Free Fall Black In Love 1: When Henry Met Millie by D. Camille Page A

my turn to bat,” Irma stood. “Get ready, you’re coming up.”
      Millie bent and rested her chin in her hands. Where was Henry? It wasn’t like him to be late. They’d talked on the phone last night and he’d encouraged her to play well. He’d promised he would be at the game…so where was he?
    ******
    Henry looked at his watch then over at the woman. “I have to go now.”
    She turned to him. “Already?”
    He nodded. “I’ve been here for a while,” he pointed out.
    She pouted. “I wish you could stay.” Changing to a smile, she said, “You’re coming back right?”
      “Later,” he confirmed.
      “You’ve been incredible Henry,” she complimented. “These last few days you’ve provided everything I needed.”
    Henry smiled. “I just want to make a pretty girl happy.”
      “You’re the best Henry.” She patted his sleeve. “Can I get five more minutes? Please?”
    Looking at his watch, he blew out a breath. “Yes, ma’am.”
    She smiled at him again. “Don’t forget this is a secret.”
      “I know…”
      Five minutes stretched into twenty and Henry found himself running late for Millie’s game. The parking lot was full so he had to find street parking. Hurrying to the park, he bought his ticket and quickly made his way to the stands. He was just in time to see her walking up to the plate.
      He could see focus, determination and…anger on her face. Looking up at the box score, he saw that the pitcher for the other team had struck out the first two batters on Millie’s team.
      “Go Honey!” Henry turned at the sound of the roar and spotted Bill across the bleachers.
      Turning back to Millie, he watched her get into her stance. When the pitch came, she made contact and fouled the ball back. Millie stepped away from the plate as the pitcher was thrown a new ball. She lifted her head to take a breath and her eyes lit on him. Henry held her gaze for a split second before she went back to her game.
      Henry felt his heart stop. Clearly she was upset with him, which was understandable. He shouldn’t have been late to her game although she’d find out the reason soon enough. The next pitch came and Millie got on base, however the next batter struck out and she returned to the infield. Her team managed to get through the next inning and she returned to the dugout.
      Taking her seat on the bench, she peeked out and saw Henry. He looked handsome as ever and she wrinkled her nose.
      “Be nice Honey. He’s here,” Irma said sitting next to her. “That was a good hit last inning. I think the next at bat you’ll get her. That girl pitches fast!”
    Millie turned to her. “Yeah, she’s the fastest we’ve faced.” She looked back out at the crowd.
    Irma laughed. “I doubt he’s going anywhere Honey.”
      “I haven’t seen him for a few days,” Millie explained.
    Irma leaned in. “You let him make it to first base?” she asked quietly.
      “Irma.”
      “Or did he slide into home already?”
    Millie turned to her frowning. “Baseball metaphors?”
    Irma looked into the crowd at Henry then back at Millie’s flushed face. “Not yet, but you’re ready.”
      “You been to the clinic Honey?” Irma asked.
      “The clinic for what?” Millie asked confused.
      Irma moved closer. “Look Honey, you’re like my little virgin sister, so I’m going to give you some advice so you don’t end up like Maggie because I know you don’t want that.”
      “Your feelings are clear as glass for the guy and there’s nothing wrong with that. Go to the clinic on campus and talk to them about some type of birth control,” Irma told her.
      “I’m not going to have…” Millie began.
    Irma gave her a look. “You are Honey. It’s all over your face. All he has to do is make the right moves.”
      Millie looked away as memories of Henry on her bed flooded her mind. Each night since, she’d dreamed of him being there with her.
      Irma took her hand. “It’s