Chapter 22
Winnie
Settling into the chair, I point to the field and try to get Tali to spot Jamie. Her face lights up when an image of him appears on the big screen.
When we got to the stadium, her little eyes went wide and her mouth hung open. I’m sure she’s never been around this many people before and there are so many bright lights and colors.
I made sure to dress her in a little Schmidt jersey, one that matches my own. I typically wear my Wheeler jersey to games and Liliana always wears her Smith one. But somehow wearing Wheeler’s name on my back feels all wrong now.
Because I don’t belong to him and maybe I never did.
“Ugh, I hate sitting in the box,” Liliana groans.
“No one said you had to sit here,” I singsong.
“Yeah, but it seems wrong to be at a game and not sit with you. I just miss being in the center of the action.”
“Lils, the only action you’re missing out on up here is drunk guys spilling their beers on you and the smell of sweat.” I scrunch up my nose, remembering all the times we’ve dealt with that over the years. “I’m finally getting to experience the game the way I want to, so don’t ruin it for me.”
“Fine,” she sighs, settling back into her own seat. “These seats are a lot more comfortable. And I don’t need to wait in a line for the bathrooms,” she grumbles.
“Plus, there’s food!”
As the game begins, we both get lost in watching the men on the field. I was never a fan of baseball in high school, but once I started dating Wheeler, baseball became my life. Now, I don’t miss a game for anything.
Jamie steps up to bat and the big screen shows his picture as they play his walkout song. Tali lets out a loud squeal.
“Daddy! That Daddy!” She bounces in my lap and claps her little hands.
“Oh my gosh, she’s so adorable!” Liliana coos, placing her hand over her heart. “When did she learn to say daddy?”
“We’ve been practicing a lot.” I grin, loving how she’s already learning new things from me.
We watch as Jamie connects with the ball and sends it sailing through the air.
He races towards first base, then around to second before the ball gets thrown back to the pitcher.
Tali shrieks and claps her hands, more than excited to see Jamie playing, though I know she doesn’t really understand what’s happening.
“How are things going with Jamie?” Liliana asks, her eyes never leaving the game.
“I'm happy, Lils. Really happy.” I press a soft kiss to the top of Tali’s head and let out a sigh.
“How’s Jamie? He seems like a great guy, but I don’t know him as well as I know the other guys.”
“Amazing. He’s pretty much perfect. He pays attention to everything and cares so deeply. I’ve never met another person like that.”
“I'm glad you’ve found someone like him. I always worried you’d end up with Wheeler.” She glances down at her hands like the idea is terrible.
“You know Wheeler’s a great guy.”
“Yeah, but he wasn’t right for you. He’ll make an amazing husband to someone else.”
I nod my head, understanding what she’s saying. Just because he’s great, doesn’t mean he’s great for me. Sometimes I think that’s the hardest thing to accept when it comes to someone you love. I’ll never stop loving Wheeler, but I don’t love him the same way I love Jamie.
My heart skips a beat as my thoughts wash over me.
I love Jamie Schmidt.
“Winnie? Are you ok?” Liliana leans closer, trying to catch my gaze.
She waves a hand in front of my face, but all I can do is blink at her.
“Ok, you need to answer me, or I'm calling… Well, I don’t really know who I’d call because all of our friends are on the field right now.
” She gestures to the game in front of us.
“But that won't stop me from marching down to the dugout and forcing Schmidt to come up here.”
“I love him,” I whisper, still trying to come to terms with it.
“I know you do, sweetie.” Liliana smiles at me.
“No! I'm serious, Lils! I love him. Not like I loved Wheeler, I love him more. I think he’s it for me.”
“I thought so. You’re different with him. More like the girl I’d hang out with in the dorms long after everyone else went to bed.”
“I feel at home with him.”
“And it shows. I think Schmidt’s in this for the long haul too.”
“I really hope so. I'm not sure I could walk away from either one of them if I tried.” I settle back in my seat and hold Tali a little closer. She rests her head on my shoulder and watches the game until Jamie’s face appears on the screen again.
Then, she sits up and points, while squealing ‘Daddy’ each and every time.