TJM6

Tommy walked into his room, smiling happily from his date with Sam. As if on cue the phone started ringing. "Metcalf here," he answered in a sing song voice.

"Thomas Jeffrey Metcalf, I thought after you hung up on your dad this afternoon you would call right back. I have been trying to reach you for hours" Ginger could help notice as she read her son the riot act that he was humming. "& could you please stop that humming? What has gotten into you? Dad said something about you being in love? Who is she this time?"

Tommy falling in & out of love at a moment's notice was a big family joke. Even he had to admit that he tended to leap in with both feet where girls were concerned. Most of the time it never amounted to more than a few great dates, but this time things felt different with Sam. "Mom, she is beautiful! She loves baseball! She is a BIG fan of Dad's. Did I say she was really beautiful?" Tommy was talking so fast he put Ginger to shame.

"Honey, that is really swell & all, but you need to take things slowly. At least we know she has good taste being a fan of your dad's"

Hearing that made Jeff's ears perk up. "A Fan?" No one was paying attention to Jeff in the background.

Tommy interrupted Ginger while she took a breath, "Her name is Samantha Bradshaw & her family once lived in River Run. Her dad's name is Dave & went to grade school with Dad."

Ginger turned her head towards Jeff. "Jeff, do you remember a Dave Bradshaw? He went to Grammar School with you." BradshawBradshaw the name was ringing familiar with Ginger.

Jeff didn't have to think long "Of course I do, he came to most of my home games & brought his little daughter with him. What does he have to do with Tommy?"

"Well apparently his little daughter is the 'Girl of Tommy's dreams' this week," Ginger couldn't help but chuckle. "Wait a minute, is Dave related to Alice Bradshaw?"

Jeff started to respond, "Yes, that is his older sister"

"Mom, Dad, can you guys carry on this conversation without me? I have to get up early for training." Tommy knew if he didn't interrupt then he may have to listen to the entire Bradshaw family tree & the only branch he was interested in was Sam.

Ginger was anxious to hear more about Sam, but wasn't going to push. "Of course, dear, try & call home in a few days. Or else, I will call you."

"Oh, I know you will Mom. Love to Dad & the whole family"

"They all send their love, Tommy. Be careful"

"I will.. & Mom?"

"Yes dear"

"I love you"

Ginger started to tear up, but didn't want Jeff to see her cry again today, "I love you, too, Tom."