Tommy 29

Jeff walked into the locker room & over to where Tommy was standing with his coach, as Jeff approached them the coach nodded an acknowledgement in Jeff's direction & turned to address another nervous rookie.  Jeff put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Dad, I haven't seen Sam yet, what if she doesn't make it?  What if she decided being in a long distance relationship with me wasn't worth it?  I don't think I can do this without her" Tommy was talking so fast it reminded Jeff of Ginger.  Tommy got his great looks from his dad.  But when it came to talking, he could just about out-talk Ginger, something Jeff thought was next to impossible. Jeff was shaking his head back & forth, "Son, I just saw her in the stands, she looked very excited.  Your mother doesn't even know she is going to get ot meet Sam today for sure.  I thought it would be a nice surprise, she has seemed a bit preoccupied lately.  I think she is nervous about your first game & you know how she gets when she thinks she will be meeting someone.  We would have never gotten out of the house until every strand of her beautiful hair was in place." Tommy nodded in agreement.  He took a deep breath & sat on the bench by his locker. "Tom, just remember something while you are out there today." Jeff tried to make Tommy feel less nervous.  "As long as you try your best, it will all work out.  I wanted to give you this." Jeff handed Tommy his St. Christopher's medal.  "I wore it my whole career with the Indians & I hope it brings you the same luck."  Jeff's eyes started to mist, but he fought the tears. "I remember this, Dad, you never took it off.  Thank you so much."  Tommy hugged Jeff as tightly as he could. "Do you think we can break all this happy family crap up, we got a ball game to win, Metcalf!"  Jeff & Tommy were interrupted by Shawn's voice. Jeff turned to shake Shawn's hand, "Good Luck today, Shawn!"  Jeff left the lockerroom. *********** Ginger sat back down in her seat to wait for Jeff's return, she had a self satisfying grin on her face.  She saw Sam leave her seat with tears running down her face.  Ginger felt a pang of remorse but quickly recovered.  Serves the tart right for trying to make time with my husband. She thought to herself.  Jeff reappeared & resumed his postion next to Ginger, after a few moments, he noticed Ginger humming to herself, something she did when she was really happy.  Good, thought Jeff, she will be in a great mood when she finally meets Sam..  Jeff looked over to Sam's now empty seat.  SAM!  Where did she go?  Jeff looked over at a smiling Ginger.  How can I get up & look for Sam without Ginger getting suspicious?