Oh, if she was his, he would make her laugh like that every day.

He sat and put his arm along the back of her chair, careful not to touch her shoulder again. Nope. She’s engaged. Off limits. Maybe it was time to talk about that.