I turned the cap upside down and read aloud what he’d written in large black Sharpie inside the brim. “For Baby—Baseball! I love you, XO D.”

“Thank you, baby!” I exclaimed.

It would squash my hair, and wasn’t a diamond ring, but that was okay; it was really sweet. Dave took his seat and I noticed that in the row behind us four women in their mid-forties were sitting together. They were obviously related. Sisters, I bet.

“That was so sweet!” one of them gushed, touching my shoulder. “I wish I could get my husband to do something like that for me.”

I smiled, embarrassed. I didn’t want to rub in anyone’s face how nice it felt to have someone to do such thoughtful things for you.

I chomped happily on my Cracker Jack and sipped my third beer. Nomar hit another homer over the right field wall, bringing in two more runs. The Dodgers were now ahead by four. Smelling a victory, thousands streamed toward the exits. We had no intention of leaving so soon.

Now that the seats were emptying out, I saw a couple seated a few rows in front of us. They were both decked out from head to toe in Dodgers regalia: hats, jackets, banners, everything. I watched Grandma Dodger take a foil-wrapped sandwich out of her bag and give half to Grandpa Dodger. It was obvious this was their routine. You knew their story just by taking them in for a few seconds. They were season-ticket holders and had been coming to games together for years and years. First they brought their kids, then their grandkids. But on days like today, being here was their tradition, their treat for each other.

“Do you think that’ll be us one day?” I boldly asked Dave, pointing to the elderly couple.

“What do you mean—old and crazy and going to baseball games?” Dave asked. “Definitely!” He came in close and kissed me. “Here’s to old and crazy!”

I smiled, lingering in the kiss. When Dave pulled back slightly I kept my eyes closed. “Kiss me again,” I said, and he did.

After the game, Dave drove me to my place, where I picked up my car and followed him back to his house. We passed out on top of the covers in bed with bellyaches like a couple of kids. I slept with a smile, thinking of our being “old and crazy.”

It was a great night. I was sure we’d have sex in the morning.

THREE

THREE

Dave nudged me gently. “Hey, beautiful. I have to go to practice.”

Saturday mornings were Dave’s “guy time,” playing basketball with his buddies. I smiled sleepily. “Okay, I’ll see you later.”