Tommy 12

Tommy was worried about Sam; she didn't pick up when he called her back.  The next night he sat around waiting for her 9pm call but it never came.  After 2 hours Tommy went down the street to join a few guys for a beer & a game of pool.  Thank god Casey said she was fine & coming to Florida early.  The announcement of Jeff's flight brought Tommy back to reality.  Tommy stood up as the passengers deboarded the plane.  Jeff was talking to the stewardess as he left the gate; she seemed enchanted by something he was saying.  Jeff looked up & winked at his son as if to say, what can you do she is a fan?  Tommy smiled & shrugged, this was something he dealt with his whole life, women were drawn to Jeff.  And as polite & gracious as he always was, he was clear that the only woman in his life was Ginger.  Tommy longed for the kind of relationship his parents had, he also feared he would never find a love that timeless, until he met Samantha Jo Bradshaw. Jeff embraced his son, "Hey there, Tom! Don't look like they are treating you too badly here in the Sunshine State." Jeff poked at Tommy's muscular stomach. "Yeah, well I can't complain!!  You look great, Dad!  How is Mom?"  Tommy grabbed Jeff's bag out of his hand. "She is good.  Worried to death about you, but still good.  You know your mother.  Your grandmother Anne sent some cookies for you."  Jeff looked at Tommy with a huge grin.  Jeff was extremely proud of Tommy. ********* Jeff accompanied Tommy to practice, the coach took it easy on them for the afternoon so they could listen to Jeff tell stories & hit a few balls at them.  You would have thought that they were all 8 year-old boys the way they were all awe-struck with Jeff Metcalf.   As promised Tommy & Jeff, along with Shawn & Casey went to a local bar & grill for dinner.  After they each ordered their steaks, Jeff turned to Casey, "How is your dad, Casey?  I haven't seen Dave Bradshaw since I quit playing ball. He is a really great guy." "He is good, still living in Toledo.  I know he misses going to those games.  He only goes now if Sam is covering the game for her paper & takes him with her."  Casey noticed Tommy's face break out into a grin when he mentioned his sister. "How old is your sister, Casey?" asked Shawn.  "I can't remember if she is 1 or 2 years younger than you."  Shawn & Casey had known each other for several years.  Casey had been playing ball for the Indians for the last 2 years.  Shawn started pitching for the Pirates around the same time & the two had developed a friendship out of mutual respect for each other.  In fact, when the Indians showed an interest in Shawn, Casey was the first person, besides his wife that Shawn told. "She is 23, 2 years younger than me." Casey stated. Shawn seized the opportunity to tease Tommy, "Hey, Metcalf, aren't you 23?"  Tommy nodded.  "She sounds perfect for ya, man!" All the guys started laughing; Jeff was enjoying his night out with the guys. "Ha ha ha!  Okay, does everyone know that I am interested in Sam?" Tommy pretended to be annoyed. Jeff patted his son on the back, "Sounds like everyone here knows you as well as we do, Tom!!  I can't wait to see my little fan again!"