Free Love Finds You at Home for Christmas by Annalisa Daughety Page B

suitemates and let them know I won’t be back until January. The only one I’ve heard from so far has been Betty Jo—you remember her, don’t you? She’s convinced that I’m having some great love affair and that’s why I’m not going back. Some girls are so silly, aren’t they? And my parents aren’t exactly thrilled about my decision to stay on at the AOP, but they didn’t put up much of a fuss. I am starting to get a little bit homesick, but I keep telling myself Christmas will be here before we know it.
    Your mama told me that you and Troy will be here for Thanksgiving, and I am counting down the days! Your parents have invited me for Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve already promised Cliff I’ll make a dessert. He sure does have a sweet tooth.
    Well, I’d better end this. I’m about to go play baseball with a group of friends. It should be fun. I can’t wait to see the look on Cliff’s face when he sees that I know how to catch a ball!
    All my love,
    Ruby Jean
    * * * * *
    â€œBatter up!” Cliff called from his spot on the pitcher’s mound. Even though he’d gone to college on a football scholarship, he’d always loved to play baseball. So when Harold suggested an end-of-summer pickup game, he’d been the first to sign up.
    Ruby clutched the bat and did a couple of practice swings. “Show me what you’ve got, Hamilton.” She stepped up to the plate with a sassy grin on her face.
    The upside to not being on her team, Cliff realized, was getting to face her from the mound. “If you want me to, I can pitch it slower for you since you’re a girl and all,” he called.
    She laughed. “Just try to get it over the plate. I’ll take care of the rest.”
    Cliff released the ball.
    Ruby swung and missed.
    â€œStrike one,” Harold called from behind the plate.
    She made a face. “I’ll get the next one.”
    â€œCome on, Ruby!” Lola yelled form the sidelines, where she and some of the other girls waited their turns. “You can do it.”
    Ruby tapped the bat against the plate and hoisted it over her shoulder. “I’m ready.” She grinned. “Try to put it over the plate this time.”
    He chuckled. “Keep your eye on the ball. Maybe that will help.”
    Cliff heard Andrew Wallace laugh from his position at shortstop. “Don’t give her pointers, Cliff. Remember, she’s not on your team no matter how pretty she is.”
    Cliff grinned. Andrew might not understand it, but even playing for the opposition, he was always on Ruby’s side. He stood for a minute on the mound, then threw the ball over the plate.
    Ruby swung and connected. The ball went flying toward left field, and she took off running. Her teammates cheered.
    Cliff watched her go. She sure could run.
    The trouble was, he wasn’t sure if he could ever catch her.
    * * * * *
    â€œThat was so much fun,” Ruby said after the game. She plopped down on the grass next to Cliff. “I’m glad we did this.”
    Cliff nodded. “And congratulations on your victory.” He leaned close to her. “Don’t tell anyone from my team, but I was rooting for you,” he whispered. His breath tickled her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
    She grinned. “Thanks. You were the best player out there. And too bad that fellow struck out at the end or else y’all would’ve won.” It had been a real treat to see Cliff in action. He’d told her about his years as a football player, so she’d known he was athletic. Getting to see it firsthand was fun. “You were a good coach too. Why, Lola could barely even swing a bat at first, but after you showed her what to do, she scored a run.”
    â€œThank you, Ruby. Sometimes I think about what it would be like to be a coach. Maybe someday I’ll get the chance.” He smiled. “You never know what the future